Inside Campspot’s 2027 Travel Trend: The Unproductive Vacation
- Campspotter
What if your next great vacation involved doing… a whole lot of nothing?
After years of packed itineraries, endless trip research, and the pressure to make every day off count, travelers are ready for a different kind of getaway. One with fewer plans, fewer decisions, and absolutely no guilt about spending the afternoon at the campsite.
Enter the Unproductive Vacation, which Campspot named the defining outdoor travel trend for 2027. Based on a survey of more than 2,500 campers across the U.S. and Canada, the trend reflects a growing desire to trade jam-packed schedules for something simpler: time to relax, reconnect, and enjoy being somewhere without feeling like you have to do it all.
And camping might just be the perfect setting. Whether it’s a waterfront site, an amenity-filled resort, or a familiar campground you return to year after year, the best plan might be having no plan at all.
What Is the Unproductive Vacation?
The Unproductive Vacation isn’t simply slow travel or a trip with a lighter itinerary. It’s about stepping away from the work that has crept into taking time off.
Think about everything that goes into a vacation before it even begins: researching destinations, comparing prices, coordinating schedules, making reservations, and building an itinerary. Then, once you arrive, there’s often pressure to keep deciding where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of every day.
For many travelers, vacation planning has started to feel like another item on the to-do list. And that mindset doesn’t always disappear once the trip begins.
Campspot’s 2027 Outdoor Travel Trend Report suggests people are ready to break that cycle. The Unproductive Vacation is about removing those expectations and giving yourself permission to enjoy time away without trying to optimize every minute.
In other words, the goal isn’t to come home with a camera roll full of proof that you were busy. It’s to come home feeling like you actually got a break.
Why Travelers Are Ready to Do Less
The desire to slow down isn’t happening in a vacuum. Many people feel pressure to make the most of their time in nearly every area of life, from work and wellness to parenting and personal commitments. Even downtime can start to feel like something that needs to be earned, planned, or used productively.
That mindset doesn’t always disappear when vacation begins. Sometimes, it just follows you to a different location.
Campspot’s survey found:
- 73% feel pressure to optimize or “make the most of” every part of their lives.
- 60% feel overwhelmed by everything they need to manage day to day.
- 52% agree that planning and coordinating a vacation can feel like work.
- 75% have returned from a traditional vacation feeling like they needed another vacation.
- 71% would rather miss a few things and come home rested than see and do everything and come home exhausted.
The numbers point to a pretty clear shift: Travelers aren’t necessarily looking for more time away. They’re looking for time away that asks less of them.
A Different Definition of a Successful Vacation
So what actually makes a trip feel worthwhile? According to the survey, it’s not checking off every attraction or squeezing in one more excursion.
When asked what makes a vacation successful, campers prioritized:
- 74%: Quality time with people they care about
- 66%: Memorable, spontaneous moments
vs.
- 28%: Seeing the main attractions or “must-sees”
And when it comes to how they’d like to spend their time in 2027, the preference for flexibility is hard to miss:
- 88% find a vacation with no formal itinerary or scheduled activities appealing.
- 80% intentionally leave a full vacation day open on at least some trips.
- 65% say their favorite vacation memories often come from things they didn’t plan.
Turns out, some of the best vacation moments are the ones you don’t have to schedule.
Why Camping Is Made for the Unproductive Vacation
Camping has always offered a different pace. There’s no pressure to make dinner reservations across town when you’ve got a campsite and a campfire. No need to rush through a morning when the lake is right there. And no reason to fill every afternoon when a hammock, a good book, and a little fresh air are already doing the trick.
Campspot’s survey found that 84% of campers are likely to spend an entire vacation day at a campground without leaving in 2027. Seven in 10 also say camping gives them more freedom than other vacations to do nothing without feeling like the trip was wasted.
Here’s why that matters:
- 58% make fewer decisions after arriving at a campsite than they do on other vacations.
- 68% find it easier to let the day unfold without a schedule while camping.
- 68% say simple activities feel like enough more often while camping.
- 66% believe one completely obligation-free day outdoors would leave them more restored than a scheduled spa or wellness day.
For families, staying put can make an even bigger difference. Among campers who typically travel with children under 18, 71% still feel “on duty” managing everyone else’s vacation. But 80% say they’re more patient when they don’t have to move their family from place to place, and 79% say a campground with everything on-site makes it easier to relax.
The takeaway: When the campsite is part of the destination, there’s less pressure to keep everyone entertained, coordinate the next activity, or get back on the road. You can just settle in and enjoy being there.
3 Ways to Take an Unproductive Vacation in 2027
Campspot identified three ways travelers are embracing this shift. Each one takes a different approach to doing less, whether that means staying on-site, choosing a scenic setting, or returning somewhere familiar.
1. The Campground Cocoon: Less Moving Around
The idea: Choose a campground where everything you need is already within reach, then plan not to leave.
The Campground Cocoon is for travelers who want to unpack, settle in, and let the campground take care of the rest. Instead of building a vacation around day trips and off-site attractions, the destination itself becomes the itinerary.
It’s especially appealing for families and multigenerational groups. When there’s swimming, food, activities, and space to spend time together on-site, everyone can find something to enjoy without loading up the car and coordinating another outing.
According to Campspot’s survey, 69% of travelers are likely to take a Campground Cocoon trip in 2027. That number jumps to 86% among family campers. And 66% have already spent nearly an entire camping trip at the campground, with few or no off-site plans.
For families considering this kind of getaway, the on-site wish list includes:
- 86%: Waterfront access or a place to swim
- 57%: A pool, splash pad, or waterpark
- 45%: Playgrounds or children’s activities
- 42%: On-site events or entertainment
Campgrounds to Try
Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country – New Braunfels, TX
This resort-style campground makes staying put easy, with multiple pools, water attractions, mini golf, on-site dining, and access to the Guadalupe River. Choose from RV sites, cabins, and tent camping, then let the day’s plans unfold right on the property.
Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country
Head to New Braunfels for a riverfront escape at Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country. This isn't your average campground. It's a resort experience built for outdoor fun right on the Guadalupe River. Whether you're planning a family reunion or a quick weekend trip, you'll find the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure here. You’ll find plenty of ways to stay that fit your style. Pull your rig into a R
Featured
'26- Waterfront
- Waterpark
- Pool
- Fishing
- Hot Tub / Sauna
- Dog Park
- Cable TV
- Mini-Golf
- Golf Cart Rental
- Arts & Crafts
- Restaurant
- Playground
- Ice Cream
- Basketball
- Jumping Pillow
- Sports Field
- Volleyball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Snack Stand
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Pavilion
- Special Events
- Zip Line
Jellystone Park Golden Valley – Bostic, NC
Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this family-focused destination offers water slides, pools, mini golf, an alpine coaster, and a range of accommodations, including cabins, cottages, glamping tents, and RV sites. It’s a good fit for groups with different ideas of a fun afternoon.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Golden Valley
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Golden Valley sits at the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains on more than 600 wooded acres, offering families a versatile and fun-filled vacation base. Whether guests choose a cozy glamping cabin, a rustic tent site, or a full-hookup RV spot, every accommodation comes with access to sweeping mountain views and the natural serenity of forests, lak
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- Canoeing / Kayaking
- Beach
- Waterfront
- Waterpark
- Pool
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hot Tub / Sauna
- Dog Park
- Cable TV
- Mini-Golf
- Paddle Boat
- Golf Cart Rental
- Arts & Crafts
- Restaurant
- Playground
- Outdoor Theater
- Laser Tag
- Ice Cream
- Basketball
- GaGa Ball
- Jumping Pillow
- Volleyball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Pavilion
- Special Events
- Zip Line
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Breaux Bridge – Breaux Bridge, LA
With RV sites, renovated cabins, three pools, mini golf, and on-site activities, this resort gives families and groups plenty of reasons to make the campground the main event.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Breaux Bridge
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Breaux Bridge is a full-service campground resort located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With over 400 RV sites and 90 cabins, the resort accommodates all types of camping and glamping needs. It offers a wide range of high-end amenities designed to make every stay enjoyable and memorable. The resort features an extensive line-up of attractions including 3 pools, a hot tu
- '26
- Waterpark
- Pool
- Fishing
- Hot Tub / Sauna
- Dog Park
- Mini-Golf
- Golf Cart Rental
- Arts & Crafts
- Restaurant
- Playground
- Basketball
- GaGa Ball
- Live Music
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Special Events
2. Site-Seeing: Less Searching for Things to Do
The idea: Choose a scenic campsite where the setting itself is the main attraction.
Not every vacation needs a long list of things to see. Sometimes the view from your campsite is enough. Site-Seeing is about choosing a spot that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy what’s right in front of you, whether that’s a lake, an ocean, a river, or a forest.
This is particularly good for travelers who want to spend more time outdoors without constantly searching for the next activity. Think campsites perfectly suited for mornings with coffee by the water, afternoons reading in a camp chair, and evenings watching the light change over the landscape.
This trip style is especially popular in Campspot’s findings: 93% of campers are likely to take a Site-Seeing trip in 2027.
When asked which settings would make their campsite feel like enough, campers chose:
- 78%: Lakefront, oceanfront, or beach settings
- 65%: Forest or mountain settings
- 62%: Riverfront sites
Campgrounds to Try
Jellystone Park Zion – Hurricane, UT
Make the surrounding scenery part of the experience at this Southern Utah campground. Its on-site water zone, lap pool, and hot tub offer ways to enjoy the property between time spent taking in the area’s dramatic landscapes.
Jellystone Park™ Zion
Located just minutes from the famous Sand Hollow Sand Dunes and only 30 minutes from the breathtaking Zion National Park, **Jellystone Park™ Zion** offers the perfect Southern Utah getaway for families and adventurers alike. With a stunning mountain backdrop and beautiful sunny weather year-round, guests can enjoy easy access to hiking, off-roading, and exploring some of the region’s most iconic n
- Beach
- Waterpark
- Pool
- Hot Tub / Sauna
- Dog Park
- Golf Cart Rental
- Arts & Crafts
- Playground
- Laser Tag
- Ice Cream
- Basketball
- GaGa Ball
- Jumping Pillow
- Volleyball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Pavilion
- Special Events
Palmetto Shores RV Resort – Summerton, SC
Located on Lake Marion, this waterfront resort offers lake access, a fishing pier, boat slips, two pools, a lazy river, and a splash pad. Whether you prefer a quiet afternoon by the water or a little time on the lake, there’s plenty to enjoy without going far.
Palmetto Shores RV Resort
Palmetto Shores RV Resort is located off of I-95 at exit 102, on the beautiful Lake Marion, part of the Santee Cooper lake system. With full service hookups (50/30 amp) on all pull thru and back in sites, big rigs are welcome. Convenience with a view! Located halfway between D.C. & Disney, conveniently off I-95 and right along Lake Marion - the largest lake in SC. Voted Best Campground (for Cl
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- Canoeing / Kayaking
- Beach
- Waterfront
- Waterpark
- Pool
- Fishing
- Dog Park
- Boat Launch
- Arcade
- Paddle Boat
- Golf Cart Rental
- Arts & Crafts
- Restaurant
- Playground
- Outdoor Theater
- Ice Cream
- GaGa Ball
- Shuffleboard
- Live Music
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Snack Stand
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Pavilion
- Special Events
Casini Ranch Family Campground – Duncans Mills, CA
Set along a scenic stretch of the Russian River in Sonoma County, Casini Ranch offers a nature-focused getaway with river access, camping cabins, and opportunities for fishing, paddling, and relaxing outdoors. It’s a great option for families who want a little room to slow down.
Casini Ranch Family Campground
Casini Ranch Family Campground is a family-owned and operated RV park and campground, open year-round since 1965. Set among beautiful hills, the campground is just minutes from the scenic Sonoma County coastline. The 110-acre ranch rests on a gentle meander of the Russian River, giving the campground a mile of riverfront property, and offering guests a memorable camping experience. Paddle the Russ
- '26
- Canoeing / Kayaking
- Beach
- Waterfront
- Fishing
- Dog Park
- Bike Rental
- Boat Launch
- Cable TV
- Paddle Boat
- Golf Cart Rental
- Arts & Crafts
- Playground
- Ice Cream
- Basketball
- GaGa Ball
- Jumping Pillow
- Sports Field
- Volleyball
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Snack Stand
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Pavilion
- Pedal Cart
- Special Events
3. The Repeat Retreat: Less Research and Uncertainty
The idea: Return to a campground, region, or exact campsite you already know and love.
There’s something comforting about knowing exactly where you’re going. You already know which site you want, where to pick up groceries, what the campground has to offer, and how to get there. No hours spent comparing options or wondering whether the trip will live up to expectations.
The Repeat Retreat is about trading the pressure to find somewhere new for the ease of returning somewhere familiar. And if you’ve found a campground that feels like your home away from home, why mess with a good thing?
Campspot’s survey found that 92% of campers are likely to take a Repeat Retreat in 2027. Plus, 83% have already returned to a familiar campground, region, or exact campsite partly because it made planning easier.
So why does familiarity win?
- 77% say knowing the layout, site, and surrounding area makes a familiar destination appealing.
- 54% value trusting the quality and service.
- 50% appreciate having less research and fewer decisions to make.
Campgrounds to Try
Jellystone Park Caledonia – Caledonia, WI
A family-friendly campground with plenty to keep guests entertained, including pools and water attractions, mini golf, laser tag, an outdoor movie theater, and more. It’s the kind of place families can return to for familiar favorites and a new memory or two.
Jellystone Park™ in Caledonia
At Jellystone Park™ in Caledonia, the dedicated team members are constantly dreaming up exciting and innovative ways to make sure every guest at the campground has an unforgettable experience worth repeating! Whether you're splashing around in the water amenities, enjoying the dry amenities, meeting your favorite bear friends, or diving into the over 10 activities a day during peak season, there's
- '26
- Beach
- Waterfront
- Waterpark
- Pool
- Fishing
- Dog Park
- Cable TV
- Arcade
- Mini-Golf
- Golf Cart Rental
- Arts & Crafts
- Restaurant
- Playground
- Outdoor Theater
- Laser Tag
- Ice Cream
- Basketball
- GaGa Ball
- Jumping Pillow
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Snack Stand
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Pavilion
- Pedal Cart
- Special Events
Kamp Dels – Waterville, MN
This family camping resort features a large waterpark, pools, slides, splash areas, playgrounds, and other activities. For families who love having plenty to do without leaving the property, it’s an easy one to put on the repeat-trip list.
Kamp Dels
Kamp Dels is a family owned and operated Minnesota Resort located in the small town of Waterville, MN. Now in its third generation, Kamp Dels has been owned by the same family since its inception in 1955. Accommodations include overnight tent camping, RV camping, seasonal campsites, and cabin rentals. Looking for a resort in Minnesota with a pool? Does a water park with 32 foot tall water slides
- '26
- Canoeing / Kayaking
- Waterfront
- Waterpark
- Pool
- Fishing
- Arcade
- Mini-Golf
- Paddle Boat
- Restaurant
- Playground
- Ice Cream
- Basketball
- GaGa Ball
- Sports Field
- Volleyball
- Shuffleboard
- Live Music
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Snack Stand
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Special Events
Brialee Family Campground – Ashford, CT
With cabin rentals, waterfront sites, a sandy beach, swimming, fishing, playgrounds, and organized activities, Brialee offers plenty of ways for families to enjoy a familiar campground getaway together.
Brialee Family Campground
For nearly half a century, the Specyalski family has provided a warm and welcoming camping atmosphere for families to build friendships, share good times, and make memories. Brialee is a full-service park, offering sites for RV trailers and motorhomes of all sizes, tents, and cabin rentals. The park is filled with things to do from the moment you arrive with onsite fishing, a sandy beach, pet beac
- '26
- Canoeing / Kayaking
- Beach
- Waterfront
- Pool
- Fishing
- Dog Park
- Cable TV
- Arcade
- Mini-Golf
- Paddle Boat
- Arts & Crafts
- Playground
- Outdoor Theater
- Ice Cream
- Basketball
- Sports Field
- Volleyball
- Live Music
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Internet Access
- General Store
- Dump Station
- Snack Stand
- Garbage
- Laundry
- Pavilion
How to Plan a More Unproductive Camping Trip
The best part about this trend is you don’t need to do much to make it happen. A few small decisions before you leave can help make the actual vacation feel a lot less like work.
- Choose your campground first. Look for a place that fits the kind of downtime you want, whether that’s a quiet natural setting, waterfront access, or plenty of on-site amenities.
- Keep the itinerary light. Pick one or two things you’d enjoy doing, then leave the rest of the schedule open. You can always make plans once you’re there.
- Make fewer decisions before you go. Book your site, plan a couple of easy meals, and get the essentials packed. You don’t need to research every restaurant, attraction, or possible activity.
- Consider cabins or other easy accommodations. If setting up camp sounds like more work than relaxation, a cabin or glamping stay can make it easier to settle in.
- Bring the people you want to spend time with. Whether it’s your immediate family, grandparents, friends, or a bigger multigenerational group, prioritize time together over a packed activity list.
- Give yourself permission to stay put. If you wake up and decide you’d rather spend the day at the campsite, that’s not a wasted vacation day. That’s the whole point.
The Best Vacation Might Be the One You Don’t Plan
The Unproductive Vacation isn’t about doing nothing for the sake of doing nothing. It’s about making room for the things that often get crowded out by schedules, logistics, and the pressure to make every moment count.
So as you start thinking about your 2027 camping trips, consider leaving a little room on the calendar. Find a campground that makes staying put feel like enough, bring the people you want to spend time with, and let the rest take care of itself.
Explore campgrounds and find your kind of Unproductive Vacation with Campspot.