406. Report Shows Big Drop In RV Ownership, Camping Participation

RV Miles Podcast

RV Miles Network

Society & Culture, Society & Culture:places & Travel, Places & Travel

4.8 • 1.3K Ratings

🗓️ 19 April 2026

⏱️ 68 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode of the RV Miles Podcast, Jason and Abby discuss severe spring storms and the importance of weather awareness for RVers, especially around tornadoes and high winds. They break down reports that major RV component manufacturers Lippert Components and Patrick Industries are in talks for a merger, and how that could further consolidate the supply chain and reduce competition across RV construction and delivery. They also review KOA’s 2026 camping report, highlighting declines in frequent camping, Gen Z participation, and camping families with kids, alongside increasing costs and shifting demographics. *Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/406*Support RV Miles and independent RV journalism 👉 https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers*Curated, not Regurgitated. Sign up for the RV Miles Newsletter: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist/*HOMECOMING tickets are on sale for Mile Marker members and go on sale to the general public on May 1st: https//rvmiles.com/homecoming Support our Sponsors:*Check out all Blue Ox has to offer at https://BlueOx.com*Find all the RV parts and gear you need at etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001 *Get a free quote for an extended warranty on your RV at https://wholesalewarranties.com *Find Liquified at https://liquifiedrv.com/ Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID 437726– Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE 00:00 Intro01:18 Spring Storm Safety06:22 Merger Talks17:21 KOA Report19:12 Camping Participation Trends21:10 Younger Campers Decline27:49 Families Priced Out31:15 Diversity and Affordability34:34 Pricing Pushback35:56 Solo Travel Surge36:35 Camping Community Third Place37:46 Disconnecting From Work41:02 Glamping Takes Over45:37 RV Households Drop52:37 Speed Camera Ticket Story55:35 Water Stop Leak Tech58:32 3D Printer Family Debate01:04:44 Freezer Cookie Dough01:06:40 Wrap Up

Transcript

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0:00.0	RV Miles is sponsored by Blue Ocks.
0:03.5	Chances are you've seen them on the road.
0:05.4	That's because Blue Oaks designs and manufactures the best towing products in the industry.
0:10.1	Just look around.
0:11.2	You'll find them on highways and campgrounds and anywhere you find people traveling through the great outdoors.
0:15.7	From award-winning tow bars, base plates, and brakes to a full line of weight distributing hitches,
0:21.3	fifth wheel hitches, receiver hitches, and adjustable ball mounts. With Blue Ox,
0:26.2	towing doesn't have to be a drag. Visit Blueox.com for more information. This week, two of the
0:32.4	largest manufacturers of components that go into the construction of RVs are in talks for a merger. We're going to
0:39.8	talk about what that means for the RV industry. Plus, the new COA camping report for 2026 shows
0:46.5	a major reversal in the types of people that are camping, plus a huge reduction in the number
0:52.8	of RVing families out there.
0:55.0	This is the RV Miles podcast.
0:57.7	Welcome to episode number 406 of RV Miles.
1:01.0	I'm Jason.
1:01.6	And I'm Abby, and we are two RVers who have been crisscross in North America
1:05.4	on one epic road trip since 2016.
1:08.7	Here at RV Miles, we talk all things RV and outdoors from industry news to camping reports,
1:15.2	national parks, and so much more.
1:18.3	I hope everybody's staying safe out there.
1:20.6	There's been some big storms that have really traversed the entire center of the country
1:27.0	from the north all the way to the south.
	...

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