Campspot Identifies “Unproductive Vacation” as Top Outdoor Travel Trend for 2027

Campspot, a leading booking platform for RV parks, campgrounds, cabins, glamping stays, and outdoor accommodations, today released its 2027 Outdoor Travel Trend Report, identifying the Unproductive Vacation as the defining outdoor travel trend for the year ahead.

Shift Towards Stress-Free Holidays
- Campspot has identified the “Unproductive Vacation” as a leading outdoor travel trend for 2027.
- The trend focuses on slower holidays, fewer decisions, flexible schedules and spending more time relaxing.
- The concept encourages travellers to prioritise rest and meaningful experiences over packed itineraries.

Key Findings from Traveller Survey
A survey of 2,521 campers across the US and Canada revealed:
- 75% returned from traditional holidays feeling they needed another vacation.
- 88% find holidays without formal itineraries appealing.
- 71% prefer returning home rested rather than visiting every attraction.
- 74% consider quality time with loved ones the most important part of a successful holiday.
- 65% say their favourite holiday memories often come from unplanned experiences.

Three Emerging Outdoor Travel Trends
1. Campground Cocoon
- Travellers choose campgrounds offering accommodation, food, activities and nature experiences in one location.
- 69% are likely to choose this travel style in 2027, increasing to 86% among family campers.

2. Site-Seeing
- Travellers select scenic campsites as destinations rather than planning multiple sightseeing activities.
- 93% are likely to take this type of trip.
- Waterfront locations, forests and mountains are among the preferred settings.

3. Repeat Retreat
- Travellers revisit familiar campgrounds and destinations to reduce planning and uncertainty.
- 92% are likely to choose repeat camping holidays in 2027.
- 83% have already returned to familiar camping destinations partly because planning is easier.

Camping and Family Travel
- 84% of surveyed campers are likely to spend an entire vacation day at a campground without leaving.
- 79% of parents say campgrounds with on-site facilities make it easier to relax.
- 80% of parents feel more patient when they do not have to move their families between destinations.

The New Definition of Travel Luxury
- The findings highlight growing demand for holidays that minimise planning, travel logistics and scheduled activities.
- Camping and outdoor stays are emerging as attractive options for travellers seeking relaxation, flexibility and quality time with family.