#OUTDOORLIFE/DIVERSITY: The USA Saw More Than 8 Million Black Households Camping In 2021

BY RVNews Staff—Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is marking Black History Month by releasing its 2022 Black Community Camping Snapshot, highlighting the continued growth of camping popularity among Black U.S. audiences.

Over the last decade, camping has become more representative of many diverse populations and communities of people. While diversity is increasing across many ethnicities, increases among Black campers have been among the most dramatic. Since 2017, Black camping households have increased 158%, from 3.1 million to 8 million in 2021. This growing subset of campers, 27% of whom were new to camping in 2021, are a dedicated group eager to explore. A full 46% take more than three camping trips a year and, as a whole, spent 7.4 nights camping in 2021.

SOURCE: KOA

The KOA report includes other data points representing interests and behaviors of this group, including:

  • 61% of Black campers prefer tent camping over other lodging options
  • 46% take more than three camping trips a year
  • One-third of Black campers plan to purchase an RV in 2022
  • 60% camp with multi-generational groups
  • 72% of Black campers are either Millennial or Gen Z
  • Biking (43%), fishing (31%) and canoeing/kayaking (31%) are among the top camping recreation activities
SOURCE: KOA

KOA states that it celebrates and encourages Black camping through efforts that go beyond Black History Month. Their recent efforts include, highlighting two KOA Get Out There Grant recipients who shared their unique outdoor experiences. Robin & Miko Wagstaff ventured out on a lighthouse tour and reflected on the challenges of COVID-19. Connecting to her family’s history of travel, Carla Joelle Brown followed her grandparents’ footsteps in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. These stories and more are available to watch on KOA’s YouTube channel.

To view full report, as well as past editions of the annual North American Camping Report, visit the KOA Press Room.

(SOURCE: RVNEWS. No copyright infringement intended.)