Campers Abandon Bookings Amid Reservation Frustrations

A new Storable Newbook survey of U.S. campers finds booking difficulties are driving many travelers away from reserving sites.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Camping

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a lone canvas tent beside a wooden campsite post, with a dirt path leading to a closed gate under soft overcast light. — Storable Newbook's survey found 57% of U.S. campers gave up on a booking in the past year after they couldn't reach anyone or complete a reservation online. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Have you ever given up on booking a campsite because the reservation process was too hard?

Storable Newbook reported that 57% of U.S. campers gave up on a booking in the past year because they couldn't reach anyone or complete the reservation online. The same report found 98% of campers plan to camp in the next 12 months.

Why it matters

The findings point to booking friction as a real barrier for campground operators and travelers, even as demand for camping remains strong. Campers are also choosing sites based on how easily they can be booked online.

The data comes from a September 2026 survey of 968 U.S. adults who stayed at a campground, RV park, or glamping site in the past 12 months. Cleanliness (69%), facilities (56%), and ratings and reviews (53%) ranked as the top factors campers use to choose between parks.

The players

Storable Newbook

A hospitality software company that publishes industry research on campgrounds, RV parks, and outdoor hospitality.

The details

Campers cited trouble reaching staff or completing reservations online as the main reasons they abandoned bookings. Only 12% said a well-known business name mattered when choosing a park.

Past 12 months: 57% of campers gave up on a booking.
September 2026: Survey of 968 U.S. adults conducted.
November 4, 2026: Storable Newbook published the report.
Next 12 months: 98% of campers plan to camp.

Industry Context

Storable Newbook's State of RV, Campground & Outdoor Hospitality report tracks how campers book and choose sites from year to year. This edition shifts attention from demand alone to the reservation process itself, showing that booking difficulty now shapes where campers stay.

If booking a campsite online is difficult, campers may lose the reservation they wanted and need to search again. Choosing parks that offer easy online booking, clear reviews, and reliable facilities can save time and frustration.

The takeaway

Campers are willing to travel but are quick to abandon a reservation that is hard to complete. Checking whether a park offers simple online booking before committing can help avoid lost plans.