RV Travel Surges Ahead of Holiday Season
An industry survey finds millions of Americans plan recreational vehicle trips over Thanksgiving and the Christmas holiday period.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Camping
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Do you plan to take an RV trip over the upcoming holidays?
The RV Industry Association's Winter Travel Intentions survey found 11.4 million Americans plan an RV trip over Thanksgiving and 11.2 million plan one during the Christmas holiday period. Affordability is the leading reason cited for choosing a winter RV trip.
Why it matters
The figures point to recreational vehicle travel as a sizable part of the holiday travel season across the country. Because affordability drives the decision for many travelers, the trend signals how cost considerations are shaping leisure plans.
The survey, conducted by the RV Industry Association, reports 11.4 million Americans planning Thanksgiving RV trips and 11.2 million planning Christmas-period trips. Whether these intentions translate into completed trips was not addressed in the source.
The players
RV Industry Association
The RV Industry Association is the national trade group representing recreational vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, and it publishes industry ownership and travel data.
The details
Nearly 7 in 10 RVers (69%) plan to bring pets on some or all of their winter trips, compared with 56% of other leisure travelers. Family gatherings are the leading event category for planned RV trips over the next 12 months at 49%, and 49% of RVers plan winter trips to national parks or scenic wonders.
Timeline
Thanksgiving 2026: an estimated 11.4 million Americans plan RV trips.
Christmas holiday period 2026: an estimated 11.2 million Americans plan RV trips.
Travel Outlook
The Winter Travel Intentions survey from the RV Industry Association provides a recurring view of holiday RV travel plans. The results show the Southeast as the most-planned destination region, with 31% of RVers planning holiday or winter travel there.
Affordability is the leading reason RVers cite for choosing a winter trip, at 63%. Travelers planning holiday RV trips may want to consider cost factors and pet-travel arrangements, since 69% of RVers plan to bring pets.
The takeaway
Affordability and family gatherings are shaping how many Americans plan holiday RV travel. Travelers weighing a winter RV trip may compare costs and destinations early in the season.
Further reading
For more on outdoor travel options, explore Camping coverage.
More information
Read more RV Industry Association data on ownership and economic impact.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Woodall's Campground Magazine - Daily News & Information for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry.
Live Poll
Do you plan to take an RV trip over the upcoming holidays?
