RV travel is changing, and 2026 is shaping up to be a noticeable turning point. Shifts in where campers go, how long they stay, and what they choose to invest in along the way are quietly reshaping the RV experience—from trip planning to the upgrades that matter most. Drawing on recent insights from RVshare’s 2026 Travel Trend Report, this article explores what those changes mean for RV owners like you, and how new travel habits are influencing where RV owners focus their time, money, and attention inside and around their rigs.
Trend #1: Shorter, Simpler Trips
While there are plenty of reasons to hit the open road this year—America’s 250th birthday and the 100th anniversary of Route 66 both being high on the list—survey data shows fewer travelers are interested in chasing long, bucket-list trips. Instead, RVshare’s report notes that many are gravitating toward shorter experiences that feel “easier to plan, less stressful, and more flexible.” Think: trips built around one or two priorities, rather than jam-packed schedules of must-see attractions.
In practice, this shift puts a premium on simplicity and efficiency—and that mindset carries through everything from trip planning to how campers outfit their rigs.
How this may impact your next trip:
- Expect popular, well-run campgrounds to book up faster, even for short stays. Sites with clear reservation systems, clean facilities, and predictable amenities are likely to see strong demand for any length of stay, making advance planning more important than ever.
- Destinations with built-in experiences will likely draw more attention. Scenic views, waterfront access, and seasonal draws like wildlife migration or peak foliage reduce the need for multiple stops or ticketed activities, aligning well with these shorter, lower-stress getaways.
- Planning tech will continue to play a larger role. More campers are using AI-powered tools to compare sites and streamline itineraries, while campground operators are expanding reservation add-ons with features that allow guests to pre-purchase essentials like firewood or ice before arrival.
What this means for outfitting your RV:
When trips are shorter, the margin for hassle gets smaller. Campers are less willing to spend valuable time wrestling with setup, teardown, or campsite logistics, and more likely to prioritize comfort, convenience, and reliability when choosing upgrades. As a result, many owners are focusing on systems that reduce friction and make every trip feel easier from the moment they arrive:
- Auto-leveling systems that eliminate manual adjustments and speed up campsite setup.
- Power stabilizers and jacks that reduce physical effort and improve overall stability.
- Quick-connect water, sewer, and electrical hookups that simplify arrival and departure.
- Portable power solutions that provide flexibility and reduce reliance on campground infrastructure.
These kinds of upgrades don’t just save time; they help ensure that even a short trip feels restful, efficient, and worth the effort.
Trend #2: Familiar Destinations
In the interest of keeping things simple, many campers are returning to places they already know and love, says RVshare, using familiar destinations as a way to “guarantee” a good experience because they already understand the area, logistics, and overall vibe. When the destination feels predictable, expectations shift. Instead of planning around where to go, travelers focus more on how comfortable, functional, and enjoyable their RV setup is once they arrive.
How this may impact your next trip:
- Familiar, well-reviewed campgrounds will be more competitive in 2026. If you have a “home” park you like, ask about repeat-guest windows, seasonal sites, or loyalty programs—many parks are leaning into building communities of regulars.
- Peak weekends, holidays, and recurring events (festivals, local fairs, big game weekends) will mean limited inventory. Setting calendar reminders to book as soon as sites open may help ensure you snag a spot. If that doesn’t work, shifting to midweek stays or shoulder seasons can get you into the same places with less competition and better rates.
What this means for outfitting your RV:
When travelers return to places they already know, the destination becomes less of a variable and the RV itself takes on a bigger role in shaping the experience. Many owners are investing in upgrades that make everyday living more comfortable and functional:
- Brighter, more efficient interior and exterior lighting that improves visibility, safety, and overall comfort—especially for evening routines.
- More functional kitchen and bathroom fixtures that make daily tasks easier and more pleasant.
- Step lighting, outdoor mats and other entryway upgrades that make arrivals and departures smoother.
- Smarter storage solutions that help reduce clutter and make it easier to settle in quickly.
- Innovative technology upgrades that allow campers to supplement campground Wi-Fi or create their own dependable connections.
Trend #3: Budget-Conscious Travel
As the cost of travel continues to rise, many RVers are looking for ways to stretch their budgets without scaling back the experience itself. For some, that means traveling during the off-season and prioritizing activities with little to no extra cost, like hiking or exploring nearby public lands. For others, it means seeking out places that deliver a similar feel to iconic destinations at a lower price point—what RVshare calls “Destination Dupes.”
Rather than traveling less, many campers are simply traveling smarter.
How this may impact your next trip:
- Even non-peak windows may book faster. As more travelers shift away from traditional peak seasons, competition can still be high. Thinking in smaller “micro-windows”—such as midweek stays, the week after school breaks, or the final weeks of a campground’s season—can open up better availability and pricing.
- Your activity mix will matter more than your gear list. Build trip plans around low- or no‑cost experiences, like local trails, public lands, scenic drives, and free events. Then add just one or two intentional “splurge” activities instead of a string of small, paid add‑ons.
- Overall value will outweigh nightly rates. A slightly higher nightly fee at a campground near free recreation or a walkable town can end up costing less than a cheaper site that requires long drives, extra fuel, or paid attractions to stay entertained.
What this means for outfitting your RV:
Around the RV, this shift shows up as more deliberate purchasing. Campers are prioritizing upgrades that solve everyday comfort challenges and pay off across multiple trips—especially when amenities are limited or stays are shorter.
- Awnings, sunblockers, and side enclosures that dramatically expand usable living space and reduce reliance on shared campground facilities.
- Outdoor cooking setups that make it easier to prepare meals on-site instead of eating out or waiting on crowded camp kitchens.
- AC airflow or circulation improvements that enhance comfort without the cost or complexity of replacing an entire HVAC system.
- More efficient power setups that support off-grid stays or campgrounds with fewer amenities, helping travelers avoid premium sites without sacrificing convenience.
Trend #4: More Pets on the Road
While the trend toward pet-friendly travel may not come as a surprise, the scale of it might. According to RVshare’s survey, 71% of pet owners prefer to travel with their pets—including 16% who say they won’t travel at all unless their pet can come along. Kampgrounds of America mirrors this finding in its own reporting, noting that more than half of campers now travel with their dogs, outpacing those who camp with siblings or parents.
With pets—especially dogs—clearly cemented as part of the family, more travelers are planning trips with their animals in mind. That shift is influencing both where people camp and how they prepare their RVs for life on the road with a four-legged companion.
How this may impact your next trip
- Expect more dogs in shared spaces. Campgrounds, trails, and common areas are likely to be busier with pets. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s worth setting expectations ahead of time around safe behavior—asking before petting, giving unfamiliar dogs space, and respecting other campsites.
- Plan for different noise and traffic patterns. Higher pet volume often means more early-morning and evening activity for walks, as well as occasional barking during arrivals and departures. If you’re sensitive to noise, consider requesting sites away from dog parks, playgrounds, or main walkways.
- Pet rules and etiquette will matter more. As campgrounds adapt to higher pet traffic, leash rules, designated relief areas, and pet-free zones may be enforced more consistently. Reviewing park policies ahead of time can help avoid surprises once you arrive.
What this means for outfitting your RV
As more campers travel with pets, many are making small, practical upgrades that help keep their RV cleaner, safer, and more comfortable for everyone onboard:
- Easy-to-clean surfaces like washable throw rugs, entry mats, and slip-resistant flooring protect high-traffic areas from muddy paws and shedding.
- Dedicated food and water solutions that travel well and reduce spills inside tight RV spaces.
- Pet barriers and restraints that help manage movement in tow vehicles or motorhomes and improve safety while driving.
- Comfort considerations such as portable beds, cooling mats, or shaded outdoor setups that give pets a place to rest without disrupting the main living area.
Outfit for the Way You Actually Travel With PartsVia
Taking stock of how you actually use your RV—where you go, how long you stay, and who (or what) travels with you—can help guide smarter, more intentional upgrade decisions. And when it’s time to make those upgrades, Parts Via is here to help with practical solutions that improve comfort and usability on every trip, plus the convenience of fast, FREE ship-to-store delivery that makes even bulky RV gear easier and more affordable to get on the road.