By the Numbers
RV enthusiasts often tout “Home is where you park it” to highlight the flexibility a house-on-wheels provides. RVing also offers adventure—but with added elements of small spaces, potential malfunctions, and sewage connections. If you’re toying with the idea of buying a motor home, you’re in good company: RV ownership surged 62 percent between 2001 and 2021.
Source: www.rvia.org/news-insights/2021-year-rv
16% | Portion of RV owners ages 18–34. |
For decades, the stereotypical RVer was a retiree, but recently there’s been notable growth in RV ownership among Gen Z and millennials. Younger travelers are drawn to #vanlife and—thanks to telecommuting and satellite internet—being legitimately remote is more doable than ever. Although traveling in an RV offers flexibility, popular campgrounds and RV resorts (yes, that’s a thing) are typically booked months in advance, giving wanderlust a reality check.
Source: rvia.org/system/files/media/file/2025%20Owner%20Demographic%20Profile%20-%20Public_1.pdf
1 million | Approximate number of Americans who live in an RV full-time. |
Of the 11.2 million US households that own an RV, about 1 million people reside year-round in their motor homes. Whether these “full-timers” have remote jobs or are retired, they all share a penchant for the variety that living on the road affords. Most RV parks offer discounted rates for travelers staying long-term, and some full-timers are hired to be camp hosts in exchange for discounted—or even free—stays at certain campgrounds.
Source: washingtonpost.com/business/2018/11/12/million-americans-live-rvs-meet-modern-nomads/
$140 billion | Annual impact of RVing on the US economy. |
RVs don’t only drive adventure—they also drive the travel industry. The $140 billion impact is generated from RV sales, services, campgrounds, manufacturers, and suppliers. The RV industry supports nearly 680,000 jobs and $48 billion in wages. It takes a lot of money to accommodate modern nomads, but the views travelers get waking up next to a serene lake or a national park—those are priceless.
Source: rvia.org/rvs-move-america-economic-impact-study
6-10 | Miles per gallon averaged by Class A motor homes. |
Life is a highway, and if you’re gonna ride it, don’t forget to gas up. Class A motor homes—the largest type—guzzle a decent amount of fuel. Price-watching apps, such as GasBuddy, come in handy when drivers are filling up 100-gallon tanks. While the gas mileage can be hard to stomach, calculating the cost of flying your family somewhere might provide a little perspective on the price tag. (There are no luggage fees in an RV, either!)
Source: cruiseamerica.com/trip-inspiration/rv-gas-mileage
30 | Median number of days RV owners are on the road annually. |
Whether you’re on a weekend escape or a cross-country adventure, RV excursions provide perks that traditional travel can’t always match. While some RVs are built for short-term getaways, others boast amenities such as residential-size fridges, dishwashers, full bathrooms, and laundry appliances. Other features—solar panels, radiant floor heating, Wi-Fi boosters, and satellite TV—make it easy to have the niceties of home no matter where you roam.
Source: rvia.org/2025-go-rving-rv-owner-demographic-profile
27,409 | Number of RV campgrounds and parks within the US. |
While there’s no shortage of destinations, here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding where to park. RV facilities near highways or busy roads can be loud, even at night. In the summer, campgrounds with shade—and swimming pools—are ideal. Review RV slot descriptions before you book, as they range in size, amenities, and price. And remember: It’s the unexpected twists and turns that often create the best road-trip memories.
Source: rvia.org/system/files/media/file/RVIA%20Campground%20Industry%20Market%20Analysis.pdf
