Forecasted RV Travel Hurdles For 2024

If you were to suggest the biggest RV travel hurdle for 2024, what would it be?

While we think RVing will continue in popularity, especially among younger generations, there are some serious challenges facing RVers this year.

Today, we want to dive into the top five travel hurdles we think all RVers will face and give suggestions for overcoming those difficulties. Let’s dive in!

What Is the RV Forecast For 2024?

RVing has become increasingly popular over the last several years. Travelers have embraced the lifestyle, connecting with nature and stepping away from technology to enjoy time with family and friends. RVing can also be cheaper than other types of vacations.

The RV Industry Association (RVIA) predicts that RV wholesale shipments will reach 350,000 units in 2024, thanks to a decline in the rising interest rates.

We hope this means more affordable loans and RV options for prospective buyers!

RVShare conducted a survey and released its findings in “The Road Ahead” travel report. The report states that 86% of RVers are planning on traveling at least as much as they did last year in 2024.

Almost 60% of Millennials plan to travel even more. We continue to see a younger generation of travelers, with only about 30% of RVers classified as Boomers.

National parks remain hot travel destinations, with the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yosemite in the top ten. With the upcoming 2024 solar eclipse, we’re also seeing more people planning ahead, and campgrounds located in the path of totality are already full.

Will RV Prices Go Down In 2024?

RV retail sales declined in 2023. Not only were MSRPs outrageous, but the loan rates were at record levels.

In 2024, we expect a slow decline in retail pricing and a slow recovery in the RV industry after a dismal 2023.

However, economic inflation, interest rates, and fuel prices will continue influencing consumer purchasing power. We highly doubt we’ll ever see pre-pandemic pricing again.

The 5 Main Travel Hurdles For RVers in 2024

If you’re one of the millions of RVers planning a road trip or booking a few camping weekend trips in 2024, you’ll likely encounter some challenges. Here are the top five hurdles we believe RVers will experience in the coming year.

1. Booking Reservations

One of the biggest challenges RVers face in 2024 is making reservations. Campgrounds are more crowded, and finding long-term sites is more difficult.

RVers are discovering that taking spontaneous camping trips is also more challenging than in years before.

While we love that more people are getting outdoors and making memories together, crowded campgrounds are one of the downsides.

2. Inflation

Economic inflation is making everything more expensive. When you travel, consider not only the cost of campgrounds but also the cost of groceries, attraction tickets, fuel, and other line items.

While a weekend camping trip may cost about the same as in years past, a road trip will be much more expensive due to inflation.

Pro Tip: You can read more about how inflation and additional fees impact the outdoor space here: Is Greed Ruining the Camping Experience?

3. Rising Campground Costs

Campgrounds began raising their rates a couple of years ago. We have noticed an increase across the board from state parks to private campgrounds to luxury RV resorts.

While the average nightly rate might have been $35 two or three years ago, you’ll likely pay $50 or more after online booking fees. RVers trying to travel on a budget discover that boondocking locations are also more crowded, as other campers have the same idea.

4. RV Repairs

RVs break, and systems fail. And they seem to always occur at inconvenient times. If you run into a major repair, trips can be canceled because RV repair shops are scheduling weeks or months out.

If you want to go camping next weekend and discover a problem with a slide-out, you’ll likely have to just deal with it for a weekend or cancel the trip.

Taking your RV into a shop for a quick repair is practically impossible these days.

On the other hand, if you want to reduce wear and tear on your RV and possible problems, you have to travel less often. And this means fewer camping trips with grandkids and memory-making moments with friends.

5. Changes In the National Park System

Finally, national parks are some of the hottest travel destinations. And why not? We love the natural beauty, epic hikes, and rich history of our national treasures.

But in 2024, we’ll likely see the return of timed entry tickets and reservations. Some of the most popular parks don’t have enough parking to handle the number of visitors they see.

While we understand the need to protect our lands and cultural sites, these implementations eliminate spontaneous trips.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for less crowded places to check out this year, read These National Monuments Are Better Than Most National Parks!

Tips To Combat These RV Travel Hurdles

So, is RVing in 2024 worth it? Absolutely! We suggest booking reservations as far in advance as you can.

If you need to cancel, please do so quickly so other RVers have the chance to make reservations. If you want to visit a popular area, consider staying farther out. You’ll find the campground rates more affordable and less crowded.

Always stay on top of your maintenance. You don’t have complete control over what happens to your rig. But the better you care for your RV, the less likely unforeseen problems will arise.

You’ll also have a higher chance of catching things before they become extensive repairs.

Also, try visiting lesser-known locations. We love Zion National Park. But if you can’t get a campground reservation or find an affordable option, check out the nearby area of St. George or Kanab instead.

Instead of taking a trip to the Grand Canyon, explore Sedona, which offers tons of hiking opportunities and epic views.

Or visit in the shoulder seasons when popular destinations are less crowded. Often, timed ticket entries are only for the peak season. If you want a spontaneous trip, take it in early spring or late fall.

Finally, don’t feel like you have to do it all. Set a budget and stick to it. If ticket prices for an airboat ride through the Everglades are too high, skip it. Eat at home as much as you can rather than dining out. Unless you have an unlimited budget, you must say “no” to some activities.

Will RVers Continue Traveling In 2024?

We have high hopes for RV travel in 2024. We’re excited about our future travels.

But it’s good to know the hurdles we’ll likely face ahead of time. If you’re planning a road trip this year, don’t delay.

If you’re planning to visit the national parks, ensure you know which ones require timed entry tickets. If you just want to hit the local campground a few times this summer, go ahead and make those reservations. But be prepared to pay more than you have in the past.

What memories will you make at the campsite in 2024?