A newly released report from Go RVing highlights the increasing presence of young families in the RV market, reflecting shifting demographics and travel preferences.
The Young Families Subgroup Special Report, based on the 2025 RV Owner Demographic Profile, shows that the median age of RV owners has declined from 53 to 49 over the past four years.
Simultaneously, the number of RV owners with children at home has risen from 34% to 43%, indicating a growing trend among younger families embracing RV travel.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA, young families, defined as RV owners between the ages of 18 and 44 with children under 18 at home, are drawn to RVing for its flexibility, bonding opportunities, and freedom.
According to the report, 36% of young family RV owners fall within the 18-34 age group, while 64% are between 35 and 44.
Additionally, 68% report an annual household income exceeding $75,000, and 82% are employed full-time.
Usage patterns reveal that young families use their RVs for a median of 30 days per year, slightly less than the 40 days reported by RV owners under 45 without children.
However, they take more trips annually, averaging seven trips per year compared to four for their child-free counterparts.
Notably, 93% of young families indicate they use their RVs as much or more than they initially expected.
Preferred travel destinations among young families include state parks, national parks, and private campgrounds, aligning with their interest in outdoor activities.
Most travel with spouses (88%) and children under 18 (85%), engaging in activities such as fishing (51%), hiking (42%), and visiting local attractions (40%). Many also bring recreational equipment, including bicycles (44%) and ATVs (25%).
Brand loyalty and future purchase intentions remain strong among young families, with 84% planning to purchase another RV and 90% expressing a preference for the same brand. Features such as solar panels, Wi-Fi connectivity, and full bathroom facilities rank among the most desired amenities for their next RV purchase.
The report identifies relaxation (45%), visiting scenic locations (44%), and seeking new vacation experiences (44%) as key motivations behind RV ownership. When researching potential purchases, young families rely heavily on digital resources, with dealer websites (40%), RV sales listings (39%), and social media platforms (39%) serving as primary sources of information.