Have you read Newbook’s new eBook, “Meet Your Campers of the Future”?
If not, it’s a must-read for anyone in the outdoor hospitality industry. It explores how traveler expectations are evolving and what RV parks and campgrounds can do to stay ahead of the curve.
👉 Download the Free eBook Here
The New Generation of Travelers
Newbook highlights that the next wave of travelers—especially younger, active campers—crave connection, convenience, and experiences over just accommodations. They’re looking for more than a campsite; they want adventure, community, and flexibility.
Let’s look at how RV parks and campgrounds can meet the needs of these travelers of the future — and why a custom mobile app is the perfect way to do it.
1. Young Active Travelers Want Experiences Over Things
According to Newbook, 84% of young active travelers would rather spend money on travel than luxury items.
These guests value experiences, not possessions — and a mobile app makes it easy for them to find and book activities like guided hikes, kayak rentals, or local tours.
Active travelers also want to rent equipment such as RVs, bikes, and fishing gear instead of bringing their own. A park’s app can show available rentals, allow guests to reserve and pay directly, and even send reminders about pick-up and return times.
Plus, young travelers thrive on social connection. They love campfire meetups, cookout sessions, guided hikes, and photography contests — all activities that can be promoted, scheduled, and RSVP’d right inside the app.
2. Glampers Live (and Book) Through Their Phones
The eBook also reveals that 60% of glampers check Instagram before booking a stay, and 90% post in real time during their trips.
That’s a powerful reminder that today’s travelers are visually inspired and always connected. By combining social media with a branded campground app, you can encourage guests to share their experiences, tag your park, and drive word-of-mouth exposure online.
Glampers and luxury campers also expect convenience — contactless payments, mobile check-in/out, and real-time updates about amenities and activities. A mobile app offers all of that, streamlining operations for staff while creating a premium guest experience.
3. Sustainable Travelers Value Digital, Eco-Friendly Experiences
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore — it’s a deciding factor. 73% of travelers say sustainable travel is important, and 51% will choose an eco-friendly property over one that isn’t.
A mobile app directly supports this expectation by replacing paper maps, printed brochures, and flyers with digital tools. You can showcase your park’s sustainability initiatives, promote volunteer opportunities, and list local eco-tours — all while reducing your carbon footprint.
Plus, highlighting your eco-efforts inside the app shows that your campground shares the same values as these environmentally conscious travelers.
How a Custom Mobile App Enhances the Guest Experience
Here’s how a custom mobile app (like those built by App My Community) helps RV parks and campgrounds serve the travelers of the future:
- Seamless Bookings: Guests can reserve campsites, activities, and rentals all in one place.
- Real-Time Notifications: Send free push notifications for weather updates, event reminders, or special offers.
- Interactive Park Maps: Show trails, playgrounds, courts, rental locations, and more.
- Social Connections: Let guests share photos, join contests, and see upcoming events.
- Upsell Opportunities: Promote kayak rentals, local tours, or food specials within the app.
- Fewer Office Calls: Guests can find answers instantly — freeing up staff time.
- Paperless Communication: A sustainable, eco-friendly way to inform and engage guests.
A Seamless Experience — From Booking to Departure
We’re excited to integrate with Newbook, making the overall user experience smooth from start to finish.
With this integration, guests can:
- Book their reservation directly from the app, powered by Newbook’s robust booking engine.
- On-site Purchases Guests can now make purchases directly through the campground’s resort mobile app and have those charges added to their booking seamlessly.
- Manage their stay by viewing itineraries, event schedules, and activity bookings.
- Receive real-time updates and messages throughout their visit.
- Intelligent User Recognition Apps can now identify if the user is a current guest, tailoring push notifications based on their in-house or arrival status.
This integration ensures that every interaction — from the first tap to reserve a site to the day they leave the park — feels effortless, connected, and memorable.
Why This Matters for RV Parks and Campgrounds
Millennials and Gen Z already make up nearly half of all campers, and they’re the generations most comfortable using mobile technology. They expect self-service options, digital access, and real-time engagement.
Offering a custom mobile app helps your park:
✅ Attract and retain younger travelers
✅ Reduce manual work for staff
✅ Promote experiences and local partnerships
✅ Increase revenue from rentals, upgrades, and add-ons
It’s not just about technology — it’s about giving your guests the freedom, connection, and experiences they’re looking for.
Final Thoughts
The outdoor hospitality industry is evolving quickly. As Newbook’s research shows, today’s travelers are experience-driven, tech-savvy, and sustainability-minded.
By pairing your park’s amenities with a custom mobile app integrated with Newbook, you can give guests everything they need — and everything they didn’t know they wanted — right in the palm of their hand.
📘 Get inspired — download Newbook’s eBook today:
👉 Meet Your Campers of the Future