2023 Economic Impact of the Canadian Camping and RV Industry

Overview of 2023 Campground Survey

The 2023 Campground Survey, conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada (RVDA) and the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA), provides valuable insights into the economic and operational landscape of privately operated campgrounds across Canada. Key highlights include:

1. Revenue Generation: Campgrounds reported an average gross revenue of $383,900 in 2022, with campsite rentals and lodging fees making up 85% of total revenue. For those in Saskatchewan, this suggests a typical campground is heavily reliant on these services as a primary income source.

2. Operating Models: Corporate ownership represents 46% of campground ownership across Canada. In Saskatchewan and other Prairie provinces, the majority of campgrounds are operated under sole proprietorships or by non-profits and municipalities.

3. Seasonality and Accommodation: Approximately 85% of campgrounds operate seasonally, with most closures occurring during the winter months. Saskatchewan campgrounds, like others, primarily offer traditional campsites, with fewer offering ready-to-camp units or cabins.

4. Employment and Costs: Campgrounds employ an average of 8.6 staff members during the peak season. Labor costs are the largest expense, representing 26% of revenue, followed by maintenance costs at 20%. This could serve as a key consideration for campground owners looking to optimize costs.

5. Non-Campground Activities: Approximately 32% of participating campgrounds report offering additional services such as hotels, golf courses, or other activities, which can help diversify revenue streams.

Economic Impact of the Canadian RV and Camping Industry

The 2023 RVDA Economic Impact Study highlights the significant role of both the RV and camping sectors in Canada's economy. Key findings include:

1. Economic Contributions: The RV and camping industries generated an estimated $28.8 billion in economic activity in 2022, supporting over 141,400 full-time jobs. This is especially pertinent for campground owners as the combined economic impact of these sectors is substantial, with tourism-related RV expenditures accounting for a significant portion of that impact.

2. Tourism and Non-Travel Expenditures: RV owners and campers contributed heavily to tourism spending, with Canadians spending over $10.3 billion on RV tourism in 2022. Furthermore, non-travel expenditures, such as RV maintenance, storage, and accessories, also provided a $2.7 billion boost to the economy, showing how even off-season activities can have a sizable economic impact.

3. Saskatchewan’s Role: In Saskatchewan, as in the rest of the Prairie provinces, there is a notable overlap between RV and campground tourism. RV owners account for a large portion of campground visits, and with 77% of RV trips being to campgrounds, Saskatchewan campgrounds are positioned to benefit from the synergy between RV tourism and campground services.

Implications for Saskatchewan Campground Owners

For campground owners in Saskatchewan, these findings underscore the importance of:

• Diversifying Services: Given the potential to expand revenue through non-campground activities, campground owners might consider adding complementary services like small retail operations or recreational facilities to appeal to a broader audience.
• Maximizing Peak Season Operations: With the majority of revenue generated during peak seasons, campground owners should focus on optimizing operations during this period while managing staffing and maintenance costs effectively.
• Leveraging the RV Tourism Boom: Since RV owners are significant contributors to campground occupancy, engaging in targeted marketing toward RV owners could be an effective strategy for increasing visitation.

These reports provide a comprehensive picture of the economic impact of the campground and RV sectors, offering valuable data for Saskatchewan campground owners as they navigate the challenges and opportunities within this growing industry.