State of the Industry 2026 highlights a resilient and adaptable sector
The report reveals record caravan park revenue, strong domestic travel demand and a growing recreational vehicle fleet
Despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures and growing competition from overseas travel, Australia’s caravan and camping industry continues to prove remarkably resilient.
Record caravan park revenue, strong domestic travel demand and a growing recreational vehicle fleet all point to a sector that continues to adapt rather than retreat, according to the Caravan and Camping State of the Industry Report 2026.
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Presenting the report at this year’s Caravan Industry National Conference, Caravan Industry Association of Australia General Manager of Research and Insights Peter Clay outlined the key trends shaping the industry across caravan parks, domestic tourism, RV manufacturing, registrations and the broader economic outlook.
One of the report’s strongest messages is the industry’s growing contribution to Australia’s economy.
Combined caravan park operations, recreational vehicle manufacturing, trade and visitor expenditure now contribute an estimated $27.1 billion annually, underlining the sector’s importance to Australia’s visitor economy.
Travellers are changing, but demand remains strong
Australians are still taking caravan and camping holidays in significant numbers, but the way they’re travelling is changing.
Domestic demand remained strong throughout 2025, with regional Australia continuing to account for the vast majority of caravan and camping trips, reinforcing the sector’s importance to regional communities and local businesses.
Clay said today’s travellers are increasingly focused on value. Shorter holidays, closer-to-home destinations and later booking decisions are becoming more common as households continue to manage tighter budgets.
For accommodation providers, it’s another reminder that flexibility, value and a great guest experience are becoming just as important as location.
Encouraging signs for park operators
For holiday park operators, there was plenty of positive news.
Caravan park revenue reached another record high during 2025, driven by improving occupancy, stronger yields and continued demand across cabins and sites.
New South Wales also reached a significant milestone, becoming the first state to generate more than $1 billion in annual caravan park revenue.
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It’s an encouraging result given the economic conditions many operators have been navigating over the past 12 months and reflects the ongoing appeal of caravan and camping holidays to Australian travellers.
A market that continues to evolve
The report also highlights a market that continues to change.
While overall local RV manufacturing eased slightly, caravan production strengthened, reflecting changing consumer preferences. Imports also continued to grow, demonstrating that substantial new supply is still entering the Australian market.
Australia’s expanding RV fleet remains one of the industry’s greatest strengths, providing an ongoing pipeline of customers not only for holiday parks but also for dealerships, servicing businesses, accessory suppliers and tourism operators.
Headwinds remain
Like every tourism sector, caravan and camping isn’t immune to broader economic conditions.
Clay noted that cost-of-living pressures, subdued consumer confidence and increased international travel continue to influence both purchasing and travel decisions.
Consumers are taking longer to commit to major purchases, delaying upgrades and looking harder for value. At the same time, shorter holidays and greater sensitivity to travel costs are likely to favour destinations closer to major population centres, while more remote regions may continue to face additional challenges.
Even so, the report’s overall message is one of cautious optimism.
Demand hasn’t disappeared. Instead, consumer behaviour is evolving, and businesses that continue to adapt their products, pricing and guest experience are likely to be best placed to benefit.
For accommodation providers, it’s a timely reminder that while economic conditions remain challenging, Australians continue to value the freedom, flexibility and affordability that caravan and camping holidays offer.
The findings highlighted here represent only a snapshot of the report’s insights.
The full Caravan and Camping State of the Industry Report 2026, authored by Peter Clay and published by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, includes detailed state-by-state analysis, visitor demographics, accommodation performance, manufacturing trends and market forecasts, and is available for purchase through the CIAA website.
