Amenity Arms Race: U.S. Campgrounds Add Pickleball, Pools & More as Resort-Style Recreation Heats Up

Campgrounds across the United States are racing to outshine one another with resort-style amenities, transforming traditional campsites into vacation destinations. This “amenity arms race” is being fueled by rising guest expectations and competition in the outdoor hospitality industry. From high-speed Wi-Fi and splashy swimming pools to dog parks and even pickleball courts, parks are investing heavily in upgrades to lure campers seeking more than just a patch of ground. The competition to offer hotel-like recreation facilities is heating up, and it’s reshaping the camping experience for a new generation of travelers.

Pickleball is leading the charge in this trend, emerging as the hottest new campground amenity of 2024. In fact, pickleball courts were the #1 new feature added by private campgrounds in 2024 – about 17% of parks that upgraded amenities chose to install pickleball courts, nearly double the share that added the next-most common upgrade (Wi-Fi, at 9.8%). This is a remarkable shift, considering Wi-Fi has long been a staple offering (over 71% of private campgrounds provide internet access). The surge in pickleball facilities even means this trendy sport overtook Wi-Fi as the fastest-growing new amenity on campground properties. Overall, campground operators were 29% more likely to add pickleball courts in 2024 than any other amenity, outpacing additions like swimming pools, hot tubs, dog parks or kayak rentals. It’s clear that pickleball mania has officially hit the camping world, reflecting the sport’s nationwide popularity and its broad appeal to campers of all ages.

Pickleball Courts: The Fastest-Growing Campground Amenity

Just as hotels compete on spas and golf courses, campgrounds are now vying to offer the best pickleball experience. Once rarely seen at RV parks, pickleball courts have become the most coveted new addition across U.S. campgrounds in the past year. According to a comprehensive 2025 camping survey, 17% of privately owned campgrounds that added amenities in 2024 chose pickleball courts – making it the top new amenity of the year. This is nearly double the rate of the next item on the list (Wi-Fi), signaling just how rapidly pickleball fever is spreading. Park owners report that guests love the social, easy-to-learn paddle sport, which is often described as a blend of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.

Industry data shows that pickleball’s rise in campgrounds has been meteoric. Properties were almost one-third more likely to add pickleball in 2024 than to add any other feature. In practical terms, that means new pickleball courts popped up more frequently than new swimming pools, dog runs, or any other recreational amenity last year. “Pickleball is exploding in popularity. It’s gone crazy,” said one RV resort executive, noting they are installing courts at nearly every property that can accommodate them. Major campground operators like Blue Water Development and Equity LifeStyle (Thousand Trails/Encore) have converted tennis courts to pickleball and built new courts to meet demand. Even campground event programming now embraces the trend – for example, one large RV resort hosted clinics with a pro player and a tournament for guests after adding pickleball courts, which “was a huge success” in drawing visitor interest.

Why the pickleball frenzy at campgrounds? For one, the game has multi-generational appeal. Resort operators report that “guests of all ages are enjoying the amenity” and many parks even provide paddles and balls free of charge to get campers playing. Pickleball’s social, casual nature fits perfectly with the campground atmosphere, encouraging campers to mingle and stay active. It’s also relatively low-cost to implement compared to building a full-size pool or other major infrastructure, yet it delivers high engagement. With pickleball now crowned the fastest-growing sport in America and gaining mainstream popularity, offering a court on-site can differentiate a campground and give travelers another reason to choose that park. In short, pickleball has become a must-have amenity for forward-thinking campgrounds – and it’s setting a new bar that others are racing to match.

Resort-Style Amenities: Pools, Hot Tubs, Dog Parks & More

Pickleball may be the headline, but it’s just one piece of the broader push toward resort-style recreation at campgrounds. Modern RV parks and campgrounds are rapidly evolving from basic facilities into full-fledged outdoor resorts, complete with an array of premium amenities. Where a campground in decades past might boast only a simple playground and a picnic table, today’s higher-end parks feature everything from sparkling swimming pools and relaxing hot tubs to mini-golf courses, nature trails, and even luxury touches like spas or golf courses analytics.loan. Campground managers are effectively importing the amenities of hotels and cruise ships into the outdoors. For instance, nearly half of all private campgrounds now have a pool on property, and among larger resort-style parks that figure jumps to 81% analytics.loan. Splash pads for kids, poolside bars, and water slides are also increasingly common, reflecting campers’ desire to cool off and have fun without leaving the campground. Hot tubs and jacuzzis are another popular upgrade, giving campers a way to unwind after a day of hiking or driving.

Beyond water-based fun, campgrounds are adding amenities to serve all kinds of interests. Many parks have built new clubhouses or recreation halls that host activities like crafts, bingo, or live music. Others have installed arcades, outdoor movie screens, or organized sports like basketball and beach volleyball. Waterfront campgrounds often take advantage of their natural setting by offering kayak, canoe, or paddleboard rentals on-site analytics.loan. Some even provide guided hikes, ATV/off-road tours, or zip-lining to create an adventure park vibe analytics.loan. Essentially, campground owners are asking: “What will keep our guests entertained and happy for days on end?”, and then making those investments to turn their parks into one-stop vacation destinations.

Pet-friendly amenities have also surged in importance. As more travelers hit the road with their dogs (and other pets) in tow, campgrounds are responding by becoming more pet-centric than ever. Off-leash dog parks (“pet runs”) are now a common sight at modern campgrounds, providing fenced areas where dogs can exercise and socialize. In fact, dog parks were one of the top new features added at campgrounds recently – ranking just behind Wi-Fi and pickleball in new amenity popularity. Many parks have also added pet wash stations, dog agility equipment, and even “bark parks” with seating for owners, acknowledging that pets are part of the family vacation. This focus is well-justified by the data: over half of Millennial and Gen Z campers bring a dog along on their trips, and 44% of all campers say that pet amenities are “extremely important” when choosing where to stay. In other words, for a huge segment of guests, a dog park or pet-friendly policy is not just a nice extra – it can be a deal-breaker or deal-maker for booking. Campgrounds that invest in pet amenities often find it boosts their bookings, as today’s campers actively seek out places where their furry companions are welcome and comfortable.

All of these enhancements – from luxury pools and spas to dog runs and kayak rentals – represent a shift in what campers expect. The typical private campground is no longer just a site to park an RV or pitch a tent; it’s an experience hub designed to keep guests engaged on the property. Park operators speak of creating a “campground resort” atmosphere analytics.loan, with full itineraries of on-site recreation so that visitors might never need to leave for entertainment. These investments not only set a park apart from competitors, but also give campgrounds the ability to market themselves as destinations in their own right (not just a place to sleep near an attraction) analytics.loan. As one industry publication noted, campground owners are “capitalizing on premium amenities to attract and retain customers,” allowing them to charge higher rates and improve income analytics.loan. In the next section, we’ll dive into exactly how these amenities are paying off for parks – and why younger campers are driving this amenity arms race.

Appealing to Modern Campers: Millennials and Gen Z Expectations

The push for resort-style amenities isn’t happening in a vacuum – it’s a direct response to the changing demographics and desires of modern campers. Younger generations are flocking to camping in record numbers, and they’re bringing a very different mindset compared to the campers of old. Millennials and Gen Z now make up the majority of new campers in the U.S.. In 2024, fully 61% of first-time or “new” campers were from these younger generations. This influx of under-40 campers has injected fresh energy and expectations into the camping scene. Unlike the more minimalist camping style favored by some older campers, Millennials and Gen Z tend to be experience-driven – they want their outdoor adventures to come with a side of comfort, convenience, and novelty.

One hallmark of younger campers is that they are willing to spend more for unique experiences. Despite camping’s reputation as a budget-friendly vacation, Gen Z and Millennial campers actually outspend their older counterparts by a large margin. A recent report found Gen Z campers spend an average of $266 per day on their camping trips, which is nearly double what Baby Boomers spend ($134 per day). This higher spend includes not just campground fees but also gear rentals, activities, food, and local experiences – indicating that younger folks are eager to indulge in extras that enhance their trip. They’re treating camping more like a curated vacation rather than a bare-bones retreat. This willingness to spend feeds directly into the amenity trend: campers with larger budgets will gravitate toward parks that offer more to do (and more to buy). Whether it’s renting a kayak, grabbing a craft beer at the camp store, or upgrading to a glamping cabin, younger travelers are seeking those upgraded options. Campground operators have noticed that many Millennials and Gen Z visitors are “higher-quality experience” seekers, which “translates into demand for glamping and upscale amenities” on site analytics.loan. In essence, the value proposition of a campground is shifting – it’s not just a place to sleep in nature, but a place to play, relax, connect (both with nature and online), and make memories with convenience at hand.

Another key factor is that younger campers are tech-savvy and always connected, even on vacation. While they love adventure, they also insist on reliable internet and modern infrastructure. (It’s telling that even though Wi-Fi wasn’t the top new thing added last year, it remains one of the most universally offered amenities at private campgrounds – connectivity is essentially a baseline expectation now.) The rise of remote work and “workcations” means many campers might be logging into Zoom from the RV, so parks that provide strong Wi-Fi, coworking lounges, or quiet work areas can attract these digital nomads. Moreover, social media plays a role: Instagram and TikTok-friendly features like scenic viewpoints, unique glamping accommodations (treehouses, vintage airstreams, luxury tents), or photogenic amenities can draw younger crowds who love to share their experiences online. Millennials and Gen Z also tend to travel with friends, family, and pets in tow, so campgrounds that are family-friendly and pet-friendly have an edge. As mentioned, over half of young campers bring a dog, and many also value wellness activities (hiking trails, yoga classes, etc.) and convenience (on-site food options, gear rentals). This generation is effectively blurring the line between traditional camping and upscale vacationing, and campground owners are adapting quickly. By catering to these experience-driven campers – offering wellness amenities, adventure opportunities, creature comforts, and inclusivity for pets and all family members – parks are rewarded with enthusiastic guests who are more likely to stay longer and return for future trips.

It’s also worth noting that younger campers are fueling the glamping boom. “Glamping” (glamorous camping) has grown enormously popular, and many established campground brands (like KOA) have invested in glamping accommodations to meet that demand. These might include furnished safari tents, cabins with hotel-quality beds, or park model cottages – the common thread being a unique, comfortable stay that still provides immersion in the outdoors. The availability of glamping options often goes hand-in-hand with enhanced facilities (bathhouses, kitchens, etc.), which raises the overall expectation for amenities even among those bringing their own RV or tent. All these trends underscore a pivotal point: the new wave of campers wants both nature and convenience. They are not abandoning the campfire and stars; they’re augmenting them with pickleball matches in the morning and hot tub soaks at night. For campground owners, keeping this cohort happy is key to thriving in the coming years – and that means continually upping the ante on amenities and experiences.

Higher Rates and Longer Stays: The Payoff of Premium Amenities

Investing in pools, courts, and dog parks isn’t just about bragging rights – it’s also good business for campground operators. The “amenity arms race” is, at its core, a strategy to attract guests and justify higher nightly rates by offering a superior product. Campgrounds that have transformed into resort-like properties are finding they can charge more per site per night (in hospitality terms, boost their ADR or average daily rate) thanks to the added value they provide. Guests are generally willing to pay premium prices if they know they’ll have a wealth of activities and comforts at their fingertips. A national RV park industry analysis noted that by providing extensive amenities, parks can attract guests who might otherwise choose a hotel or Airbnb, thus expanding their customer base and allowing higher pricing power analytics.loan. In other words, an upscale campground can compete for the same leisure traveler who might have been considering a resort or cruise, by offering a comparable array of recreation in a natural setting. This not only brings in new guests but also increases revenue per guest, as people stay longer and spend more on-site.

Campgrounds with lots of amenities often report longer average stays and higher guest satisfaction. When there’s more to do, campers tend to extend their visits by an extra day or two to enjoy it all. Many parks explicitly design their amenities to entice travelers to extend their stay or even choose one campground as a home base for a week-long vacation analytics.loan. For example, a family that might have booked two nights to see a nearby national park could be persuaded to stay four nights if the campground itself offers enough entertainment – say, spend an extra day lounging by the pool and playing pickleball, or stick around for the weekend BBQ social and outdoor movie night. Longer stays directly translate into higher income per reservation, and they also improve occupancy on shoulder days (like weekdays), which is a boon for campground profitability. Moreover, campers who are delighted by the facilities are more likely to leave positive reviews and return in the future, creating a virtuous cycle of high occupancy and the ability to maintain premium rates.

Importantly, offering premium amenities can also help diversify a park’s revenue streams. Amenities like equipment rentals (kayaks, golf carts, bicycles), guided tours, or on-site dining and stores generate ancillary income beyond the campsite fees analytics.loan. A campground that invests in a boat dock and kayak fleet, for instance, can earn extra dollars each day a guest rents those kayaks. Likewise, a busy mini-golf course or high ropes course can be monetized. Even simple additions like a camp store with local craft beer on tap or a food truck night can boost on-site spending. These extras not only delight guests but also pad the bottom line. Many park owners view amenity upgrades as a ROI-positive investment: while it might cost significant capital up front to build a new pool or dog park, the enhanced property can command higher prices and attract more business, paying for itself over time. Indeed, the trend is so pronounced that outdoor hospitality analysts have stated parks are “capitalizing on premium amenities to attract and retain customers,” which allows them to charge higher rates and improve income analytics.loan. In financial terms, a well-appointed “campground resort” often achieves profit margins that justify those investments and even increases the property’s value (as buyers will pay more for a campground with established amenities and loyal customers).

Finally, the amenity arms race contributes to a better overall guest experience, which is somewhat intangible but extremely important. Campers who find their expectations exceeded – whether it’s the surprised delight of finding a hot tub under the stars or the convenience of a dog wash after a muddy hike – are more likely to become repeat customers and to spread the word to others. In the era of online reviews and social media, guest satisfaction is king. High guest satisfaction driven by great amenities leads to strong word-of-mouth, high ratings, and a reputation that draws even more visitors. Campground owners often see direct feedback in reviews mentioning “amazing amenities, so much to do, we didn’t want to leave”. Such feedback is gold for marketing. It’s no surprise that parks known for their amenities often have longer waitlists or higher advance bookings – they’ve effectively built a moat against competition. Once a camper has experienced the deluxe campground resort life, they may be unwilling to go back to a no-frills RV park, especially for family vacations. This raises the competitive bar for the whole industry: to keep up, more and more campgrounds will likely continue upgrading, fueling the cycle of amenity one-upmanship.

The New Normal in Outdoor Hospitality

In the end, the surge in campground amenities is redefining what it means to go camping in the U.S. The outdoor hospitality sector is aligning itself more closely with the mainstream hospitality and tourism industry, borrowing concepts from hotels, resorts, and cruises to enhance the camper experience. What we are witnessing is the evolution of campgrounds into hybrid vacation resorts – places where you can roast marshmallows over the fire at night, but also get a latte at the camp café in the morning; where you can stargaze in solitude and then join a pickleball tournament the next day. This blending of rustic and luxury is attracting a broader audience to camping and helping parks justify higher rates in the process.

For campers, especially younger ones, this arms race of amenities is a big win. It means more options, more comfort, and more activities to enrich their trips. For campground owners, it presents both an opportunity and a challenge: the opportunity to stand out and capture the growing market of experience-driven travelers, and the challenge of continuously innovating to meet rising expectations. We can expect to see the trend continue as campgrounds invest in ever-more creative amenities – from on-site breweries to wellness centers and beyond – in a bid to offer that coveted “wow” factor. As long as campers keep craving unique experiences and as competition remains fierce, the amenity arms race will keep blazing forward. In the not-so-distant future, the question “what’s the coolest thing your campground offers?” might have some truly surprising answers. One thing is certain: camping in 2025 and beyond is a far cry from camping in the past, and many campers wouldn’t have it any other way. The great outdoors now comes with great amenities, and that has opened a new frontier of possibilities for both travelers and park owners alike.

Sources:

• The Dyrt 2025 Camping Report – Private campgrounds’ top new amenities in 2024 (pickleball courts #1, Wi-Fi #2, etc.

• The Dyrt Press Release (May 2025) – Pickleball courts overtook Wi-Fi as the fastest-growing campground amenity

• Analytics.Loan RV Park Industry Analysis 2025 – “Upscaled recreational facilities” and resort-style amenity trends; justification for higher rates analytics.loan

• Vacavia Outdoor Hospitality Blog (2025) – Pet-friendly camping statistics (44% say pet amenities “extremely important”; dog parks among top new features)

• Kampgrounds of America (KOA) 2025 Report – Younger campers (Millennials/Gen Z) now 61% of new campers; higher spending and glamping trends

• Glamping Show USA Magazine (May 2025) – Gen Z and Millennials driving outdoor hospitality boom, spending $266/day vs $134 for Boomers; over half bring dogs

• Go RVing Travel Guides (2024) – Industry insights on pickleball popularity at RV resorts (quotes from park operators)

• Campspot Camp Guide (2022/2023) – Examples of campgrounds with pickleball, pools, and other amenities attracting all-age campers

Glamping Resort, Surrey Resort Russian River