2026 RV Travel Trends: Shorter Trips Replace Long Journeys

Benchmark Vehicles of Portland has introduced the Primrose camper based on the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a 170-inch extended wheelbase. The model features Agile Off-Road wheels, reinforced suspension, a Paragon Off-Road roof rack with seven Baja Designs LP6 LED modules, and a Girard awning. Inside, it includes a kitchen with an induction hob, a bathroom with shower and toilet, a transverse bed, and under-bed garage with a 500 kg slide-out tray. The electrical system comprises 640 Ah lithium batteries and a 3000 W inverter; the water system includes fresh and grey water tanks, a boiler, and an external shower.

A ranking of 14 RV campsites in the Midwest was compiled based on visitor reviews from The Dyrt, Google, Tripadvisor, and Campendium. The list includes parks with full hookups and more rustic options. For example, Hayward KOA Holiday in Wisconsin offers full hookups and family activities but has reported maintenance issues. Indigo Bluffs RV Park & Resort in Michigan is divided into a family-friendly section and a more luxurious resort area. Ozark Mountain Springs RV Park in Missouri is open year-round with full hookups on all sites. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Nebraska requires advance reservations and a state park entry permit. Robidoux RV Park in Nebraska offers full hookup sites for $46 per night. Geneseo Campground in Illinois is convenient for large RVs and offers bike and kayak rentals. Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan has several campgrounds with varying amenities.

Aboard RV has unveiled the Aboard T4 caravan, featuring a hybrid-electric propulsion system and the Shadow Drive remote maneuvering system. The 7.2-meter-long, 2948 kg model offers electric range, off-grid energy from solar panels and a 50 kW generator, and can recharge a towing electric vehicle. Inside, it has two convertible double beds, a separate bathroom entrance, and a rear terrace.

Chinese immigrant Jinjier, who has been involved in camper culture for over a decade, advocates converting ordinary minivans into budget campers for retired Chinese. He says at least 80% of participants in his travel groups are aged 55 or older or retired. Jinjier converted his own minivan, equipping it with a refrigerator, electrical system, microwave, induction cooker, and other amenities. He started a YouTube channel showing his conversion process and organized meetups that grew from a few vehicles to over 30. During trips, participants fish, visit hot springs, hold barbecues and campfires. Jinjier also reported that four couples aged over 55 have married through his activities.

An Outbacker, one of the rarest plastic campers produced in 1989 by Teardrop American, has been listed for sale in the US. The polyethylene cabin weighs about 50–102 kg, with a total weight including chassis of 181 kg. The camper can be removed from the frame and used as a tent or placed on a pickup truck. Only about 400 units were made. Price: 4,000 USD.

Tall Oaks Lake in southeast Indiana, a 45-minute drive west of Cincinnati and 90 minutes southeast of Indianapolis, is a popular spot for fishing and camping. Common catches include largemouth bass, yellow bullhead, channel catfish, and white crappie. Two campgrounds—Batesville KOA Journey (nearly 100 sites) and Indian Lakes RV Campground (1,000 sites)—offer RV and tent sites, cabins, and shared amenities such as pools, a beach, sports courts, and a dog park.