Projected national RV sales in 2014 were 348,000—nearly 14,000 of which came to Michigan, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Michigan is the 3rd top destination for new RV deliveries, behind Texas and California. The outlook for 2015 is just as good for the RV and campground industry in Michigan.
As in previous years, towable RVs were the biggest seller in Michigan with more than 13,000 towable vehicles sold. It was also a good year for motorhome sales in Michigan with a projected 14 percent increase over 2013 sales—an estimated 138 motorhomes were sold in 2014. The impact of the recreation vehicle sales and a renewed interest in camping reverberates across the state—from RV dealers to campgrounds.
According to Bill Sheffer, Director of Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds, “Michigan campgrounds and RV resorts are definitely experiencing an increase in families travelling and enjoying time together.”
“We had a 4-5 percent growth in 2012 and 2013, but for 2014 we had an 11.3 percent increase in occupied nights,” said Kristin Levesque, co-owner Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort. The popular RV and recreation resort in Traverse City already has multiple family reunions booked in 2015, with some family members arriving in RVs and others reserving cabins or pitching tents. “Reunions almost have to be planned two years in advance if booking during a high peak weekend in the summer,” said Levesque.
It is not just families enjoying rolling vacations together. “I see more singles or couples passing through who have just gotten into camping as a result of affordability of smaller Class A motorhomes,” observed Levesque. “I have talked to many guests that recently retired, are first time RV owners and plan on travelling to many state to see the country. Timber Ridge is very fortunate to be on their list of places to experience.”
Learn more about RVs at an upcoming MARVAC Camper & RV Show. Click here for show dates.