Does anyone feel like outdoor recreation declining back to post-COVID level?

[Boarmaster]

Likely, but I expected it. Not everyone is life long outdoors types. Many families bought campers and other outdoor toys during the pandemic. I’m sure some got the bug after starting to enjoy the outdoors but many just went back to their old vacations and weekend activities.

Since it was four almost five years some families just aged out with kids off to college or out of the household. Toys start to breakdown after a few years and if they aren't being enjoyed they're disposed of.

I know a few guys that bought campers but after a few years their wives and kids vetoed the camping trips.

 

[Mallardsx2]

I am seeing a major decline in the southern recreation for sure.

This whole covid era outdoor recreation has pretty much ended and IMHO we are now seeing just the beginning of one of the biggest family financial toy loan torpedoes of all time. We may never see a crisis bigger than this for lower income families IMHO. Wages are stagnant, loans are unpaid, and the toys everyone ran out and bought with their "Free Money" are worthless and most of them are worth 20% of what is owed on them. They are for sale everywhere and people are askign extreme prices for them. It's almost funny what people are asking because they have to ask that much because thats what they still owe on those toys. I predicted years ago that boats, campers, carts, sxs's, RV's, cars, trucks ect ect would be the bane of many families. It's here and in a way, it is worse than the housing crisis of 2008 because there is nothing to repo that is worth anything. Families are upside down on toy loans in a major way. I am seeing it all over the south. People went wild and now they are in a world of $hit.

 

[Moserkr]

West coast, NV market - RV dealership that sells 12 new units a month said they are selling one. Fuel in CA is sky high still. Like mallard said above, lots of covid toys for sale.

I rent my RV out and have for years now. Rentals booked are average so far but campgrounds are definitely not as full. I live in a tourist area too and expect daily traffic to lakes to be average. Cost of living out here is still hurting people.

 

[Islander]

During Covid we had several unique things going on. I think all these contributed to increased recreation. Now those factors are gone. Plus the market is saturated for many things like mountain bike, dirt bikes, RVs, tents, recreational cars and trucks, rooftop tents, winches, all the stuff folks dreamed about getting and then suddenly could get during work and school "from home" Covid days.

• Remote work and flexible schedules – Enabled people to travel without taking time off, supporting longer or spontaneous trips.
• Shutdown of international travel – Pushed people toward domestic outdoor recreation.
• Desire to avoid crowds/indoors – Outdoor activities offered safer, distanced alternatives.
• YouTube and social media influence – Vanlife, RV, overlanding, and outdoor channels surged in views, inspiring viewers.
• School closures and remote learning – Families could travel midweek or for longer periods.
• Economic stimulus checks – Provided discretionary funds that some spent on gear or RVs.
• Temporary closure of other entertainment – With theaters, gyms, and theme parks closed, people turned to nature.
• Mental health and stress relief – Outdoor recreation offered escape and psychological benefits.
• Rising urban exodus – Some sought to test mobile or rural living, especially with job flexibility.