Thriving Black-owned campgrounds and parks offer tranquil camping experiences and fostering a community among an increasing number of African American adventurers eager for the relaxingly nomadic way of life.

Thriving Black-owned campgrounds and parks offer tranquil camping experiences and fostering a community among an increasing number of African American adventurers eager for the relaxingly nomadic way of life.

In the ever-evolving world of outdoor recreation, a notable shift is taking place within the RV and camping community. The number of Black campers in the United States has doubled in less than a decade, accounting for 11 percent of the U.S. camping community 1. This growth is being fuelled by increasing efforts to foster diversity, inclusion, and community within the RV lifestyle.

One such example of this trend can be found at Warthen RV Park in Warthen, Ga. Owner Josh Gordy, who is related to Motown legend Berry Gordy on his father's side, bought the land in his hometown in 2011. Gordy found success on the land by tapping into existing Black RV and camping communities and seeing a large market for Black campers 2. A majority of Warthen RV Park's short-term campers are Black, and Gordy is starting to see more Black families move to camp full-time.

The park offers a large pavilion for social gatherings and plenty of spaces to hook up RVs. It's not the only Black-owned campsite making waves in the industry. Other notable examples include G & R Campground in Houston, Del., TripL RV Park in Brazoria, Tex., Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard in Norlina, N.C., and Rosario Camp & RV in Anacortes, Wash., which is surrounded by forest and lake views and offers various outdoor activities 2.

Organizations like the National African American RVers Association (NAARVA) are also playing a significant role in promoting Black RVers. NAARVA has partnerships such as one with CRR Hospitality to provide exclusive benefits and develop a more connected, inclusive community 3.

The broader industry trend toward more diverse campground ownership and inclusive outdoor hospitality is evident. Although specific statistical growth data on Black-owned campsites is not detailed in the available sources, the expanding, inclusive camping sector suggests positive growth prospects for Black-owned camping businesses in the U.S. 2.

The overall U.S. RV sector remains robust, with substantial shipments and rising campground revenues (around $10.7 billion in 2023), indicating a favorable environment for new and diverse campground businesses to emerge and grow 1.

ShaRon Jones, a recent first-time RV camper, is one of many Black individuals embracing this trend. After purchasing a Class C RV, she has been living in it for three weeks and plans to attend the Melanated Campout event at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February. After the event, Jones plans to spend her weekends traveling to as many states as possible 2.

Toyin Ajayi, at the age of 37, permanently left her apartment in Sandy Springs, Ga, and has been traveling in a camper for the last three years with no plans to return to a more stationary life. Ajayi started a Facebook group called Outdoorsy Black Women for Black women interested in the outdoors, which has grown into a website with over 8,000 members 2.

As more Black individuals like Jones and Ajayi take to the open road, the need for safe spaces in the outdoors for Black campers becomes increasingly important. Ajayi shares a list of Black-owned campsites with members of Outdoorsy Black Women, helping to ensure that everyone can enjoy the great outdoors in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

References:

1. Kampgrounds of America (KOA)
2. Outdoorsy Black Women
3. National African American RVers Association (NAARVA)
4. The expansion of RV and camping communities is being driven by an increasing focus on diversity, inclusion, and community within the RV lifestyle.
5. Warthen RV Park in Warthen, Ga, and other Black-owned campsites like G & R Campground in Houston, Del, TripL RV Park in Brazoria, Tex, Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard in Norlina, N.C, and Rosario Camp & RV in Anacortes, Wash, are making a significant impact in the RV industry.
6. Organizations like the National African American RVers Association (NAARVA) are working to promote Black RVers and provide exclusive benefits to foster a more connected and inclusive community.
7. As more Black individuals embrace RV travel and camping, there is a growing need for safe spaces in the outdoors that cater to the Black community, ensuring everyone can enjoy the great outdoors in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

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