11 Million RVers Are Hitting the Road This Labor Day-How to Outsmart the Crowds

NEW UPDATE (September 1, 2026): The RV Industry Association just released its new fall travel survey, and this Labor Day is set to be the biggest one yet: more than 11 million Americans plan an RV trip over the holiday weekend, with 23 million planning RV travel this autumn. Even sweeter: 71% are bringing their pets. And AAA’s brand-new forecast makes it official: this is the busiest Labor Day since 2008, with about 35.5 million Americans traveling, 30.4 million of them by road. The traffic windows to dodge, per AAA: Thursday 2-7 pm, Friday noon-8 pm, Saturday 1-5 pm, and Monday 2-5 pm local time. Roll out early in the morning and you beat all four. Every number in this guide is refreshed with the 2026 data.

When you live in a campervan or an RV full-time, holidays and weekends are a pain, and Labor Day is no different.

This year, more than 11 million Americans are planning an RV trip over Labor Day weekend, according to the RV Industry Association’s brand-new fall travel survey, and 23 million plan RV trips this autumn overall. That’s not just a trend, it’s a HUGE amount of RVs on the road. One major reason why we choose NOT to travel on major holidays like this.

However, I get why people love to RV over Labor Day weekend. If you’re working a 9-5 job, it’s one of the only 3-day weekends to enjoy a trip.

But let’s be real: just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s always easy. With that many people on the road, you have to get a little strategic if you want to keep your trip fun (and keep your sanity).

Why Everyone’s Choosing RVing Right Now

According to the RV Industry Association’s new Fall Travel Intentions Survey (July 2026, conducted by Cairn Consulting, 1,612 respondents), affordability is the number-one reason people are choosing RVs this fall. And I get it. When I compare the cost of diesel and a campsite with flights, hotels, and restaurant meals, there’s no comparison. RVing stretches your dollar so much further, especially when traveling as a couple or family.

But it’s not just about money. People are craving space. 60% said they want to escape the “busyness of life.” For me, that resonates deeply. One of my favorite parts of van life is waking up to quiet mornings in nature instead of alarms and traffic noise. Even if it’s only for a few days, it’s a reset button.

The survey also found that buying interest is surging: among people likely to purchase an RV, 35% expect to buy within the next three months, nearly double the share from two years ago. And 9.4 million people who don’t even own an RV plan to rent or borrow one this fall. I think that’s fascinating. The stereotype used to be retirees in giant Class As, but now, younger generations are just as eager to hit the road, often mixing in remote work, side hustles, or short weekend getaways.

And yes, 72% of RVers say they’ll be bringing pets along.

Tips to Actually Enjoy Labor Day RVing

Here’s where I’ll give you the truth: with more than 11 million campers on the road, you’re not going to have every campground to yourself. But that doesn’t mean your weekend has to be crowded and stressful. A few tricks I’ve learned from van life and RVing can make all the difference:

1. Think Beyond the Obvious

Everyone wants Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Acadia. That’s why they’re packed. Instead, look for smaller state parks, national forests, or even city-run campgrounds. Some of my best camping memories weren’t at the “famous” places—they were at quiet little spots nobody else had on their radar.

2. Try Boondocking

Boondocking (camping without hookups on public lands) isn’t just for hardcore off-gridders—it’s one of the best ways to find solitude during crowded weekends. I can’t tell you how many times Tom and I have pulled into a free BLM site while nearby campgrounds were completely booked. Apps like iOverlander are lifesavers for this.

3. Time Your Travel

If you can swing it, leave on Thursday instead of Friday and come back Tuesday instead of Monday. Not only do you miss the worst traffic, but you also get those precious quiet hours before the holiday crowds roll in.

4. Look for Last-Minute Cancellations

If you’re still trying to head out on a campervan or RV trip over Labor Day weekend, you can set up alerts to see if campsites become available at your favorite spots. You can do this on The Dyrt Pro app…..it’s called a Dyrt Alert. Or, you can be like me, and constantly skim state park websites, or Recreation.gov for cancellations at national parks or on national forest service land.

5. Pack Like Stores Will Be Empty

With millions of people flooding small towns near campgrounds, shelves can get bare. Stock up before you go, especially on the things you really care about. (For me, that’s coffee and micro-brews, always.)

6. Use Membership Platforms

You’re more likely to find a campsite if you join a membership like Harvest Hosts. This platform has an affordable annual fee, and you can stay at wineries, breweries, farms and more. I think it’s such a quaint way to travel, and you get to meet small business owners along the way.

Where People Are Heading

The RVIA survey found that national parks have overtaken beaches as the number-one destination for RVers this fall, and more than 90% plan to stay within three to seven hours of home, turning the drive itself into a scenic road trip worth savoring. I love that: some of my best memories aren’t from the final destination, but from the quirky roadside stops along the way.

Still, here are the hot spots topping the list:

• National and state parks (no surprise here)
• Coastal spots for one last summer beach trip
• Festivals, fairs, and concerts—so many small towns are celebrating this time of year
• Leaf-peeping in the Northeast—and honestly, if you’ve never driven through New England in the fall, it’s spectacular

My Takeaway

I love seeing RVing continue to grow. The fact that younger generations are embracing it, families are piling in with their pets, and people are using it to escape daily life—it shows how powerful this lifestyle really is.

But with growth comes challenges: crowded parks, busy roads, and the risk of getting turned away without a backup plan. My best advice? Stay flexible. Pick a region instead of one single destination. Be willing to pivot if a campground is full. And remember that sometimes the most magical spots are the ones you didn’t plan for.

Labor Day is going to be busy, no doubt. But it’s also an opportunity. An opportunity to slow down, unplug, and see parts of the country you’d never see from 30,000 feet in the air.