Florida continues to prove itself as the nation’s tourism powerhouse. The latest data from VISIT FLORIDA shows that the state welcomed 34.4 million visitors in the second quarter of 2025—the highest Q2 visitation ever recorded. For outdoor hospitality operators, these numbers aren’t just impressive statistics. They’re a reminder that opportunity is growing, and parks that position themselves strategically stand to benefit.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Of the 34.4 million visitors, the vast majority—91.5%—were domestic travelers, representing 31.5 million Americans who chose Florida for their vacation. At the same time, international visitation is rebounding in meaningful ways. Overseas travel to Florida climbed 11.4% year over year, bringing in 2.3 million international guests, while Canadian visitation reached 640,000 during the quarter.
Air travel is also a driver of growth. Florida’s 19 commercial airports handled 28.6 million enplanements in Q2, with Punta Gorda (+22.5%) and St. Petersburg-Clearwater (+14.0%) leading the charge in growth. Even modest gains in room demand (+1.2%) show that visitation is translating directly into overnight stays—good news for the lodging sector and campgrounds alike.
What It Means for RV Parks and Campgrounds
For park owners and operators, the surge in tourism signals several key takeaways:
- Snowbird season momentum: With Canadian arrivals climbing and overseas travel trending upward, expect heightened interest for winter stays and long-term rentals.
- Regional marketing matters: Smaller airports like Punta Gorda and St. Pete-Clearwater are seeing outsized growth. Parks within a short drive of these gateways may want to target travelers arriving through these hubs.
- Competitive landscape: Room demand is rising, but so is guest expectation. With more visitors in the state, parks that invest in guest experience—from connectivity and amenities to personalized service—can capture repeat bookings.
A Strong Outlook
Florida’s ability to consistently outpace its own records underscores the resilience of its tourism sector. While beaches, theme parks, and attractions remain top draws, the state’s growing reputation for outdoor hospitality presents RV parks and campgrounds with a unique opportunity.
As 2026 approaches—and with another record-breaking convention season on the horizon—now is the time for operators to ask: How can my park capture a larger share of these visitors?
Bottom line: Florida isn’t just attracting visitors—it’s keeping them coming back in greater numbers. For RV parks and campgrounds, that’s more than good news. It’s a call to action.
