Weather and recreational vehicle camping businesses

Camping is a salient economic contributor to nature-based tourism and among its most susceptible subsectors to weather and climate change, yet it remains understudied. Accordingly, we investigate (1) the effects weather on camping business performance and (2) the potential value camping can capture from weather. The study is operationalized using daily recreational vehicle accommodation sales (2007–2016) for two camping businesses in the Southwest and Central climate regions of the United States matched with climate data (1984–2020). Results establish (1) weather shares a direct relationship with camping business sales where effect sizes range from small to moderate and (2) camping businesses can capture financial value from weather. Theoretical and practical implications are provided. •The study explores the effects of weather on camping business sales.•Climate change was observed at locations in Southwest and Central climate regions.•Recreational vehicle sales improved with favorable weather.•Weather had the most salient effects on sales in the fall meteorological season.•Results demonstrate the financial value of weather, dependent on season.