Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 63% of recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds) businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 8.8%.

63%
5-Year Survival Rate
+5.2%
Net Growth Rate
5,859
Total Firms
467
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Recreational and Vacation Camps a Good Business to Start?

With a 63% five-year survival rate, recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds) has an above-average survival rate compared to the national average of roughly 50%. This makes it a relatively safe industry to enter — businesses here tend to find stable demand and sustainable economics.

The annual exit rate of 8.8% is lower than many sectors, suggesting that once established, these businesses have staying power. That said, lower failure rates often correlate with higher barriers to entry or established competition.

Entry vs. Exit Rates

Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.

Entry Rate (new businesses)10.0%
Exit Rate (closures)8.8%

Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+1.2 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

19.7%
Job Creation Rate
14.5%
Job Destruction Rate
+5.2%
Net Job Growth

The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 51,126 workers across 5,859 firms.

Want to know how much recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds) businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) →

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds) businesses fail?
Approximately 37% of recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds) businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 8.8%, with 467 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds) industry growing or shrinking?
The recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds) industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +5.2% per year. New businesses are entering at 10.0% while 8.8% close annually.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.