From growing sales to more people enjoying parks and campgrounds, more New Yorkers have gotten into recreational vehicle (RV) vacationing ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

"We're just trying to source inventory from wherever we can, whether it be stepping up to get a customer’s trade or  buying something from someone directly or taking on something for consignment," says Alpin Haus General Sales Manager Mark Hendershot.

A new report from the website Outdoorsy found that RV campgrounds contribute a little more than $100 million to New York's economy.

"With COVID and the pandemic, this is a way for people still to go enjoy family enjoy vacation, be able to socially distance, and enjoy the things they want to do," says Hendershot. "I think a big appeal of the big appeal to New York is the natural beauty. The waterfalls, the mountains, the hiking trails, all those things that we have available to us here in upstate New York."

The demand for RV sales has exploded. Hendershot says there is such a high demand for RVs that customers are special ordering their campers in order to get them faster.

"The manufacturers are filling the customers retail orders first, before the giving the dealership stock," says Hendershot. "What's happening is because there's no dealer stock, people are seeing that. They're just continuing to special order and special order in special order in order to get the product they want."

But even with the high demand, Hendershot says manufacturers are doing their best to make sure dealers like his are stocked up for the coming summer rush.

If you’re looking to go camping with your family this summer, Hendershot says your best bet is to purchase an RV trailer. Deliveries for those could take 8 to 10 weeks.