Last Updated on March 9, 2021
When the world is at its knee because of the COVID-19 pandemic and people are forced to stay at home as much as possible, camping has been a breath of fresh air for many of them.
The North American Camping Report, funded by KOA (Kampgrounds of America, Inc.), has indicated that camping is experiencing a strong comeback because of its ability to offer the campers outdoor beauty with maximum social distancing.
People know that camping would be a much safer way to spend your time with the family or yourself while maintaining the health protocol. That’s why they started going out again as soon as the restrictions were withdrawn.
As a result, camping experienced a boom during the summer of last year and what happened was, campers took more trips than the original plan. Besides, the number of new campers rose to a new high too as many tried to break the monotony of staying at home for a long period because of the pandemic.
So, overall camping is on the rise even in pandemic and promises to keep growing in number in the coming days too.
Let’s have a closer look at the key findings of the report now.
Camping is on the Rise Even in Pandemic
Camping During Summer was Busier than Expectation
When the earlier survey was conducted during May, it was predicted by the leisure traveler that 17% of their first trip would be camping after the ban would be lifted. But, the actual number was 21% in reality, meaning a 4% increase than the actual intentions of the travelers.
Source: koa.com
Actual campers predicted that to be 29%, whilst the real number was 36%. So, 7% increase than expectations. Also, the non-campers faced a 3% increase than their predictions.
25% of the North American Campers Experienced their First Camping
46% of all of the campers have either experienced camping for the first time or have started camping again after having some year gap. 19% of millennials have gone camping for the first time in life.
The number is 17% among Gen X and 15% among the Gen Z travelers. This is a big quantity, to be honest, and this shows you the future of camping in North America.
The interest in camping is also very strong among the campers and other groups. 42% of all the campers have stated that they would be planning a trip later in the year while 17% would be canceling and 10% likely to cancel.
Camping is Still Considered as The Safest Form of Travel
Both the campers and non-campers rank camping as the safest form of travel. 29% of the general travelers plan to replace the postponed or canceled trip with a camping trip. This number is 45% among the campers and 15% among the non-campers.
Source: koa.com
Another aspect is that; people like to have a private bathroom facility while they are camping. 48% of the leisure travelers, 58% of the prospective campers, and 42% of the real campers have desired to have this facility while they are on a camping trip.
Camping Behavior During COVID-19
During this troublesome time of the pandemic, people are willing to go to less popular areas to avoid public gatherings. 68% of the campers and 60% of the general travelers have expressed their desire to visit low-density areas.
RVs are a very good form of having a private place for you whilst experiencing a good bonding time with nature. That is why 51% of all the campers say that they will be buying RVs for their camping trips. The main concern is cleanliness during traveling when they are on RVs.
Source: koa.com
And, the difference between all prospective campers is slightly higher. Also, you will find a big difference between peer-to-peer and traditional services.
After the pandemic, a staggering 46% of leisure travelers have gone out to spend more time with nature. This has happened to 57% of campers. 58% of them have done it to spend more free time with nature whilst 47% to go outside after being trapped in because of the pandemic. Also, 41% of them have done it for exercise purposes.
Camping Impacted by The Opportunity of Remote Work and Schooling
A large number of 60% of campers have stated that the opportunity to work from home during the pandemic has allowed them to camp more frequently and work as well. This has made a larger impact on Gen X and millennials people. 45% of Gen X and 40% of millennials have gone camping because of the opportunity to work from home.
Source: koa.com
Also, 43% of the regular campers and 14% of the prospective campers have stated that they would be extending the camping season if they can be sure of remote schooling. These people have children in their homes.
The access of the technology during pandemic has a positive impact on camping frequency. People can be connected to their family and friends, do remote works, and learn simultaneously. As a result, they can do more camping trips than before.
28% of all the active campers, whether American or Canadian, indicated that to become a “snowbird” camper in the coming days. The rate is highest among the Gen X campers and non-campers too.
The Predicted Growth of Camping in 2021
The growth of camping is very likely to be continued in 2021 too. The estimation is 18% for the new campers who have done camping in 2020. People who consider themselves as tent or cabin campers have the most likelihood of continuing camping in 2021.
Source: koa.com
People are also interested in glamping nowadays. The millennials campers (42%) and the Gen X campers (45%) are most into glamping experiences.
Source: koa.com
These are some interesting and intriguing data that shows a gradual growth of camping even in the pandemic. The camping industry is becoming more and more enriched because of the popularity amongst the millennials and other age groups.
People are exploring nature even at night to have a beautiful experience in the wilderness to freshen up. Generally, camping lovers are night lovers too.
Stay tuned with us to get the updated information on the latest camping news and do let us know if you have any queries.
Kalman is a hunting expert who has a vast experience with wild game hunting. Though night time hunting is his favorite, he masters the art of daytime hunting and shooting. Being a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, he wants to pass the knowledge acquired over time to the next generation.
