Camping is on the Rise Even in Pandemic and Millennials Are Contributing to it

Last Updated on March 9, 2021

Camping is on the Rise Even in PandemicWhen 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 That’s why they started going out again as soon as the restrictions were withdrawn.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.

Since the start of the measurement of data by KOA in 2014, the reports have shown a gradual increase in camping over the years. And, maintain those trends, the new report of the Fall-2020 shows that the projected number of travel is 15% for camping while the number was 11% before 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.

Camping-as-First-Type-of-Planned-Trip

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.

Millennials have comprised a staggering 55% of the new campers who took camping for the first time in their life after the start of the pandemic. Not only that, 82% of the campers have children in their house. So, that shows a great number of younger generations are taking camping trips now.

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.

Rankings-of-the-Safest-Forms-of-Travel

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.

Prospective-RVers’-Plans-to-Buy,-Borrow-or-Rent-an-RV

Source: koa.com

The millennials have the highest percentage of 36 in being in full-time RVing. Gen X campers are most likely to buy an RV is 62%. Among the prospective RV buyers, there is little difference between the people who want to buy versus the people who are likely to rent an RV. It is 34% and 32% respectively.

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.

Impact-of-Remote-Work-and-or-Learning-on-the-2020-Camping-Season

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.

46% of the campers considered access to technology as a prime factor to work remotely. And, 36% of campers considered it a factor for the children and themselves to complete school work.

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.

New-Campers-to-Continue-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.

Interest-in-Types-of-Camping-Experiences-for-2021

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.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

Expert Night Vision
Logo