Why Camping Has Become So Popular Lately

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Camping is all the rage right now. This classic outdoor adventure has experienced tremendous growth, especially over the past two years.

According to the 2021 North American Camping Report by Kampgrounds, almost 48 million households camped in 2020. Of these, 10.1 million households went camping for the first time in their life in 2020.

As this report attests, more and more people are going camping now more than ever before. So what is fueling this increase? Why is camping suddenly an attractive recreational activity to so many households and individuals? Let’s find out below.

One of the most popular reasons for camping is its affordability. Camping trips are relatively cheap compared to other vacation types, making them a great option for families on a budget. Camping trips can also be tailored to meet the needs of a variety of groups, allowing campers to customize their experience.

Camping enthusiasts are presented with an opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, making it a pleasurable way to spend time outdoors. Combining hiking with camping can also provide an opportunity for improved physical fitness, making it a great way to stay active.

4 Reasons Behind the Camping Industry Growth

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Camping has experienced an unprecedented boom in the past two years because of one event: the global Coronavirus pandemic.

When hotels and airports closed and cruises became breeding grounds for the coronavirus, camping became the only viable way to vacation while still complying with the new social distancing requirements.

As countries went into lockdown and the effect of cabin fever set in, the freedom that camping offered was in the minds of many.

After spending what seemed like a lifetime cooped up, people couldn’t wait to get outside. Many saw camping as the perfect way to usher in the new normal post lockdown.

The result? An incredibly high number of people went camping, and campgrounds and glamping facilities are smiling all the way to the bank.

But the pandemic only accelerated what was already an upward trend with more and more people venturing into campgrounds each year. So why was camping on the rise before COVID 19?

Modern Lifestyle Trends

Even before the Coronavirus pandemic disrupted our lives and ignited a desire to spend time in the great outdoors, camping was seeing steady growth year after year.

This was mostly due to more people embracing an active outdoor lifestyle. The quest for health and wellness has made activities such as hiking, running and biking on the trails, and climbing popular.

Camping activities are also a popular way to unplug from our busy and stressful lives and depressurize. After all, camping is a proven stress reliever that improves our mental and emotional wellbeing. Even just being out there in nature has relaxation benefits.

People are also now putting more value in amassing experiences over material things. Camping is one of the most valued leisure experiences nowadays. There’s just something about being out there, connecting with nature and with other people.

An interesting thing about the rise in the number of people going camping is that young people are embracing camping too. Enter the power of social media.

In true millennial style, young people are capturing enviable photos and videos of the camping experiences and sharing them on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

This has made camping cool and the fear of missing out is prompting even more young people to organize camping trips and also show off their experiences on social media sites. Social media has, therefore, played a significant role in the camping boom.

There are Now More Ways to Camp

Backpacking in the wilderness and sleeping in a traditional tent isn’t for everyone. Thankfully, this is not the only camping option available today.

RV camping and glamping have opened up camping to many people who otherwise wouldn’t be moved by the idea of going off the grid and roughing it in the wild.

RV camping is a very convenient option for families. The 2021 Kampgrounds report on camping trends also revealed that the number of households owning RVs grew by 2.6 million in 2020 alone.

Having a recreational motorhome or being able to rent one has enabled more couples and families to venture out on multi-day camping trips in comfort.

Thanks to glamping (glamorous camping), even people whose idea of a vacation entails luxurious accommodation can now enjoy camping without having to give up life’s luxuries.

Luxury camping facilities ranging from treehouses, bell tents, to shepherd’s huts have made camping more attractive to more vacationers.

Glamping facilities offer the best of both worlds. You can be out there enjoying the therapeutic effect of nature while also having all the amenities you’ve come to love: electricity, hot showers, and Wi-Fi.

Campers can even school and work remotely while enjoying the outdoors.

Camping is More Accessible Than Other Vacations

The best thing about camping is that you don’t have to break the bank or take time off work or school in order to enjoy an expedition.

With no airfare,  hotel costs, or days off to worry about, people can pack and go for a night or weekend-long camping expedition whenever the mood strikes.

Even better, there are campgrounds within a few hour’s drive from most cities and residential areas. You don’t have to travel far and wide to find a serene place to explore the outdoors.

Why Camping Has Exploded in Popularity in the Last Two Years

Most of us have an innate love for the outdoors and a desire to connect with nature. The COVID 19 pandemic only served to awaken this passion.

That there are more camping options such as RVing and glamping has allowed all kinds of people to enjoy camping.

In line with modern lifestyle trends, camping also offers a way to stay active and de-stress while having fun. And let’s not forget the power to influence that social media has. All these factors have led to an increase in the number of people going camping.

So is this camping trend the new normal or is it just a passing fad? Having experienced the joys of camping, most new campers are likely to continue with the new tradition of camping.

Camping is geared to remain a popular outdoor recreational activity even as people go back to traveling abroad and staying in hotels. As avid campers can attest, there’s no vacation quite like camping!

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