The Dyrt has released their 2024 Camping Report, and it is no surprise to people in the industry that the outlook is strong for a robust camping turnout in the coming year. The report estimates 84.8 million Americans camped in 2023, and 5.5 million of those folks were first-time campers.
How do these campers classify themselves? Almost 47% listed an RV as their primary camping type, 10.9% more than in 2023. Tent campers were represented by a strong 31.4% of respondents. Overlanding made up 3.4% of respondents, but we are keeping a close eye on that number in 2024 to see if overlanding continues to grow in popularity amongst the younger demographic of campers.
And speaking of demographics–the report finds the number of campers in the 18-34 year old demographic continues to increase year over year, while fewer 45-64 year olds camped in the last year than previously. In fact, one third of first time campers in 2023 were in that 18-34 year old demographic. Kevin Long, CEO of The Dyrt, notes that “It’s fantastic that young people are discovering camping at an increasing rate and that older people are continuing to camp well into retirement.”
More people camping comes along with some challenges for the outdoor hospitality industry. The Dyrt’s report found that it was 4x harder to find a place to camp in 2023 than it was in 2019. 45.5% of campers surveyed claimed they had difficulty finding a place to camp because of sold out campgrounds.
This pain point may have led to the increase in popularity of free camping, boondocking, and dispersed camping, as well as the rise in popularity of camping on private property. Campgrounds are trying to respond, with 34.4% of properties increasing their available camping accommodations.
Another pain point for campers? Increasing prices. 45.3% of properties raised their rates in 2023, and the trend is forecast to continue with an estimated 36.5% of campgrounds planning on raising rates in 2024. Owners cite inflation, strong demand, and the need to upgrade facilities as the driving factors behind campground rates rising.
The Dyrt’s report aligned with other trend reports released in the last three months, noting the increase in winter season camping and the continued rise of campers who work from the campground. Other trends to note? Glamping continues to gain in popularity and RVing remains the most popular way to camp.
You can find The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report here.
The Dyrt is a comprehensive camping resource with over 12 million user-generated reviews, photos and tips for every RV site, cabin, glamping and tent camping location, including all public, private and free camping areas in the United States. The Dyrt is how campers search, save and book camping of any type anywhere in the U.S. With The Dyrt PRO, campers get reservations at sold-out campgrounds, advanced maps, discounts on camping and more. The Dyrt receives more than 30 million visits from campers each year. www.thedyrt.com
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