New motivations are driving a wave of first-time campers.
What’s happening: New data from The Dyrt revealed an uptick in camping participation.
- One in four Americans camped in 2023.
- 5.5M people camped for the first time, marking 20M newbies since 2021.
- One-third of first-timers were aged 18–34.
Fueling the rise, campers are combining creature comforts with off-grid intentions.
Home on the range. Easing into it, more campers opted for less-rustic “glamping” — 42% of reported glampers took part for the first time in 2023.
Aligning with developments in adventure lodging that take city-dwellers into the wild, 10% of campsites added upscale options like yurts or tiny cabins.
Lost and found. Leaving stress behind, more campers see time in nature as medicine for mental and emotional health.
Nearly a third camped alone at least once last year, up 11% since 2021. Meanwhile, remote overlanding doubled, with the majority of campers wishing to try it in 2024.
Looking ahead: In high demand, campsites are racing to accommodate every type of camper. But as endless amenities add up, pricing people out remains a pitfall — as the most sought-after benefits of the great outdoors are free.
