Have you ever been camping? When I was young, my parents let me camp in the backyard with a tent and sleeping bag, and it was always so exciting! And maybe a little bit scary, too. My grandparents had a small camper and often traveled with it to nearby lakes. I sometimes got to stay with them at the campground and go fishing, hiking and swimming.
Camping can mean many different things to people. Maybe you pitch a tent, build a fire for cooking, and simply enjoy nature. Or, perhaps you road-trip around the country in a large recreational vehicle (RV), with the comforts of a toilet and shower in your vehicle.
Leave a comment and let me know about your favorite camping experiences, I’d love to hear from you!
Camping Trends
According to a report from Kampgrounds of America (KOA), camping has grown significantly the past decade and makes up about 32% of the leisure travel market. Campers spent more than $52 billion in local communities last year!
More than 92 million American households identify as campers, with more than 58 million households reporting that they camped at least once in 2022.
The COVID pandemic that began in 2020 also contributed to the increase. KOA’s report indicates that more than 6.4 million households camped for the first time in 2022.
With an influx of people camping, finding a campsite has become the biggest challenge for campers. Research from The Dyrt, a resource for campers, shows that in 2019, 10.6% of its community found it difficult to find a place to camp. Fast forward to 2022, and nearly 60% of campers reported they had trouble finding a campsite.
Fun Facts About Camping
The Amateur Adventure Journal compiled some facts about camping that I found interesting! Here are a few:
- 58% of households that camped in 2021 had children
- 33% of campers always camp with pets
- 63% of campers used camping to help improve their mental health in 2021
- 64% of campers prefer to camp in tents vs. RVs or cabins
Glamping
Have you ever heard of glamping? It’s a combination of the words “glamorous camping,” and it’s become very popular over the past decade and implies a more luxurious experience with amenities like hot water, comfortable mattresses and kitchens.
You can even find unique glamping options available like treehouses, safari tents, and yurts! Learn more about the differences between traditional camping and glamping here.
NCP and Camping
As you’re planning your camping trip- or glamping vacation!- remember to scan your purchases and report them to NCP. It’s easy to forget about shopping trips and purchases that aren’t part of your regular routine.
Camping purchase might include things like:
- Charcoal and lighter fluid
- Sleeping bags, tents and outdoor gear
- Plates, cups, and utensils
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Toiletries
- Food
Do you enjoy camping? What are your must-have items, whether you’re traveling by RV or roughing it in a tent? Happy camping!
Regards,
Taylor
We love camping! We use to take our kids when they were young all the time. We started with a tent, then pop-ups then upgraded to an RV. We are empty nesters now and have moved to where there are more boats than campers, so sold our camper last year.
Camping at Apache lake az when my kids were little
My favorite camping trips were and are yearly trips to Bass Lake or Mammoth mountain. Their forests are absolutely gorgeous! When a was younger , we always camped out. It’s ok to be full of dirt when young( we would stay for a week w no showers around ) but not as I grew older. Once I started working, I’d rent a cabin on the lakes and no expense spared, just was there to have memorable times that I cherish to this day!
We used to taker the camper to the river every summer and stay for a week or two.
My first camping trip i was a month old. Growing up My parents took us about every weekend. Daddy take his vacation and to the river we would go. Stayed sometimes two wks at a time. It wasn’t just My parents, sister, dog & me, we had whole family camp together. Aunts, Uncles, cousins & people that said they were kin to me but I didn’t know them. More people means more fun. Nothing like sitting on that TN river bank at night with a full Moon looking across the river it looks like diamonds coming up out of the river. Peaceful & relaxing to see. After I married I took my kids camping. Now they have kids and yep they take their kids camping. My husband & I haven’t gotten to go in 2 yrs due to my husbands health. He wanted to go once more but sadly we didn’t make it I lost him May 15, 2023. Me & My dog are planning a one night trip for the last time to take some of his ashes. Just me & My dog cause I want never go again. Not no fun without my soulmate, my best friend & my husband camping with me. Always slept in tents camping not camping unless you sleep in a tent. If you have never been you got to go.
Trina, thank you for sharing your story. It sounds like you have lots of great memories of camping trips with your family. I am so sorry about the loss of your husband. The trip you have planned with your dog sounds like the perfect way to honor him.
I was a Boy Scout leader for 17 years, and we went camping at least once a month. I much preferred primitive camping with backpacking, hiking, and canoeing over the overcrowded camporees or commercial campgrounds. Summer camp was always enjoyable because we could do 5 days of merit badge learning with the boys. Now that our sons and daughter (Venture Scout!) are grown and I am in my 70s with many of the infirmaties we oldsters are “blessed” with, I look back on those days with great fondness. Thank you for the memories.
My parents “camp” year round. They started 3 years ago and have now stated in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Arkansas. They’ve upgrades their rv once and always travel with their 2 horses, 2 dogs and cat.
No, the influx isn’t because of the pandemic! It’s because inflation is so high and house costs, rent, etc are rising. People are being FORCED OUT! They aren’t camping for fun, it’s their new home!! Many have chosen to be full timers. For some, it’s a hard new reality.
You meet the nicest people camping!