Popular camping resource The Dyrt has released its “2023 Camping Report” — this year’s annual dive into various aspects of camping around the United States.
Here are 5 key takeaway trends from the report:
1. Camping more difficult
Surveyed campers reported that it was five times more difficult to find available campsites in 2022 compared to 2019 (and roughly twice as difficult year-over-year), partially due to a large influx of new campers during the pandemic era. With an estimated 80 million campers in the U.S. in 2022, 7.2 million camped for the first time in 2022 and 15.5 million camped for the first time over the past two years.
The recent trend of “advanced booking” campsites, which has seemed to explode since 2020, was also deemed a contributing factor in “camping difficulty,” dubbed the “most difficult thing about camping,” with 35% of campers stating that “most advanced bookings being full” was the top challenge when planning a trip. It’s also worth noting that 16.4% of campers said they experienced problems with “first come, first serve” campsites being full.
2. Glamping
“Camping in style” is getting more popular. Not only were 44.8% of campers using RVs in 2022, “glamping” was up 10% year over year. Property managers adjusted campsites accordingly, with 44% of managers that added new types of camping to their site in 2022 opting to add glamping-specific options.
It’s also worth noting that over half of campers camped in a vehicle, with these “campers on wheels” two times more likely to bring a laptop and six times more likely to bring a television. Granted, it’s no surprise more people are taking advantage of these luxuries — 44.6% of campers had a household income above $100,000 in 2022, compared to 39.5% in 2021.
Dreamstime/Dreamstime/TNS
"Camping in style" is getting more popular. (Dreamstime/TNS)
3. Remote work campers
Campers continue to bring the “work place” to the outdoors. According to The Dyrt, 23.8% of campers said they worked remotely from their campsite in 2022 — roughly the same share of campers compared to 2021.
4. Going solo
Solo camping is on the rise. The Dyrt reports that their camping community saw a 28% increase in solo campers between 2021 and 2022. That being said, 57.1% of all campers camped with pets (91% dogs/6.8% cats/2.2% other).
5. Prices increase
Camping is getting more expensive. An estimated 48.6% of property managers raised rates in 2022, with another 46.4% looking to do the same in 2023. While prices are on the rise, those taking 11 or more trips per years (“avid campers,” 13.4% of all surveyed campers) were more likely to have a household income of less than $50,000.
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5 camping trends of 2023: More campers, more money, more problems
Dreamstime/Dreamstime/TNS
It’s a gateway to everything Alaska has to offer. Start your trip in this urban outpost and ease into the state’s vast wilderness. Sample local parks and trails, watch the more than1000 resident moose graze in Potter Marsh and beyond. Schedule a flight over Denali National Park, take a scenic drive to observe glaciers in the distance or fly-fish in a nearby river. While in town, stay at the colorful Captain Cook Hotel, where the décor recounts the adventurer’s voyages of long ago and provides views of the local community and the Chugach Mountains. Go deeper with a trip to Katmai National Park and Preserve. Accessible only by float plane or boat, and located on the Alaskan Peninsula near Kodiak Island, Katmai spans nearly five million acres. Families visit to observe the dense population of brown bears and to fish for trophy rainbow trout, salmon and Dolly Varden trout that run in Katmai’s streams and rivers.
For more: www.TravelAlaska; www.Anchorage.net; www.CaptainCook.com
Dreamstime/Dreamstime/TNS
It’s a gateway to everything Alaska has to offer. Start your trip in this urban outpost and ease into the state’s vast wilderness. Sample local parks and trails, watch the more than1000 resident moose graze in Potter Marsh and beyond. Schedule a flight over Denali National Park, take a scenic drive to observe glaciers in the distance or fly-fish in a nearby river. While in town, stay at the colorful Captain Cook Hotel, where the décor recounts the adventurer’s voyages of long ago and provides views of the local community and the Chugach Mountains. Go deeper with a trip to Katmai National Park and Preserve. Accessible only by float plane or boat, and located on the Alaskan Peninsula near Kodiak Island, Katmai spans nearly five million acres. Families visit to observe the dense population of brown bears and to fish for trophy rainbow trout, salmon and Dolly Varden trout that run in Katmai’s streams and rivers.
For more: www.TravelAlaska; www.Anchorage.net; www.CaptainCook.com
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5 camping trends of 2023: More campers, more money, more problems
durango.org
Visit this picturesque town in southwestern Colorado for an enjoyable blend of outdoor fun, historical sites, scenic beauty and the chance to ride a 19th-century steam train through Cascade Canyon. Hike to a waterfall, cycle along the river, soak in a hot spring, forage for mushrooms or pedal on a mountain trail. Be on the lookout for wildlife, tackle some whitewater or go rock climbing. At the end of the day, sample craft beverages, farm to table offerings, or the local farmer’s market. During the winter months, snow sports abound. Visitors can enjoy downhill skiing, cross country and snowshoeing.
For more: www.Durango.org.
durango.org
Visit this picturesque town in southwestern Colorado for an enjoyable blend of outdoor fun, historical sites, scenic beauty and the chance to ride a 19th-century steam train through Cascade Canyon. Hike to a waterfall, cycle along the river, soak in a hot spring, forage for mushrooms or pedal on a mountain trail. Be on the lookout for wildlife, tackle some whitewater or go rock climbing. At the end of the day, sample craft beverages, farm to table offerings, or the local farmer’s market. During the winter months, snow sports abound. Visitors can enjoy downhill skiing, cross country and snowshoeing.
For more: www.Durango.org.
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5 camping trends of 2023: More campers, more money, more problems
Sunvalley Instagram
Adjacent to the vast expanse of Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, this vibrant high-altitude enclave serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the beauty of the Sawtooth Range and the nearby mountain lakes and trails. Then return to town, where activities from horseback riding, mountain biking, fly fishing, tennis, golf and shopping will keep your clan engaged. When planning, check dates for concerts, plus art and music festivals. Don't miss the weekly ice skating shows at the Sun Valley Lodge featuring world-class figure skaters and Olympic medalists.
For more: www.sunvalley.com; www.VisitIdaho.org.
Sunvalley Instagram
Adjacent to the vast expanse of Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, this vibrant high-altitude enclave serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the beauty of the Sawtooth Range and the nearby mountain lakes and trails. Then return to town, where activities from horseback riding, mountain biking, fly fishing, tennis, golf and shopping will keep your clan engaged. When planning, check dates for concerts, plus art and music festivals. Don't miss the weekly ice skating shows at the Sun Valley Lodge featuring world-class figure skaters and Olympic medalists.
For more: www.sunvalley.com; www.VisitIdaho.org.
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5 camping trends of 2023: More campers, more money, more problems
The old section of this charming, family-friendly city in the Andes has been designated a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. Enjoy early morning bike tours through narrow streets, passing by flower and craft markets, colonial buildings, and more than 50 history-rich churches. Stroll along or float the Tomebamba River. Visit Inca ruins and expansive parks burgeoning with local families. Stop by the art gallery and workshop of famed ceramist Eduardo Vega and hike in the nearby Caja National Park. Free and low-cost cultural and outdoor opportunities for families are plentiful. Visit during the holidays when Cuencano children take the lead in Pase del Niño Viajero, Ecuador’s most significant Christmas pageant.
For more: www.FamilyAdventures.com; www.cuenca.com.ec ; www.Ecuador.travel.
The old section of this charming, family-friendly city in the Andes has been designated a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. Enjoy early morning bike tours through narrow streets, passing by flower and craft markets, colonial buildings, and more than 50 history-rich churches. Stroll along or float the Tomebamba River. Visit Inca ruins and expansive parks burgeoning with local families. Stop by the art gallery and workshop of famed ceramist Eduardo Vega and hike in the nearby Caja National Park. Free and low-cost cultural and outdoor opportunities for families are plentiful. Visit during the holidays when Cuencano children take the lead in Pase del Niño Viajero, Ecuador’s most significant Christmas pageant.
For more: www.FamilyAdventures.com; www.cuenca.com.ec ; www.Ecuador.travel.
