No matter the season, camping can be a great way to immerse yourself in your surroundings–near or far. Whether you pitch a tent or customize a conversion van, camping can look different for everyone. 

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After the last two years of the pandemic, travel levels are beginning to increase again, and so is camping popularity. The 2022 North American Camping Report by KOA highlighted that last year there were over 90 million camping households in the United States! Keep reading to discover this year’s camping trends and what it means for your outdoor brand. 

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Tech-Accessible Campsites

One of the biggest trends in the last two years has been adapting to a remote-friendly world, and the camping industry is no different. As people have transitioned to Zoom and email for work, there are more opportunities to explore and get away from the typical 9-5. 

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This shift means that many campers are looking for ways to still get things done from the comfort of wherever they are, so campsites with internet access are in high demand. This article can help you navigate the different options for installing wifi into your RV if that’s your preferred method of travel.

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Additionally, electric vehicles and sustainable technology have been on the rise. Camping sites that offer charging stations and accommodations for these vehicles can be a huge plus. If you own a campsite where people can use electricity for free, Forbes points out that introducing a fee could help earn some extra revenue.

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Optimizing Reservations

Another camping trend on the rise is software to help book different reservations. Many campgrounds offer a variety of campsites, each with its own amenities. Some campers may have a specific site in mind, while others may be more open to moving around dates and locations on the grounds. 

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Booking services can help you automate these processes and adjust reservations based on need and availability. Some campers may even be willing to pay a lock fee to secure a specific site and time, while others can be moved around to different locations.

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Upgraded Camping

Think outside the tent! Camping doesn’t have to be pitching a tent, starting a fire, or sleeping outdoors. As reported by KOA, many campers have resorted to new or upgraded ways of doing things. 

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Glamping is a play on words between glamor and camping; it’s a luxurious way to do so. It often involves nicer sleeping accommodations (like a yurt or treehouse), amenities, and even food compared to traditional campsites. Some even liken the experience to a resort! Glamping can be done through a service, campground, or with the camper’s own belongings.

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Another option includes overlanding, which takes place in vehicles that are accommodated for outdoor living, similar to those used for off-roading. These trips are definitely for thrill-seekers and don’t involve the services or space that a larger vehicle like a conversion van or RV might require. The activity is also marked by unusual or exciting journeys to get to the destination itself.

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In 2022, KOA predicts roughly 50% of campers intend to participate in forms of camping like glamping or overlanding.

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Greater Inclusivity

Lastly, camping is becoming an activity that more and more demographics are participating in. Last year, over 9 million new households camped for the first time. Among these campers, over a third said that the pandemic was why they started, KOA reports. In addition, more than half were non-white and millennial. 

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This presents a great opportunity for both outdoor brands and campsites to market and reach these new audiences. Inclusivity is a foundational goal, and companies should strive to make both products and services adaptable and open.

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This concludes the list of camping trends! For more resources and the full KOA camping trends report, click here.

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