Camping: An Old Trend Becomes New Again

Camping is becoming more and more popular, gaining prevalence in current and previous years. In America alone, 86.1 million U.S. households recognized themselves as campers in 2020. In 2021, a whopping 56 million households camped or have camped previously, with an additional 9.2 million households having made a camping debut.

Statistics show that demographics correlate with camping experience. 63% of Caucasians deem themselves ‘experience campers’ along with 13% of Hispanics and Latinos, 12% of Black Americans, 7% of Asians and Pacific Islanders, and 5% of other unlisted races. Among inexperienced campers who made their camping debut in 2020, 60% of first-time campers were not Caucasian, with 24% being Black, 15% being Hispanic or Latino, 14% being Asian or Pacific Islander, and 8% identifying with an unlisted race.

The popularity of camping also has correlations by generation. 44% of Millennials have camped throughout their lives, among members of Gen X 46%, and 44% of Baby Boomers are lifelong campers. These correlations extend into introductions to camping. In 2020 alone 26% of Millennials compared for the first time, 22% of Gen X, and 15% of Baby Boomers spent their first night outdoors.

Spending time outside has been proven to decrease stress levels, better cognitive function, boost memory, and promote a more well-rounded being. Vacation in the great outdoors and join the camping movement as more Americans reap the benefits mother nature has to offer.