Amid rising costs and airfare, outdoor accommodation booking platform Pitchup.com said it is seeing a major shift among Americans toward domestic travel and camping, longer outdoor getaways and low-lift nature escapes replacing more traditional vacations.
New booking data from the platform suggests that camping is increasingly becoming travelers’ primary summer trip rather than just a quick weekend getaway.
“We’re seeing camping evolve from a spontaneous weekend getaway into a planned summer vacation of its own. In the U.S, travelers are booking further ahead and staying longer, which signals that outdoor travel is no longer just a budget substitute, but for many people it’s becoming the preferred way to travel this summer,” said Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com.
With campsites starting around $15 a night, camping offers travelers a chance to explore a new destination and spend time outdoors for significantly less than a hotel or vacation rental stay. Pitchup.com also provides an easier, lower-stress alternative to crowded national park travel, the company said, allowing travelers to avoid high entrance fees and the challenge of securing in-demand national park campsites months in advance.
Some of Pitchup’s latest insights include:
- Domestic Camping Rises: American travelers booked 69% more U.S. camping trips this year to-date from last year.
- Longer Trips: The average camping trip length has jumped from 1.8 days to 3.05 days, signaling travelers are planning longer, destination-driven outdoor vacations.
- Planning Ahead: Booking windows have expanded from 25.9 days to 44.6 days, suggesting travelers are prioritizing and planning camping trips earlier like they would a hotel or resort vacation.
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Vernal RV Resort. Image courtesy of Pitchup.com Most Popular Places for Summer Camping: Hottest spots in the U.S. for camping this summer are Florida (36% of bookings to-date) and Virgina (31% of bookings) and Utah (14% of bookings). Ideas for summer getaways include: Vernal RV Resort for the perfect road trip stop in Utah or JAI Jungle of Permaculture for wild camping on a Florida eco-farm, with meditation classes available to find zen in the heart of an oak tree forest.
- The Rise of “Soft Camping”: Globally, bookings for pre-pitched “ready tents” are up 45% year-over-year, pointing to a rise in first-time campers and travelers looking for lower-maintenance outdoor experiences without investing in gear. Campgrounds like Mujeres Valley Campground in New Mexico offer ready tents for those looking to try camping for just $30/night.
“One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is the rise of lower-maintenance outdoor travel. More travelers want the experience of being outdoors without investing in expensive equipment or planning an intensive trip, which is why options like ready tents are growing so quickly in the U.S. at +34% YOY,” Yates said.
