Majority of Campers Face Challenges in Reserving Campsites Amid High Demand

Campers Struggle with Booking Campsites

In a recent survey conducted by The Dyrt, a leading camping app, it was revealed that a staggering 56.1% of campers faced challenges when trying to book campsites in 2024, primarily due to high demand. This statistic mirrors the peak levels observed in 2022, where 58.4% reported similar struggles, indicating an ongoing trend that poses a significant hurdle for camping enthusiasts.

Insights from the 2025 Camping Report

The findings are part of The Dyrt's 2025 Camping Report, a comprehensive analysis of the U.S. camping industry. This annual report is compiled from insights gathered from The Dyrt's extensive community, U.S. residents, and property managers nationwide. In stark contrast to the mere 10.6% of campers who encountered booking difficulties back in 2019, the numbers rose sharply in 2020, largely attributed to the pandemic, which ignited a surge in outdoor activities.

An increase to 26.9% in 2020, followed by further growth to 30.2% in 2021, culminated in a dramatic spike in 2022 as outdoor spaces became a refuge for many.

The Pacific region, comprising states like California and Washington, reported the highest struggle at 66.1%. This figure is particularly concerning as it indicates a trend that many in these areas have faced while trying to enjoy the great outdoors.

The Camping Community's Response

Sarah Smith, founder of The Dyrt, commented on the findings, expressing a desire for minimal friction in campsite reservation processes. She noted, “The camping community flourishes when securing spots is simpler. While the addition of private campgrounds helped reduce booking difficulties in 2023, the high demand for public campgrounds remains a significant stumbling block.”

For many campers, flexibility is key. One such camper, Jon C. from Idaho, shared his experience of planning a trip through popular parks in Utah and Nevada. Despite their best efforts to book promptly, all desired campsites were fully reserved before they could complete their transactions. This situation forced them to pivot, eventually discovering that state parks could potentially offer a more rewarding experience.

Alternatives and Solutions

Amid rising demand for traditional camping, glamping has emerged as a favorable alternative. Campers who prefer glamping reported 34.4% less difficulty in booking sites compared to the average, indicating that luxury camping experiences may provide more availability.

To further assist those struggling to secure campsite reservations, The Dyrt offers a feature called The Dyrt Alerts. This service notifies users when previously sold-out campsites become available, turning a frustrating experience into an achievable one.

Conclusion

As interest in camping continues to grow, the challenges of booking sites, particularly in highly sought-after locations, require both adaptability and innovative solutions. For those committed to parking their tents or RVs near their favorite scenic spots, embracing alternatives and leveraging new tools may help streamline the experience. With a sense of community support and the right strategies, enjoying nature remains attainable, even in a crowded camping landscape.

For more information, visit The Dyrt's official website.