In a remarkable display of resilience, camping has proven to be an inflation-resistant activity in 2024, according to a recent report by The Dyrt. This report highlights that among the 81.1 million Americans who camped last year, a staggering 79.6% either camped the same or went on more trips despite the rising costs of living. This data comes from the newly published 2025 Camping Report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the trends and dynamics in the U.S. camping industry, curated from surveys involving The Dyrt's user community, a representative sample of U.S. residents, and property managers nationwide.
The findings of the report underscore a valuable observation made by The Dyrt's founder, Sarah Smith. She has consistently championed the notion that camping is a viable option that withstands economic fluctuations. Her claim was put to the test in the previous year, showing that while certain campers opted for fewer trips to save on expenses, a significant portion turned to camping as a more affordable travel alternative. Smith remarked on the data’s significance, noting, "Seeing that 80% of campers either maintained their camping frequency or increased it speaks volumes about the adaptability of our community amid challenges."
Another sign of the camping industry's resilience is the notable decrease in campground rate increases. The proportion of campgrounds that raised their rates dropped from 45.3% in 2023 to 38.9% in 2024, alleviating some financial pressure for camping enthusiasts. Among those who did increase their rates, a noteworthy 78.7% cited inflation as their primary reason, demonstrating the broader economic influence on the camping landscape.
Testimonials from campers like Bob R. from Ohio reflect how inflation impacted their travel plans. He shared, "Higher prices for fuel and food at the start of the camping season nearly curtailed our adventures. We had hopes of journeying to the western U.S. but found affordable campgrounds to be scarce. Thus, we decided to experiment with boondocking, which turned out to be a rewarding experience for us!"
Kris A., another camper from Colorado, had a similar revelation regarding the value of camping. "After realizing that I hadn’t traveled outside my home state for over ten years, I recognized it was time for a change. Traveling, especially when booking hotel accommodations, can be costly, and inflation certainly made things worse. Campgrounds offered a budget-friendly way for me to visit locations like Moab, the Black Hills, and Ouray within six months."
The Dyrt continues to pave the way for campers by providing an all-encompassing app that lists both public and private campgrounds, RV parks, and free camping spots across the United States. With millions of user-generated reviews, The Dyrt stands out in helping users make informed camping decisions. The Dyrt PRO offers further perks, such as no-charge camping tools, reservations at overcrowded sites, and discounts, ensuring campers can maximize their outdoor experiences.
This latest 2025 Camping Report, conducted by The Dyrt and presented by Toyota Trucks, is illustrated through the lens of the largest online camping community, establishing it as an essential informational resource within the camping sector. As camping continues to thrive in an age of uncertainty, enthusiasts can look forward to many more memorable adventures under the open sky. For more information, visit
www.thedyrt.com.