The Dyrt's 2026 Camping Report: Positive Trends in Camper Behavior

The Dyrt, recognized as the ultimate app for finding premier campsites, has recently released its 2026 Camping Report, which highlights some notable improvements in camper behaviors. According to data gathered from extensive surveys conducted among members of The Dyrt Community and camping property managers across the United States, there is a positive shift in how campers approach their reservations and cancellations. This encouraging news comes at a pivotal time when many coveted campsites are often fully booked, leaving some outdoor enthusiasts high and dry.

In the past few years, particularly from 2023 to 2025, there has been a significant enhancement in the percentage of campers honoring their reservations. The report indicates a consistent rise, with only 58.9% of campers showing up to their reserved sites in 2023. Remarkably, this figure escalated to 70.7% in 2024 and further climbed to 72.9% in 2025. The decline in both late arrivals—which fell by 9% last year—and no-shows—decreasing by 5%—paints a picture of a more responsible camping community.

One particularly noteworthy trend revealed in this year’s report is the 22% increase in short-notice cancellations in 2025. While cancellations can be frustrating, short-notice cancellations tend to be less detrimental to the camping experience as they allow last-minute campers to seize available spots, especially through services such as The Dyrt Alerts. This trend demonstrates a willingness among campers to fill vacancies, fostering a more accessible and enjoyable environment for all.

However, not all the findings were positive. The 2026 report also uncovered an alarming 27% increase in the number of campers leaving their reserved sites at least a day early. Kevin Long, CEO of The Dyrt, acknowledges the challenges of planning but emphasizes the importance of considerate behavior. "We all understand that you can't plan for everything and sometimes life gets in the way, but it's encouraging that campers are becoming more cognizant of the difficulty their fellow campers are facing when trying to reserve a campsite," he expressed. The findings from this report indicate a shift in awareness among campers regarding reservation ethics.

Given the importance of availability in the camping community, The Dyrt posed a thought-provoking question to both campers and property owners: Is it acceptable to reserve multiple sites knowing that not all will be utilized? The majority of campers, approximately 61.3%, opposed such practices, indicating a strong preference for responsible reservations. Conversely, a slightly higher percentage of camping property owners—49.8%—disagreed with this notion, reflecting a difference in perspective on reservation strategies.

Amidst exploring camper habits, the survey also delved into opinions about what constitutes a reserved campsite when using a first-come, first-served model. Interestingly, 66.3% of respondents believe that at least a tent or vehicle is necessary to mark a site as reserved, while some felt that a simple camping chair would suffice.

The Dyrt remains committed to empowering campers with knowledge and resources necessary for an enjoyable outdoor experience. Their ongoing research not only reflects campers' evolving behaviors but also provides a platform for ongoing discussions regarding camping ethics and availability. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the great outdoors remain accessible for everyone.

As outdoor enthusiasts gear up for another camping season, these insights from The Dyrt’s 2026 Camping Report serve as a reminder of the community's responsibility towards ethical camping practices, ensuring a fair chance for all in booking and enjoying beautiful campsites across the country. To learn more about the report and access resources for your next camping adventure, visit The Dyrt.