#United States #Portland #The Dyrt #Camping Community #RV Lifestyle

The Camping Trend Shifts for Retirees

In an exciting new trend, the latest findings from The Dyrt, an app designed to connect campers with the best campsites, reveal that a striking 80% of retirees aged 65 and older are either camping more frequently now or plan to camp more once they retire. This revelation comes from the 2026 Camping Report, which was supported by insights derived from a large-scale survey involving thousands of members from The Dyrt Community across all 50 states.

Camping has always been a favored pastime for many; however, it appears that the allure of the great outdoors is becoming even more appealing for seniors. The report highlights that as of 2025, approximately 82.4 million Americans participated in camping activities. Out of this number, 13.5 million campers were aged 55 and above, with 5.1 million of them aged 65 and over. This suggests that at least 4 million campers in this age category are looking to increase their camping endeavors as they enter or continue through retirement.

RVs and Trailers: The Preferred Choice

The trend reports that older campers particularly enjoy RV and trailer camping, with this mode of camping gaining traction among many in their golden years. In stark contrast to younger campers (21% among those aged 34 and under), a whopping 55% of those between the ages of 55 and 64 prefer camping in an RV or trailer. Furthermore, 64% of campers aged 65 and older camped at least once in an RV or trailer in the previous year. Kevin Long, CEO of The Dyrt, notes that many retirees share a common sentiment; they look forward to camping without the constraints of work commitments, emphasizing how remote work culture has provided them a glimpse of this freedom.

The Glamping Paradox

Interestingly, the allure of ‘glamping’ (glamorous camping) seems to diminish with age. Despite a general increase in popularity, only 3% of seniors aged 65 and over opted for luxury glamping experiences last year. Sarah Smith, the founder of The Dyrt, pointed out this peculiar trend while humorously suggesting that older campers are missing out on the comforts of modern camping, including luxurious accommodations like heated yurts and king-sized beds.

Key Findings on Senior Camping Habits

Diving deeper into the report's findings, several age-related trends emerged:

• - Campers aged 55 to 64 are most likely to leave reserved campsites a day early, indicating a more flexible approach to their trips.
• - Those aged 65 and older are the demographic most likely to cancel reservations with substantial forewarning, suggesting a more cautious approach to planning their camping adventures.

The Dyrt seems well-positioned to support this growing community of senior campers. By providing a comprehensive tool for locating parks and campgrounds, The Dyrt facilitates greater access to resources that make camping enjoyable for all ages.

As more retired individuals embrace the camping lifestyle, the landscape of outdoor recreation will inevitably evolve. It is not just about reconnecting with nature; it’s about rediscovering adventure and freedom.

For additional insights and in-depth findings, read The Dyrt's comprehensive 2026 Camping Report, made possible by Toyota Trucks.

About The Dyrt

The Dyrt is hailed as a leading resource for camping enthusiasts, providing a platform built exclusively by the largest RVing and camping community in the US. With The Dyrt PRO, users gain access to all RV parks, campgrounds, and unique opportunities designed to enhance their outdoor experiences. Find out more by visiting www.thedyrt.com.