Based on surveys of campers and camping property managers across all 50 states, the report found that demand for campsites remains high. Since 2021, more than 25 million people have gone camping for the first time.

“In a wild year of economic and political uncertainty, it heartens me to think: We will always camp,” The Dyrt founder Sarah Smith wrote in the report’s introduction. “Some trends may come and go, but the need to connect with nature — and to connect with one another in nature — is what helps humans stay grounded.”

While overall interest in camping remains strong, finding available campsites has become increasingly difficult. The percentage of campers who reported trouble booking a campsite climbed from 45.5% in 2023 to 56.1% in 2024, reversing a decline from previous years. Between 2019 and 2022, that figure had surged from 10.6% to 58.4%.

Despite the challenges, fewer campsites went unused last year. The report found that 70.7% of campers used all their reservations in 2024, up from 58.9% the year before.

(Image courtesy of Metro Creative)

“Campsites are being added at private campgrounds all over the country to accommodate the growing number of campers,” said The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long. “I think the difficulty in finding sites these days is more concentrated in the highly competitive public campgrounds and at certain sought-after properties and parks that have gained a level of fame in recent years.”

The report also examined camping vehicle preferences, finding that 53.4% of campers favor camping with a vehicle such as an RV, trailer, or camper van.

Camping tips for first timers

I’ve been camping since I was 9 months old and have continued that tradition into my thirties. With plenty of nights under the stars either backpacking, in the national forests, or in our National Parks, a camping trip is one of my favorite things to do with friends and family.

For those who are new to camping, I wanted to share some tips on lowering stress and making their trip a success.

Start Small

Don’t plan an elaborate camping trip for your first or second trip. Keep it low-key, don’t drive too far from home, and keep expectations low.

Camping is all about enjoying nature. If you try to bite off too much at first, and camping seems like a chore, it may make you less willing to go in the future.

Bring Easy to Make Meals

If you plan on making meals at the campsite, aim for a few easy ingredients. Think hot dogs or burgers with veggies.

Another thing I like to do is cut things up beforehand and have them in Tupperware. So, if you’re going to make fajitas, chop your peppers, onions, and chicken up the night before. Then, on-site, just dump them into the pan, and boom, you’re done.

Rent Equipment First

If you don’t have all the camping equipment, rent it or borrow it from a friend. The last thing you want is to buy brand-new gear and then realize you do not like camping.

Go to a local outdoor store, or REI, and ask for help and tips. This helps make sure you have all the important pieces to make the camping weekend a winner.

Forests Over Deserts

Your location will always depend on where you go, but being in the forest with trees to offer shade is much preferred to getting baked and broiled by the sun all day in the desert. Plus, you have sticks and logs for a campfire when you’re in the forest. (If they’re allowed. Always follow local regulations.)

Reservations Over First-Come, First-Served

If possible, go the reservation route. Yes, it might be harder to find open campsites, but the stress of hoping to find a spot can send anyone’s anxiety through the roof. (Me included.)

Having a reservation gives you peace of mind. It allows you to drive up, check in, and start setting up without hassle, and everyone benefits — especially those with young kids.