Camping has always been one of America’s most beloved outdoor activities, but the pandemic made it even more popular. According to Kampgrounds of America, nearly 48 million households went camping in 2020 alone, including 10 million new campers. As such, the outdoors industry is adapting to this increasing interest in camping by introducing new capabilities and tools to make the camping lifestyle even more pleasant for every kind of nature enthusiast. Whether you are an inexperienced camper or a veteran, here’s a list of camping trends to know about in 2022.
- Younger campers
Many experts believe that younger Americans who were not interested in traditional camping have joined the camping bandwagon due to the new, different, and captivating ways to camp. The campervan boom has played a key role in making camping more appealing to the younger generations. Many individuals can now rent campers for short periods, meaning more young people can enjoy camping experiences without breaking the bank. Consequently, 2022 may be the best time to get teenagers excited about camping.
- Eco-friendly camping
Eco-friendly camping is on the rise as more and more Americans are becoming eco-conscious. Many campers are eager to reduce their carbon footprint while exploring the great outdoors, so energy sources that need constant refueling are replaced with solar power. Consequently, more campers will rely on the sun’s power for energy to enjoy everything, from charging cell phones to powering an entire RV. A recent Greenprint study discovered that nearly 64% of Americans are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Therefore, campers will be increasingly interested in products such as the rechargeable batteries found at EcoGearFX.com as their power source instead of alkaline alternatives that end up in landfills.
- More Thanksgiving holiday camping
It is common knowledge that many campers do their outdoor exploration during the warm summer months. However, there’s a popular new season to go camping in several parts of the country. Many campers are choosing to simplify their holiday season by spending a lovely weekend at a great campground instead of focusing on Black Friday shopping. Popular RV rental marketplace, Outdoorsy reveals that 70% of people planned a trip around the holidays last year, and Thanksgiving was the most popular time to camp. Therefore, you will need to plan well if you wish to spend your Thanksgiving in an RV, cabin, or tent because the best campsites are fully booked early during this period.
- Pet-friendly camper van rentals
Motel 6’s 2021 research revealed that 54% of cat and dog owners planned to travel with their pets in 2022. The camping industry has closely monitored the desire of pet owners to take their four-legged friends everywhere. Consequently, don’t be surprised if you notice more options to include your furry friends in your camping adventures. The camper van rental industry is allowing more campers who borrow their vehicles to bring their pets along. Some are even providing special packages like tether leashes and built-in crates to make traveling and camping with your pet easier.