GITNUXREPORT 2026

Camping Statistics

Camping participation continues to rise across American households with significant economic impact.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Camping contributed $44 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022 through direct spending

Statistic 2

RV industry generated $140 billion in economic output in 2023

Statistic 3

Camping equipment sales reached $8.2 billion in 2022 in the U.S.

Statistic 4

KOA campgrounds alone generated $3.5 billion in revenue in 2023

Statistic 5

Public land camping supports 1.2 million jobs nationwide (2022)

Statistic 6

Average camper spends $1,200 per trip on gear, food, and fees (2023)

Statistic 7

Glamping market valued at $5.41 billion globally in 2023

Statistic 8

Tent market sales grew to $2.1 billion in North America (2022)

Statistic 9

Camping supports $57 billion in outdoor recreation economy segment (2023)

Statistic 10

Campground employment rose 15% post-2020, adding 50,000 jobs

Statistic 11

RV park construction investments hit $2.8 billion in 2023

Statistic 12

Tax revenue from camping activities totaled $8.9 billion federally in 2022

Statistic 13

Average nightly campground fee increased 10% to $52 in 2023

Statistic 14

Camping-related tourism boosted local economies by 20% in rural areas (2022)

Statistic 15

Gear rental market for camping grew 28% to $1.5 billion (2023)

Statistic 16

National parks camping fees generated $450 million in 2022

Statistic 17

E-commerce camping sales surged 35% during 2022 peak season

Statistic 18

Sustainable camping products market worth $3.2 billion in 2023

Statistic 19

Camping festivals contributed $1.1 billion to events economy (2023)

Statistic 20

Camping waste mismanagement leads to 500 contamination sites/year (EPA 2022)

Statistic 21

Campfires emit 7 million tons of CO2 annually from recreation (USFS 2023)

Statistic 22

Trampling damages 25% of vegetation in high-use camping areas (NPS 2022)

Statistic 23

Plastic waste from campers: 1.2 billion single-use items/year (Ocean Conservancy)

Statistic 24

Soil erosion from campsites affects 15% of U.S. public lands (BLM 2023)

Statistic 25

Water pollution from soap runoff: 300 impaired streams near campgrounds (EPA)

Statistic 26

Off-road vehicle camping causes 10% habitat fragmentation (USFWS 2022)

Statistic 27

Food waste attracts wildlife altering behavior in 70% of sites (NPS)

Statistic 28

Greywater discharge contaminates 20% of campground water sources (2023 study)

Statistic 29

Invasive species spread via campers: 50 new sites/year (USGS)

Statistic 30

Noise pollution from generators disturbs 40% of wildlife near camps (USGS 2022)

Statistic 31

Leave No Trace compliance only 55% among campers (2023 survey)

Statistic 32

Microplastics from gear shed 2.5 tons/year in parks (2022 research)

Statistic 33

Overuse leads to 30% tree damage in popular sites (USFS)

Statistic 34

Camping contributes 2% to national recreational carbon footprint (EPA 2023)

Statistic 35

65% of campers use solar power, reducing emissions by 15% (2023)

Statistic 36

Tent waste recycling rate: only 12% (2022 industry report)

Statistic 37

RV camping increases local air pollution by 8% near sites (2023)

Statistic 38

45% growth in eco-friendly camping gear adoption (2023)

Statistic 39

Smart camping gadgets market to reach $4.5 billion by 2028

Statistic 40

Portable solar panels sales up 50% in 2023 among campers

Statistic 41

Hammock camping popularity rose 35% post-2020

Statistic 42

Inflatable tents now 28% of market share (2023)

Statistic 43

Van life conversions increased 40% in 2023

Statistic 44

72% of campers use apps for site booking (2023 survey)

Statistic 45

Ultralight backpacking gear average weight down 20% since 2015

Statistic 46

Family-sized tents with 4+ rooms: 22% sales growth (2022)

Statistic 47

Bio-degradable utensils usage up 60% in glamping (2023)

Statistic 48

Starlink satellite internet adopted by 15% of remote campers (2023)

Statistic 49

55% prefer minimalist camping setups (2023 trends)

Statistic 50

E-bikes for campsite access sales +45% (2022-2023)

Statistic 51

Rooftop tents market grew 32% annually (2023)

Statistic 52

Portable water purifiers owned by 68% of campers (2023)

Statistic 53

Drone usage for scouting campsites up 25% (2023 survey)

Statistic 54

Heated sleeping bags sales increased 18% in cold-weather camping

Statistic 55

80% of new campers buy gear online first (2023)

Statistic 56

Multi-tool gadgets replace 40% traditional items (2022)

Statistic 57

2023 saw 25% rise in luxury glamping pods with amenities

Statistic 58

In 2023, 81 million Americans participated in camping activities at least once

Statistic 59

Camping participation among U.S. households reached 58.7% in 2022, up from previous years

Statistic 60

57% of U.S. campers in 2023 were first-time campers, indicating a surge in new participants

Statistic 61

Youth camping participation (ages 6-17) increased by 20% from 2019 to 2022 in North America

Statistic 62

45% of American families camped in 2023, with tent camping being the most popular at 64%

Statistic 63

RV camping saw a 12% increase in participation from 2021 to 2023 among millennials

Statistic 64

78% of campers plan to camp more frequently in the next year as per 2023 surveys

Statistic 65

Glamping participation grew by 25% annually from 2020-2023 in the U.S.

Statistic 66

62% of Gen Z Americans have camped in the past year (2023 data)

Statistic 67

National park camping visits hit 325 million in 2022

Statistic 68

International camping trips by Americans rose 15% post-pandemic in 2023

Statistic 69

40% of U.S. adults camped during the pandemic (2020-2021)

Statistic 70

Backcountry camping permits issued increased by 30% in U.S. forests from 2019-2022

Statistic 71

55% of campers are repeat visitors to the same sites annually (2023)

Statistic 72

Female camping participation reached 49% of total campers in 2023

Statistic 73

Hispanic/Latino camping participation grew 42% from 2019-2022

Statistic 74

Urban dwellers make up 70% of new campers since 2020

Statistic 75

65% of campers cite nature connection as primary motivator (2023 survey)

Statistic 76

Seasonal camping peaks in summer with 72% of trips occurring June-August

Statistic 77

Dispersed camping on public lands saw 18% usage increase in 2022

Statistic 78

Fire-related camping injuries number 4,600 annually in U.S. (2022 avg)

Statistic 79

76% of camping deaths involve drowning (NFHS 2020-2022 data)

Statistic 80

Bear attacks on campers averaged 44 incidents per year (2018-2022)

Statistic 81

Hypothermia cases in camping: 1,200 hospitalizations yearly (CDC 2022)

Statistic 82

Foodborne illness outbreaks at campgrounds: 150 cases/year (FDA 2023)

Statistic 83

23% of campers report wildlife encounters leading to injury (2023 survey)

Statistic 84

Lightning strikes kill 27 campers annually on average (NOAA 2015-2022)

Statistic 85

Vehicle accidents in campgrounds: 2,500 injuries/year (NSC 2022)

Statistic 86

Ticks transmit Lyme disease to 476,000 campers yearly (CDC 2023)

Statistic 87

15% of camping trips involve medical evacuations (RESCUE 2022)

Statistic 88

Poison ivy/oak reactions affect 50 million outdoor enthusiasts incl. campers (AAD)

Statistic 89

Generator carbon monoxide poisoning: 400 deaths/year, many camping-related (CDC)

Statistic 90

Falls from camping equipment cause 1,800 ER visits annually (CPSC 2022)

Statistic 91

Allergic reactions to stings/bites: 12% of camper hospital visits (2023)

Statistic 92

Dehydration incidents: 5,000 cases in summer camping (Red Cross 2022)

Statistic 93

Avalanche burials in winter camping: 30/year U.S./Canada (2022)

Statistic 94

89% of campfires not fully extinguished cause wildfires (USFS 2023)

Statistic 95

Sunburn affects 40% of campers per trip (Skin Cancer Foundation 2022)

Statistic 96

Carbon monoxide detectors prevent 60% of camping fatalities (NFPA 2023)

1/96

Sources

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Forget what you think you know about camping, because America's favorite outdoor pastime is experiencing a radical renaissance, exploding from a quiet escape into a record-setting, multi-billion dollar cultural phenomenon that's seeing everything from first-timers and families to Gen Z adventurers and luxury glampers hitting the trails in unprecedented numbers.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, 81 million Americans participated in camping activities at least once
Camping participation among U.S. households reached 58.7% in 2022, up from previous years
57% of U.S. campers in 2023 were first-time campers, indicating a surge in new participants
Camping contributed $44 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022 through direct spending
RV industry generated $140 billion in economic output in 2023
Camping equipment sales reached $8.2 billion in 2022 in the U.S.
Fire-related camping injuries number 4,600 annually in U.S. (2022 avg)
76% of camping deaths involve drowning (NFHS 2020-2022 data)
Bear attacks on campers averaged 44 incidents per year (2018-2022)
Camping waste mismanagement leads to 500 contamination sites/year (EPA 2022)
Campfires emit 7 million tons of CO2 annually from recreation (USFS 2023)
Trampling damages 25% of vegetation in high-use camping areas (NPS 2022)
45% growth in eco-friendly camping gear adoption (2023)
Smart camping gadgets market to reach $4.5 billion by 2028
Portable solar panels sales up 50% in 2023 among campers

Camping participation continues to rise across American households with significant economic impact.

Economic Statistics

Camping contributed $44 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022 through direct spending
RV industry generated $140 billion in economic output in 2023
Camping equipment sales reached $8.2 billion in 2022 in the U.S.
KOA campgrounds alone generated $3.5 billion in revenue in 2023
Public land camping supports 1.2 million jobs nationwide (2022)
Average camper spends $1,200 per trip on gear, food, and fees (2023)
Glamping market valued at $5.41 billion globally in 2023
Tent market sales grew to $2.1 billion in North America (2022)
Camping supports $57 billion in outdoor recreation economy segment (2023)
Campground employment rose 15% post-2020, adding 50,000 jobs
RV park construction investments hit $2.8 billion in 2023
Tax revenue from camping activities totaled $8.9 billion federally in 2022
Average nightly campground fee increased 10% to $52 in 2023
Camping-related tourism boosted local economies by 20% in rural areas (2022)
Gear rental market for camping grew 28% to $1.5 billion (2023)
National parks camping fees generated $450 million in 2022
E-commerce camping sales surged 35% during 2022 peak season
Sustainable camping products market worth $3.2 billion in 2023
Camping festivals contributed $1.1 billion to events economy (2023)

Economic Statistics Interpretation

America has collectively decided that a primary driver of the 21st-century economy is, apparently, the noble and expensive pursuit of temporarily sleeping outside.

Environmental Effects

Camping waste mismanagement leads to 500 contamination sites/year (EPA 2022)
Campfires emit 7 million tons of CO2 annually from recreation (USFS 2023)
Trampling damages 25% of vegetation in high-use camping areas (NPS 2022)
Plastic waste from campers: 1.2 billion single-use items/year (Ocean Conservancy)
Soil erosion from campsites affects 15% of U.S. public lands (BLM 2023)
Water pollution from soap runoff: 300 impaired streams near campgrounds (EPA)
Off-road vehicle camping causes 10% habitat fragmentation (USFWS 2022)
Food waste attracts wildlife altering behavior in 70% of sites (NPS)
Greywater discharge contaminates 20% of campground water sources (2023 study)
Invasive species spread via campers: 50 new sites/year (USGS)
Noise pollution from generators disturbs 40% of wildlife near camps (USGS 2022)
Leave No Trace compliance only 55% among campers (2023 survey)
Microplastics from gear shed 2.5 tons/year in parks (2022 research)
Overuse leads to 30% tree damage in popular sites (USFS)
Camping contributes 2% to national recreational carbon footprint (EPA 2023)
65% of campers use solar power, reducing emissions by 15% (2023)
Tent waste recycling rate: only 12% (2022 industry report)
RV camping increases local air pollution by 8% near sites (2023)

Environmental Effects Interpretation

Our collective love for the outdoors is sadly etching a stubborn scar on the very landscapes we seek to enjoy, with every unattended campfire, plastic wrapper, and stray footprint weaving a statistic of steady degradation.

Equipment and Trends

45% growth in eco-friendly camping gear adoption (2023)
Smart camping gadgets market to reach $4.5 billion by 2028
Portable solar panels sales up 50% in 2023 among campers
Hammock camping popularity rose 35% post-2020
Inflatable tents now 28% of market share (2023)
Van life conversions increased 40% in 2023
72% of campers use apps for site booking (2023 survey)
Ultralight backpacking gear average weight down 20% since 2015
Family-sized tents with 4+ rooms: 22% sales growth (2022)
Bio-degradable utensils usage up 60% in glamping (2023)
Starlink satellite internet adopted by 15% of remote campers (2023)
55% prefer minimalist camping setups (2023 trends)
E-bikes for campsite access sales +45% (2022-2023)
Rooftop tents market grew 32% annually (2023)
Portable water purifiers owned by 68% of campers (2023)
Drone usage for scouting campsites up 25% (2023 survey)
Heated sleeping bags sales increased 18% in cold-weather camping
80% of new campers buy gear online first (2023)
Multi-tool gadgets replace 40% traditional items (2022)
2023 saw 25% rise in luxury glamping pods with amenities

Equipment and Trends Interpretation

Modern camping has become a high-tech, eco-conscious balancing act where we're simultaneously trying to vanish into the wilderness with lighter gear and a Starlink dish while also bringing along the comforts of a four-room tent and a heated sleeping bag.

Participation Rates

In 2023, 81 million Americans participated in camping activities at least once
Camping participation among U.S. households reached 58.7% in 2022, up from previous years
57% of U.S. campers in 2023 were first-time campers, indicating a surge in new participants
Youth camping participation (ages 6-17) increased by 20% from 2019 to 2022 in North America
45% of American families camped in 2023, with tent camping being the most popular at 64%
RV camping saw a 12% increase in participation from 2021 to 2023 among millennials
78% of campers plan to camp more frequently in the next year as per 2023 surveys
Glamping participation grew by 25% annually from 2020-2023 in the U.S.
62% of Gen Z Americans have camped in the past year (2023 data)
National park camping visits hit 325 million in 2022
International camping trips by Americans rose 15% post-pandemic in 2023
40% of U.S. adults camped during the pandemic (2020-2021)
Backcountry camping permits issued increased by 30% in U.S. forests from 2019-2022
55% of campers are repeat visitors to the same sites annually (2023)
Female camping participation reached 49% of total campers in 2023
Hispanic/Latino camping participation grew 42% from 2019-2022
Urban dwellers make up 70% of new campers since 2020
65% of campers cite nature connection as primary motivator (2023 survey)
Seasonal camping peaks in summer with 72% of trips occurring June-August
Dispersed camping on public lands saw 18% usage increase in 2022

Participation Rates Interpretation

The data suggests America's love affair with the great outdoors is flourishing like never before, proving that even in our hyper-digital age, we'd apparently rather contend with a spork than forgo the primal urge to wrestle a tent pole and sleep on a root.

Safety Incidents

Fire-related camping injuries number 4,600 annually in U.S. (2022 avg)
76% of camping deaths involve drowning (NFHS 2020-2022 data)
Bear attacks on campers averaged 44 incidents per year (2018-2022)
Hypothermia cases in camping: 1,200 hospitalizations yearly (CDC 2022)
Foodborne illness outbreaks at campgrounds: 150 cases/year (FDA 2023)
23% of campers report wildlife encounters leading to injury (2023 survey)
Lightning strikes kill 27 campers annually on average (NOAA 2015-2022)
Vehicle accidents in campgrounds: 2,500 injuries/year (NSC 2022)
Ticks transmit Lyme disease to 476,000 campers yearly (CDC 2023)
15% of camping trips involve medical evacuations (RESCUE 2022)
Poison ivy/oak reactions affect 50 million outdoor enthusiasts incl. campers (AAD)
Generator carbon monoxide poisoning: 400 deaths/year, many camping-related (CDC)
Falls from camping equipment cause 1,800 ER visits annually (CPSC 2022)
Allergic reactions to stings/bites: 12% of camper hospital visits (2023)
Dehydration incidents: 5,000 cases in summer camping (Red Cross 2022)
Avalanche burials in winter camping: 30/year U.S./Canada (2022)
89% of campfires not fully extinguished cause wildfires (USFS 2023)
Sunburn affects 40% of campers per trip (Skin Cancer Foundation 2022)
Carbon monoxide detectors prevent 60% of camping fatalities (NFPA 2023)

Safety Incidents Interpretation

It seems the great outdoors is a master of misdirection, using the tranquil promise of a campfire to distract you from a statistically impressive gauntlet of perils, from unextinguished embers to ravenous ticks, where your greatest threat is rarely the bear but the complacency that makes you its equal.

Sources & References

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