The Japan Auto Camping Federation released its annual “Auto Camping White Paper 2025” on Friday, July 18, outlining notable shifts in camping trends across Japan during 2024.
Despite challenges posed by record-breaking summer heat and rising prices, the report suggests that camping activity in the country remains above pre-pandemic levels.
According to the data, the average number of camping trips per person in 2024 was 5.0, down 0.5 from the previous year, and the average number of nights spent camping declined to 6.7, a decrease of 0.3.
The association attributed the drop primarily to high temperatures and economic pressures, stating, “The camp continues to maintain a higher level than before the corona and continues to support the camp.”
The summer heat had a significant impact on outdoor recreation. July and August saw heat stroke alerts issued across Japan, with Tokyo recording alerts nearly every other day. These warnings led to a reduction in outdoor leisure activities, including camping.
As a result, the total number of people participating in auto camping dropped by 1.7% year-on-year to 5.9 million.
Economic factors also played a role. The average spending per camping trip rose by ¥2,865 from the previous year to ¥23,258. Costs related to gasoline, food, and campsite usage have increased, contributing to the overall decline in participation.
While solo camping experienced a decrease—dropping 3.2 points to 16.2% and moving from third to fourth place in terms of group composition—family-based camping remained strong.
Those camping with children comprised the largest group at 47.3%, up 3.7 points from the previous year.
Camping by couples remained unchanged at 25.0%, and camping with other family members increased by 0.8 points to 17.2%.
Survey data also shows long-term interest in the activity. Among respondents, 93.1% said they intend to continue camping in the future, reflecting its broad appeal beyond the child-rearing demographic.
According to The Ryoko Shimbun, the association commented, “Camping is recognized not only as a leisure activity during the child-rearing period, but also as a lifelong leisure.”
One of the more notable shifts in 2024 was the growth in pet-friendly camping facilities. The percentage of campgrounds allowing pets increased by 3.5 points to 81.0%, while those that prohibit pets fell to 18.2%, down 4.3 points.
Accompanying this change, 20.4% of pet-friendly campsites reported collecting fees for pets, a 3.5-point increase.
Campgrounds are also expanding pet-related amenities. The proportion of sites offering “pet-friendly cottages” rose to 23.0%, up 3.3 points, “pet-only sites” climbed 9.3 points to 30.1%, and dog runs increased by 4.1 points to 27.6%.
These developments suggest a growing effort to accommodate the increasing number of campers who travel with pets.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, the report highlights key areas for strategic adaptation, including pricing sensitivity, heat mitigation, and investment in pet-friendly infrastructure.
These insights could support campground operators in aligning services with evolving consumer preferences and environmental realities.