A growing share of campers are expressing confidence in artificial intelligence tools for trip planning, but actual usage remains comparatively low, according to new data from The Dyrt’s 2026 Camping Report.
The report found that 33.6% of campers trust AI to recommend a campground, signaling a notable shift in how travelers view emerging technology.
However, only 10.3% reported having used AI to plan a camping trip, highlighting a gap between trust and adoption. Another 9.7% said they intend to use AI for trip planning in 2026.
The findings are based on surveys conducted among thousands of members of The Dyrt community, a representative sample of United States residents, and campground property managers across all 50 states. The data suggests that while interest in AI-powered travel tools is increasing, widespread behavioral change has yet to follow.
“The fact that a third of campers say they trust AI to plan a camping trip, but only a tenth have actually done so, shows huge growth potential in the market for camping tech and tools,” said Kevin Long, CEO of The Dyrt.
He added that the platform’s database of reviews, photos, and tips across more than 50,000 campgrounds positions it to integrate AI capabilities using existing user-generated content.
The report also indicates broader openness to technology among campers. More than half of respondents said they plan to try satellite internet services such as Starlink in 2026.
Usage is already increasing, with one in three campers reporting they used satellite internet in 2025, up from one in four in 2024.
This shift reflects the continued evolution of camping habits, particularly as connectivity becomes more accessible in outdoor settings.
The data also points to sustained participation in remote work while traveling. More than a quarter of campers said they worked from a campsite in 2025, continuing a trend that began more than five years ago.
According to a press release, Sarah Smith, founder of The Dyrt, emphasized the convergence of work, technology, and outdoor experiences.
“Working from literally anywhere — The Rockies, a Florida beach, the Upper Peninsula — is so absolutely freeing,” Smith wrote in the report. “It’s kind of amazing to think that technology and nature and productivity and relaxation can all coexist at the same campsite.”