Spouses, partners and dogs were the most common camping companions in 2025, according to new data from The Dyrt, with 72.2% of campers traveling with a significant other and 49.7% bringing dogs on trips.
The findings are drawn from the 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks, which compiles survey responses from thousands of members of The Dyrt community, a representative sample of United States residents and camping property managers across all 50 states.
The data highlights how companionship patterns shape camping experiences and trip planning across the sector.
Dogs were by far the most common pet companion, while 4.9% of campers reported bringing cats.
Other animals cited by respondents included parrots, guinea pigs, hamsters, horses, rabbits and ducks, indicating a smaller but diverse segment of pet-inclusive camping activity.
Survey data also showed that 38% of campers traveled with friends, while 29.7% camped with their children. Solo travel remained a notable segment, with 29.2% of respondents reporting at least one solo camping trip during the year.
According to a press release, Kevin Long, CEO of The Dyrt, said the findings reflect the flexibility of camping as a recreational activity. “That’s part of the beauty of camping — you can go to the same campground and it’s an entirely different experience depending on who you’re with,” Long said.
“You can go with your spouse and children and make it a family trip, or you can just bring your dog and spend the whole day hiking and exploring. It’s also the perfect way to catch up with a group of old friends for a weekend,” Long added.
Individual camper accounts included in the report illustrate how companionship influences trip experiences.
A camper from Minnesota described a family trip to Coon Fork Campground in Augusta, Wisconsin, where multiple dogs were part of the visit, including a 3-month-old golden retriever.
Another camper from New Hampshire cited dispersed camping in Valley of the Gods as a highlight, noting the significance of sharing the experience with a pet.
The report positions companionship trends as a key factor in how campers select destinations, plan activities and define overall trip satisfaction.
Featured image by The Dyrt camper Sydney at Wilderness State Park, Michigan