A new Bay Area tech startup is enhancing how outdoor enthusiasts find and book their ideal campsites. Launched in May 2023, CampChimp uses artificial intelligence to help campers navigate the challenging process of booking spots in California’s campgrounds.
CampChimp leverages its AI-powered search capabilities. Instead of notifying users about campsite openings in specific parks, the platform employs artificial intelligence to generate recommendations based on the type of experience campers seek and the dates they wish to travel.
As reported by San Francisco Chronicle on July 30, a search for an “isolated campsite under redwood trees with a hike to a lake” for a late August weekend yielded an array of options. The AI-driven results included listings for Hawk and Haypress campgrounds in the Marin Headlands, as well as sites at Portola Redwoods State Park in La Honda, Los Padres National Forest near Carmel Valley, and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton.
Luke Williams, CampChimp’s marketing director, explained that their research indicates people save time and effort by finding open sites first and then researching the locations, allowing them to get outdoors faster. He added that their goal is to be an “availability aggregator.”
“We think if we can stay in front of availability and AI, it’ll put us in a position to give campers the best tool out there,” Williams said.
CampChimp integrates campsites listed on Recreation.gov and ReserveCalifornia. The company plans to expand its offerings to include county parks and private campsites in California. Additionally, the startup operates on a subscription model, charging users $5 per month for access to its services.
According to its website, CampChimp does not book campsites directly for users. Instead, it provides information on where there are openings, allowing users to book their campsites independently. Additionally, the system is designed to assist those seeking last-minute campsite availability.
For more information about CampChimp, visit campchimp.com.
