Hipcamp, a campsite booking platform, in partnership with outdoor retail giant REI Co-op, announced the launch of the “Summer of Magic Campout Series.”
This innovative campaign is set to provide thousands of complimentary camping experiences across the United States during the peak summer travel season.
The “Summer of Magic” initiative aims to make the great outdoors more accessible, offering free stays at top-rated Hipcamp sites, along with outdoor gear packages and guided activities. This series comes as a response to the increasing demand for camping, a trend underscored by Hipcamp’s 75% year-on-year traffic growth in the U.S. and a 12% increase in camping participation reported by the Outdoor Industry Association.
Hipcamp’s unique offering of over 100,000 private land campsites, not available elsewhere, plays a crucial role in addressing the surge in camping interest. The collaboration with REI further amplifies this effort, removing barriers to outdoor access and enhancing the camping experience with quality gear and expert-guided experiences.
The campaign’s structure is designed to cater to eager campers through a series of steps starting with registration on Hipcamp’s website and app, followed by a selection process for the “Magic Passes.” These passes grant access to premium camping spots and gear on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring a fair chance for all participants.
The launch of the “Summer of Magic” is timely, coinciding with events like the total solar eclipse, providing an exceptional backdrop for campers at selected Hipcamp sites. These experiences are enhanced by special activities such as night hikes and star talks led by REI’s team, alongside high-quality camping gear tailored for each event.
Hipcamp CEO Alyssa Ravasio emphasizes the transformative power of nature and camping in making outdoor experiences magical, highlighting the challenge of finding great spots during peak season.
“One of the best ways to tap into that experience is camping, but finding a great spot during the peak summer season can be tough, especially if you’re booking last minute. That’s why we’re so excited to work with REI to help thousands more campers accomplish our mission to get people outside,” Ravasio said.
REI’s divisional vice president, Paolo Mottola, echoes this sentiment, noting the difficulties in securing desired campsites and how this partnership can alleviate such challenges.
For campground and outdoor hospitality operators, the “Summer of Magic” serves as a beacon for innovation and collaboration in the industry. By integrating unique land offerings with retail expertise, Hipcamp and REI are setting new standards in enhancing the camper experience.
This series not only benefits individual campers but also supports the broader campground and outdoor hospitality industry. It introduces a wider audience to camping, potentially driving demand and encouraging sustainable tourism practices. Operators can leverage this increased interest to showcase their own unique offerings and participate in a growing ecosystem of outdoor enthusiasts.
In essence, the “Summer of Magic Campout Series” serves as a movement towards a more inclusive and accessible outdoor culture. It reflects Hipcamp and REI’s shared mission to connect more people with nature and support the vitality of the outdoor hospitality sector.
As the series progresses, it promises to create memorable experiences for campers, while also offering valuable insights and opportunities for industry stakeholders to innovate and thrive. The “Summer of Magic” is not just an invitation to explore the outdoors but a call to action for the industry to evolve and expand its reach to new and seasoned campers alike.