A recent study by The Dyrt, a camping application, reveals an increase in the number of campers who have experienced free camping in the United States. According to the company’s 2024 Camping Report, 65.8% of campers reported camping for free at least once in 2023, nearly doubling the figure from 2019, which stood at 35.6%.
“There are so many ways to camp for free. As popular campgrounds continue to fill up fast, more campers are discovering dispersed camping in National Forests or Bureau of Land Management areas. I’ve also been surprised to discover how many free established campgrounds there are all across the country, many of which offer amenities of paid campgrounds,” The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long said in a press release.
This trend has increased over the years, with free camping rates rising to 38.9% in 2020, 47.5% in 2021, and 54.4% in 2022. The growing popularity of free camping comes despite a lack of public awareness about these options, with 31% of the population unaware of the availability of free camping sites, and 40% aware but having never utilized these options.
The report indicates that the most frequented free camping sites in 2023 were dispersed camping areas on public land, making up 36.1% of free camping activities. This was followed by camping at rest stops or parking lots, which accounted for 19.1%. Other common free camping locations included the private properties of friends or family (15.4%), designated free areas within campgrounds (15.3%), and campers’ properties (6.8%).
In addition, The Dyrt has curated a collection of 5,000 vehicle-accessible free camping locations, which include dispersed campsites and free established campgrounds, along with free camping opportunities on public lands. For RV enthusiasts, The Dyrt has added 19,000 locations for overnight parking, dump stations, and water stations to its PRO Maps feature.
The Dyrt hosts millions of user-generated reviews, photos, and tips for camping sites, including RV sites, cabins, glamping spots, and tent camping locations across all types of public, private, and free camping areas. Offering tools like The Dyrt PRO, the app aids campers in securing reservations at often full campgrounds, accessing advanced maps, and obtaining discounts on camping gear. It stands as the top camping app, attracting over 30 million visits annually.
Owners and operators of campgrounds and RV parks can derive valuable insights from the trends highlighted in The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report. As more campers seek free, less crowded outdoor experiences, there’s a growing opportunity for private campgrounds to adapt and cater to this shift. Enhancing campground amenities and reservations can help retain guests looking for cost-effective options without sacrificing comfort or accessibility.
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