The Outdoor Foundation and The Coleman Company, Inc. commissioned a study into camping participation, demographics and trends. The results, which were released last week, show a sizable 7.4% increase in car and backyard camping in 2008.
The Special Report used the latest participation data collected by The Outdoor Foundation to present detailed information on participation by gender, age, ethnicity, income, education and geographic region — critical information needed by businesses, communities and non-profits working to connect Americans with the outdoors.
“In today's economy, people are returning to simpler lifestyles — the 'less is more' ethic,” said Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. “Reservations for campsites and sales for camping gear are up. Camping provides fun, affordable opportunities for families to enjoy time together.
Camping Participation Findings:
33.7 million Americans ages 6 and older participated in car and backyard camping in 2008 — an increase of 7.4%.
16.5 million Americans participated in RV camping in 2008 — up from 16.2 million in 2007.
Camping participants made more than 597 million outings in 2008, averaging 14 camping days per participant.
More than 84% of camping participants participate in multiple outdoor activities.
Demographics:
56% of all campers are male and 43% female.
The 25 to 44 age group makes up 34.5% of the total number of campers. The over 45 age group is 29%.
Most campers have a household income between $50,000 and $74,999 (24.7%) or $100,000+ (24.9%), while 35% of campers are in the 2 lowest income brackets below $50,000.
Motivations and Barriers
Friends and parents are the most influential in introducing campers to outdoor activities.
Fun and relaxation are the top two reasons for participation.
A lack of time is the number one reason camping participants don't get out more often. A lack of interest and a lack of money for equipment are also reasons.
