Beyond Tents and Summer: Interest in Camping Expands

Think camping is only for summer or warm-weather months? Thanks to increased interest in RV/trailer camping—as well as glamping facilities that come with heat—more consumers are camping in autumn and year-round. There’s plenty of opportunity for home and housewares retailers to tap into this desire to get out in nature, while also elevating the camping experience and helping campers bring along some comforts of home.

Interest in Camping Continues to Grow
In 2023, 84.8 million Americans went camping and 5.5 million of them were first-time campers, according to a 2024 report from a camping app called The Dyrt. That makes the total number of new campers since 2021 more than 20 million.

“We are in the new golden age of camping,” says The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long. “The demand for camping has never been greater, but technology is making it easier to find camping and property owners are rapidly expanding. As a result, campers have more options than ever before.”

Not Just for Summer Anymore
Despite new sites and set-ups, it appears that demand is outpacing supply, leading more campers to camp in fall and cooler weather. At campground booking site Pitchup.com, bookings for autumn rose 25% in 2023 over 2022, and 192% over 2019.

Of course, increases in RV, overlanding and glamping sites that include heat also make camping in cooler weather more attractive to a wider audience as well.

“It’s so fascinating to see dramatic increases in free camping, RVing and overlanding all in the same year,” comments The Dyrt founder Sarah Smith. “It goes to show that there are so many ways to camp and that campers continue to explore new ways to enjoy the great outdoors.”

Key Trends and Opportunities for Housewares
Sure, there’s still plenty of people who prefer a rustic camping experience. (Think pitching a tent and roasting hot dogs over an open fire). But that’s just one of many ways to camp these days. While so many people are drawn to the outdoors for relaxation and mental health, they still seem to appreciate being able to bring some of the comforts of home.

A few key trends and what they mean for home and housewares:

RV Camping
Forty-seven percent of The Dyrt’s respondents said RV or trailer was their primary form of camping—an increase of 11% over 2022. This form of camping obviously opens up opportunities for more traditional home and housewares products, though space and energy needs are often a prime concern.

This is a good place to promote multi-function or low-profile items, like the DASH Mini Toaster Oven, which makes toast, bagels, mini-pizzas and even cookies possible for those with limited space.

Glamping
When glamping first became a thing, it was more about glamour. (Chandeliers and saunas included.) While you can still find these luxury outdoor accommodations, Pitchup.com says glamping pods accounted for 40% of all glamping bookings in 2023. “These tent-like structures let you stand up inside and have space for two adults who often bring their own sleeping bags (although some pods do offer beds and linens).”

People staying in this type of set-up might appreciate an outdoor heater like this one from AARON USA/Dr. Camp or items that allow them to elevate a traditional camping experience. This could include a battery-operated coffeemaker, portable pizza oven or dishes like Glampware Enamelware by Golden Rabbit.

Modern Comfort and Connectivity
Despite the appeal of “getting away,” 40% of campers are very interested in tech-based amenities like Wi-Fi or cable TV, according to a 2024 report from Campspot; 91% want some form of internet connectivity.

For this type of camper, consider items that help them live the best of both worlds. That could mean a bag chair like this one from Creative Outdoor Distributor that includes an adjustable laptop table or the Northpoint Multifunction Radio Lantern with Built-In Flashlight by Style Asia.