New Report From The Outdoor Foundation and Coleman Examines Camping Trends in the US
BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
As budget-minded Americansreturn in droves to the outdoors this summer, The Outdoor Foundation(R), inpartnership with The Coleman Company, Inc., today released the Special Reporton Camping -- a new research report detailing important information and trendson car, backyard and RV campers in the US. Among other findings, the reportreveals a sizable 7.4 percent increase in car and backyard camping in 2008.
"In today's economy, people are returning to simpler lifestyles -- the 'lessis more' ethic," said Christine Fanning, executive director of The OutdoorFoundation. "Reservations for campsites and sales for camping gear are up.Camping provides fun, affordable opportunities for families to enjoy timetogether.
"The Special Report on Camping uses the latest participation data collectedannually by The Outdoor Foundation to present detailed information onparticipation by gender, age, ethnicity, income, education and geographicregion -- critical information needed by businesses, communities andnon-profits working to connect Americans with the outdoors.
As Americans enjoy camping trips in backyards, state lands and our nationalparks this summer, camping plays an important role in helping Americansrediscover the outdoors. As the Special Report on Camping reveals, camping isan important gateway to increased participation in outdoor activities and ahealthy active lifestyle. Research shows that a large majority of campingparticipants take part in multiple outdoor activities -- over 84 percent ofcampers.
Key Findings:
Camping Participation
-- 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 more than one-third of the total number of campers (34.5%). The over 45 age group is a close second at 29%.
-- The Pacific region (OR, WA, CA) is home to the most camping participants in 2008 (18.9%), while East North Central (NC, SC, VA, MD, WV, GA, FL) was second in number of participants (16.9%).
-- 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.
Campgrounds and Activities
-- Car, backyard and RV campers enjoy hiking and swimming while camping significantly more often than other activities.
-- 73% of car and backyard campers and 70% of RV campers choose public campgrounds at least once each year. 29% of car and backyard campers and 51% of RV campers choose private campgrounds at least once each year.
Motivations and Barriers
-- Friends and parents are the most influential in introducing campers to outdoor activities.
-- Fun and relaxation are the top two reasons cited by campers for participation in outdoor activities.
-- 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.
The Special Report on Camping is based on extended analysis of unreleased datacollected for the Outdoor Recreation Participation Report, produced annuallyby The Outdoor Foundation. The report uses the responses of over 40,000Americans ages six and older captured in an on-line survey covering 114different activities. The survey is the largest of its type examiningparticipation in sports and outdoor activities.