Strong Demand For Camping Expected This Year

April 1, 2021

Advanced bookings for reservations at privately owned campgrounds this year show demand is up more than 50 percent for the 2021 camping season, according to CampgroundViews.com. A quarter of the respondents reported bookings up more than 80 percent, the company added.

Social distancing and changes in consumer travel habits stemming from the coronavirus pandemic launched a rush for the outdoors and campgrounds last year, and the trend appears to be continuing this year. CampgroundViews.com surveyed nearly 2,700 campgrounds and RV parks, and received responses from 381 operations.

"The outdoors and camping provide a safer alternative to other forms of travel and vacations," said Mark Koep, founder and CEO of CampgroundViews.com. "We expect 2021 to be the year of camping with record numbers of Americans camping in tents, RVs and glamping accommodations."

RV park and campground owners expect a surge in new campers in their parks and are already adapting to provide for this audience.

"We are sold out every weekend through the middle of July," said Marcia Neese, owner of Riverwalk RV Park in Jonesville, North Carolina. "Our guests are excited and happy to have a place to bring their RV."

The survey results mirror data released by RVIA showing record RV sales and confirm that more people are buying and planning to use their RVs to go camping in 2021. 

National park campgrounds are expected to be busy, as well, and more and more parks are moving their campground reservations to recreation.gov. Demand for the busiest periods of summer overshadows campsite availability.

CampgroundViews.com helps campers find their next perfect campsite. The CampgroundViews.com Virtual Campground Tours will allow campers to virtually tour a campground, see the roads, see the sites, get information on the sites and click to book a specific site.

Story Categories:

Parks in the News
Travel
Coronavirus

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks 

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks. 

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks 

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.