Why Camping Is Making A Comeback!

Camping is making a comeback in a big way, according to occupancy surveys nationally. Which raises the question, why? Basically, people are being more conservative with their resources and are enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of a camping vacation versus the long-distance travel vacation.

People are being more conservative with their financial resources. Many families are in financial crunches between lay-offs and reduced hours. So that stay at the 4-star resort hotel probably isn’t in the planning. But they know they can stay at a 4 or 5 star camp-ground and have a lot fun for a lot less money. Camping and locally means lower costs for fuel, less wear and tear on the RV or vehicle, and less wear and tear on the parents.

People are being more conservative with their time resources. People are vacationing closer to home which means they spend less gas money, less travel time (fewer hassles with the kids), and they get to spend more time for fun! Why not spend the 5-6 hours (or more) you normally would in travel, having fun by cutting the travel time to 1-2 hours radius from your home. By traveling an hour or two away instead of two or three times that length of time, you get more time at the RV park or campground relaxing and having fun, and less time sitting in construction, fighting traffic, or refereeing the kids!

People want quality vacation time with their families! With all the stressors and strains of life right now, going camping and reconnecting with nature helps people to unwind and enjoy life a little. Family life is full of running to ball games, ballet classes, and school events around hectic work schedules. Camping provides an opportunity for families to reconnect and spend quality time together while enjoying the atmosphere, events, and activities offered at campgrounds. Families don’t get the chance to spend that time together because of all the distractions there are in lives when we are at home.

People are reconnecting with nature! While families are reconnecting with each other, they are reconnecting with nature too. According to Tim Chilson, owner of Brookdale Family Campground, “We had campers here this summer whose children were collecting lightening bugs for the first time ever. They were thrilled with all the bugs and to have the opportunity to do something they’ve never done before!” Camping provides kids the opportunity to experience the wonder of nature in new and exciting ways!

When you add up the lower costs, the reduced travel time, the reconnection with the family and nature, it adds up to a winning vacation for everyone. The kids can participate in activities and events, or play and burn off excess energy, and the parents are happy recharging their batteries in their lawn chair drinking iced tea under the awning. Camp-grounds are not only surviving, but are thriving by offering a family camping atmosphere in these tough times economically.

Camping remains a lower-cost alternative and more relaxing vacation than almost any other type of vacation you can take. That makes it the best vacation value for middle class Americans, and that is exactly why it’s made a comeback during the economic downturn.

By Robyn Chilson

Tim & Robyn Chilson own and operate Brookdale Family Campground in Meadville, PA. Robyn can be reached at 814-789-3251 or at robyn@brookdalecampground.com