Camping isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement.
And The Dyrt has the numbers to prove it.
The 2025 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks is out, offering the most comprehensive look at the latest trends, topics, and figures shaping the U.S. camping scene.
This may come as no surprise to you outdoor lovers, but millions of Americans are still pitching their tents and hitting the road.
“We Will Always Camp”
“In a wild year of economic and political uncertainty, it heartens me to think: We will always camp,” writes The Dyrt founder Sarah Smith in her introduction to the report. “Some trends may come and go, but the need to connect with nature — and to connect with one another in nature — is what helps humans stay grounded.”
That’s exactly what’s happening.
The report, compiled from surveys of The Dyrt’s camper community, a representative sample of U.S. residents, and property managers nationwide, reveals:
- 81.1 million Americans camped in 2024.
- 5.8 million of them were first-time campers.
- Since 2021, over 25 million people have camped for the first time.
Fewer No-Shows, More Campfires
“Increasing access to the outdoors is a key part of our mission here at The Dyrt,” says Smith.
And there’s good news: Cancellations and no-shows dramatically decreased last year.
Translation? There are fewer empty spots and more campers enjoying the outdoors.
Only 58.9% of campers used all their reservations in 2023. That number jumped to 70.7% last year.
The Biggest Challenge? Finding a Campsite
The not-so-good news? Finding an available campsite is still challenging.
From 2019 to 2022, the number of campers struggling to book a site skyrocketed from 10.6% to 58.4%. After dropping to 45.5% in 2023, it bounced back up to 56.1% in 2024.
“Campsites are being added at private campgrounds all over the country to accommodate the growing number of campers,” says The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long.
But…
“I think the difficulty in finding sites these days is more concentrated in the highly competitive public campgrounds and at certain sought-after properties and parks that have gained a level of fame in recent years.”
The Road to Adventure Starts with the Right Ride
Camping isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you get there.
The report found that 53.4% of campers prefer vehicle-based camping, whether in an RV, trailer, or camper van.
The road trip is half the adventure.
“The real start of every camping trip is the moment you get out on the road,” says Kaylea Spurgin, Senior Media Analyst at Toyota Motor North America.
Want to See the Full Report?
Check out The Dyrt’s 2025 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks for even more insights.
About The Dyrt
The Dyrt is the only camping app with every public and private campground, RV park, and free camping location in the U.S.—plus millions of user-generated reviews. We reviewed The Dyrt Pro in 2023 during a cross-country road trip and have been using it to find and review campgrounds ever since.
The Dyrt Pro app is a must for anyone who loves camping but not the hassle of finding campsites. It’s the best $35.99 you’ll spend this year, but if you’re unsure, check out the seven-day free trial before you decide.
With The Dyrt PRO, campers get:
- Discounts at more than 1,000 campgrounds
- Reservations at sold-out campgrounds
- Advanced route planning & offline maps
- Info on more than 5,000 free camping locations
- Downloadable maps for offline use
Ready to make this a year of sleeping outside? Here are some of our favorite camping posts to inspire you:
- Home is Where You Pitch It: Our Best Cozy Camping Ideas
- Your Perfectly Portable Car Camping Kitchen Setup
- How to Make Coffee While Camping: Our Favorite Methods
- The Best Camping Meals are Healthy, Too!
Follow us on social media for more outdoor inspiration!
Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored, where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.