New Camping Trends Revealed in The Dyrt’s 2026 Camping Report

Camping in the United States is still going strong, and a newly released report from The Dyrt suggests the outdoor boom isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

The Dyrt Camping Report 2026 — Photo credit: The Dyrt

The company recently published The Dyrt’s 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks, an annual deep dive into camping trends across the country. The report has quickly become one of the most widely cited sources of camping data in the outdoor industry.

If you’re not familiar with it, The Dyrt is a popular app that helps campers find and review campgrounds across the United States.

The platform is built around a large community of campers who share campsite information, photos, and reviews. Its premium membership, The Dyrt PRO, includes features like campground listings, trip-planning tools, and a collection of free camping locations.

According to the new report, 2025 saw the second-highest number of campers ever recorded in the United States, with an estimated 82.4 million Americans camping at least once last year. Only 2023 had more campers, with 84.8 million.

Even more interesting: 2.6 million people went camping for the very first time in 2025.

“We continue to see a diverse cohort of first-time campers discovering camping in all its forms,” writes The Dyrt founder Sarah Smith in an introductory letter to the report. “It’s amazing to see growth in camping among such a wide variety of people and camping types.”

Campgrounds Are Still Filling Up Fast

If you’ve tried to book a campsite lately, the next statistic probably won’t surprise you.

More than half of campers reported having difficulty booking a campsite because campgrounds were full. Popular parks and campgrounds continue to sell out quickly, especially on weekends.

“As campsites continue to fill up and bookings remain competitive, camping etiquette is more important than ever,” continues Smith. “This year, we explored behavior and opinions among the camping community on bookings and cancellations as well as what it takes to reserve a first- come, first-served campsite.”

The report also found that short-notice cancellations and campers leaving early have increased, even though more people are using the reservations they make.

And when it comes to reserving first-come, first-served campsites? Campers have opinions. About two-thirds of respondents believe you need at least a tent or vehicle to hold a campsite, rather than just dropping a chair or backpack on the site.

RVs and Trailers Are Still the Most Popular Way to Camp

While camping styles vary widely, RVs and trailers remain the most common setup, with more than half of survey respondents using them in 2025.

Tent camping, glamping, van camping, and truck camping are also growing in popularity, especially among younger campers.

Interestingly, the report also shows that campers are becoming increasingly diverse, with more participation from LGBTQ+ campers and BIPOC campers than in previous years.

Camping Is Still One of America’s Favorite Outdoor Activities

Jenny Lake Campground in Grand Teton National Park.

The report highlights something many outdoor enthusiasts already know: camping is deeply woven into the American outdoor lifestyle.

According to the findings:

85% of adults in the United States have camped at least once in their lifetime
The median number of camping trips in 2025 was six
Camping ranks among the most popular outdoor activities, just behind walking, swimming, and hiking

Many campers are also bringing their pets along for the adventure. Nearly half of all campers reported camping with dogs, making them one of the most common travel companions.

Technology Is Changing How People Camp

Camping may be about unplugging, but technology is still creeping into the experience.

The report found that:

1 in 10 campers have used AI to help plan a camping trip
1 in 3 campers say they would trust AI to recommend a campground
Satellite internet is becoming more common, with about one-third of campers reporting they’ve used it while camping

Remote work is also shaping outdoor travel. More than 25% of campers said they worked from a campsite in 2025, blending work and travel in ways that weren’t common just a decade ago.

The Camping Community Drives the Data

One reason this report has become so influential is the size of The Dyrt’s camping community. The data comes from several sources, including thousands of Dyrt users, a representative sample of U.S. residents, and campground managers across all 50 states.

“What helped The Dyrt start from the ground up and grow is the same thing that’s made it the best camping app in the U.S. — The Dyrt Community of campers,” says The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long. “They share information and experiences that allow fellow campers to find the best campsites for their own trips. And with their survey responses and what they contribute to this annual report, they help to inform an entire industry.”

Trucks, Road Trips, and Camping Memories

Roasting marshmallows over a campfire. — Campfires will never go out of style…

This year’s report also includes stories from Toyota truck owners who use their vehicles to explore the outdoors.

Drivers of models like the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Sequoia, and Toyota Land Cruiser shared some of their favorite camping experiences.

As Smith writes in the report, when Toyota drivers were asked about their favorite camping memories in their trucks, the most common answer was simple:

“All of them.”

Want to See the Full Report?

Check out The Dyrt’s 2026 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: