Wellness is fueling camping demand.
What’s happening: 52M North American households camped in 2025, contributing $66B in outdoor hospitality spend — driven by desire for restorative well-being.
Unpacking. Seeking nature’s healing effects, half of US campers book trips to improve mental well-being, and a third for physical benefits. Burnt out on tech, 77% say nature is enough without amenities, and 61% cite slowing down as their top travel goal.
Out there. Campers want an escape, but that doesn’t mean going it alone. Nearly two-thirds camp with a partner, 33% call campgrounds a modern third space, and 45% report meaningful interactions with others.
Even as solo camping peaks, most are going with the intent to make new friends.
Home away. A favorite among first-timers, glamping accounted for 29% of all experiences. Unable to unplug from optimization, 43% track biometrics outdoors — with two-thirds saying positive data would lead them to camp more.
Lights out. Even as the wellness persuasion strengthens, YoY participation is flat and frequency is down. A case for affordability, 33% cite cost as a barrier. A paradox, 27% of Americans said they weren’t healthy enough to camp — highlighting the opportunity for more accessible off-the-grid experiences.
Punchline: Finding everyday life adventure enough, campers are heading outdoors for recovery, connection, and self-regulation.