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Data shows more people are camping during pandemic

More people have been interested in camping since the pandemic started. A local park has taken note of the spike in demand and is making some changes.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Camping has experienced explosive growth across the United States in the last year. Campgrounds here in the Valley are working hard to keep up with the demand.

Data from Kampgrounds of America (KOA) shows that interest in camping and RV-ing is expected to remain high this year.

To work with this sudden demand, the Ditto Landing campgrounds are improving bathhouse facilities, expanding a greenway system, and opening full hook-up campsites next month.

"Last year we saw a dramatic increase in our bookings, particularly during the summer as people went into quarantine and weren't able to go into their office, they were looking for something to do and they weren't going to school so they wanted a place to be socially distanced and be safe. So, camping was an ideal solution," said Ditto Landing Executive Director, Brandi Quick. 

If you plan to go camping or RV-ing soon, Ditto Landing recommends reserving a spot ahead of time.

To reserve your spot call: 256-882-1057.

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Additional key findings of KOA’s 2021 North American Camping Report include: 

  • One-third of first-time campers said they tried camping because they believe it is a safe way to travel and because of the desire to avoid crowds.
  • Who are these first-time 2020 campers? They are young. Six out of ten are under the age of 40. 
  • First-time 2020 campers are also diverse. 60% of first-time campers are from non-white groups, the highest rate since the inception of the survey seven years ago. One-fourth are Black. 
  • More than half of those who tried camping for the first time in 2020 plan to camp the same or more this year. 
  • Forty-one percent of all campers, and 51% of new campers, say they sometimes or always work while camping. Millennial campers are the most likely to work while camping (54%).
  • Across all campers, families are most likely to spend more nights camping in 2021.
  • Representing an all-time high, 27% of campers say it’s “very important” to have Wi-Fi while camping.
  • Almost half of campers say that the COVID vaccine will allow them to camp more often in 2021. The vaccine is most likely to increase camping among millennial and GenX campers. 
  • From a generational perspective, RV ownership increased the most among GenXers and millennials; ownership growth can also be seen in families.  

RELATED: RV sales spike: Rocket RV says they’ve seen up to 50% increase

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