I’m a big fan of learning new things – which is probably why I had a blast putting together this list of fun camping facts. Educate yourself before your next camping trip by reading a few of these interesting facts about camping.
You just might learn a new thing or two – and who knows? It might come in handy for fun activities or even for pointless trivia! If anything, they’re a great way to have good talking points happen on your first camping trip of the year!
Fun Camping Facts
There is literally no rhyme or reason to these facts. They’re random, hilarious, scary, unique – all of the above! If you’re camping in the great outdoors or looking for some tips on survival skills, you might learn some facts here that can help!
Will you ever need these? They might come in handy during a random trivia game!
- Approximately 40 million Americans go camping each year.
- The average camper in the United States is 34 years old.
- 51% of campers prefer tent camping.
- RV camping is popular among 42% of campers.
- Campers spend an average of 14.9 days camping per year.
- The most popular months for camping are July and August.
- 68% of campers participate in outdoor activities such as hiking or fishing while camping.
- 57% of campers bring their pets along on camping trips.
- The average camping trip lasts 2.3 nights.
- 61% of campers plan their trips less than one month in advance.
- 44% of campers stay at public campgrounds.
- The average camping party consists of 4.2 people.
- 52% of campers camp in state parks.
- 39% of campers camp in national parks.
- 69% of campers say they camp to relax and unwind.
- 47% of campers use social media to share their camping experiences.
- 31% of campers camp in tents they own, while 22% rent tents.
- 72% of campers use camping as an opportunity to unplug from technology.
- 35% of campers camp in cabins or lodges.
- 58% of campers use smartphones for navigation while camping.
- 43% of campers camp with their families.
- 27% of campers camp with friends.
- 52% of campers cook meals over a campfire or portable grill.
- The average camper travels 186 miles to their camping destination.
- 61% of campers camp in locations within their home state.
- 29% of campers camp in locations more than 100 miles away from home.
- 43% of campers report that their favorite part of camping is the campfire.
- 39% of campers prefer primitive camping (no amenities).
- 82% of campers believe that camping has a positive impact on mental health.
- 76% of campers believe that camping strengthens family relationships.
- 55% of campers prefer camping during the summer months.
- 48% of campers camp near water sources such as lakes or rivers.
- 67% of campers enjoy stargazing while camping.
- 28% of campers participate in organized group camping trips.
- 63% of campers bring camping chairs with them.
- 39% of campers use camping as a way to explore new places.
- 46% of campers have camped in the same location more than once.
- 51% of campers use coolers to store food and beverages while camping.
- 34% of campers camp in locations with access to showers.
- 59% of campers have camped in both rural and urban settings.
- 42% of campers camp in locations with designated campsites.
- 78% of campers say they feel happier after a camping trip.
- 56% of campers engage in wildlife observation while camping.
- 31% of campers participate in geocaching or other outdoor games while camping.
- 49% of campers prefer camping in areas with no cell phone reception.
- 37% of campers bring hammocks with them while camping.
- 69% of campers say they sleep better while camping.
- 52% of campers say they spend more time outdoors when camping.
- 41% of campers say they feel more connected to nature after camping.
- 33% of campers have camped in extreme weather conditions.
- The word “camp” is derived from the Latin word “campo,” meaning “field.”
There’s no doubt that camping is a good time, but here are some facts about everyday life and camping that a seasoned camper might not know.
- The first recreational campers were the Ancient Romans, who set up elaborate campsites during military campaigns.
- The world’s first national park, Yellowstone, was established in 1872, paving the way for modern camping.
- The largest national park in the United States is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska.
- The tradition of toasting marshmallows over a campfire dates back to the early 20th century.
- The world record for the longest continuous marshmallow roast is 62 hours.
- The first sleeping bags were made by Native Americans from buffalo hides.
- The most remote campground in the United States is at Aniakchak National Monument in Alaska.
- The practice of using tents for camping dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Assyrians and Persians.
- The world’s oldest known campground is the Terrace Shelter in Australia, dating back 20,000 years.
- The term “glamping” is a blend of “glamorous” and “camping,” referring to luxurious camping experiences.
- Camping can help reset your internal body clock, syncing it with natural light and darkness.
- The most popular activity while camping is hiking, followed by fishing and swimming.
- The first recreational vehicle (RV) was built in 1910 by Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company.
- The largest camping festival in the world is the Burning Man festival in Nevada, USA.
- S’mores were first mentioned in a Girl Scouts publication in the 1920s.
- The first modern folding camping chair was invented in 1855 by Joseph B. Fenby.
- In Japan, there’s a tradition called “shinrinyoku,” or forest bathing, where people immerse themselves in nature for health benefits.
- The concept of Leave No Trace, promoting responsible outdoor ethics, was developed in the 1960s.
- The first KOA (Kampgrounds of America) campground opened in 1962 in Billings, Montana.
- The world’s tallest treehouse is located in Crossville, Tennessee, standing at 97 feet tall.
- The most remote campsite in the world is at the Plateau Point Campground in the Grand Canyon.
- Camping can improve mood and reduce stress by increasing exposure to natural light and decreasing exposure to artificial light.
- The world’s largest campground is the Happy Holiday RV Village in Zephyrhills, Florida, with over 1,000 sites.
- The term “boondocking” refers to camping in remote areas without amenities like water or electricity.
- The practice of using a Dutch oven for campfire cooking dates back to the 1700s.
- The first recreational camp stove was invented in 1810 by Benjamin Dearborn.
- The world’s highest campground is the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, sitting at 17,598 feet above sea level.
- Camping in the winter, known as “winter camping,” offers unique challenges and rewards, such as snowshoeing and ice fishing.
- The first known camping club, the Association of Cycle Campers, was founded in 1901 in England.
RV Camping Facts
Learning crazy new facts is one of my favorite things to do. This list below specifically gives some fun facts about RVs!
- There are approximately 11 million RV-owning households in the United States.
- RV ownership has reached record levels, with 11.2% of U.S. households owning an RV.
- The average age of RV owners is 48 years old.
- RV ownership among people aged 35-54 has increased by 62% since 2001.
- The average RV owner uses their RV for 28 days annually.
- 56% of RV owners plan to use their RV more this year than last.
- RV travel is considered 23-59% less expensive than other types of vacations.
- The RV industry generates over $114 billion in economic output annually.
- RV shipments reached nearly 600,000 units in 2021.
- Over 9 million households in the U.S. plan to purchase an RV in the next 5 years.
- 77% of RV owners take trips of 100 miles or more, and 41% travel over 500 miles.
- The average length of an RV camping trip is 4-7 days.
- 53% of RV owners prefer to camp in public campgrounds.
- 31% of RV owners prefer private campgrounds.
- The most popular types of RVs are travel trailers (46%), followed by Class C motorhomes (25%).
- 40% of RV owners report having children under 18 living at home.
- 62% of RV trips include pets.
- RVers are twice as likely to take their pets along compared to non-RVers.
- 85% of RV owners say that spending time with family is the main reason for their RV trips.
- The top reasons for choosing RV travel include flexibility (78%), cost savings (49%), and convenience (47%).
- 53% of RV owners use their RV for weekend getaways.
- 38% of RV owners use their RV for vacations lasting one week or more.
- 57% of RV owners use their RV for tailgating events.
- 73% of RV owners say that their RV allows them to escape everyday stress and pressure.
- 65% of RV owners use their RVs to pursue outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and biking.
- The average age of RVs on the road is 11 years.
- RV travelers save 28-59% on accommodations and 28-47% on meals compared to traditional vacations.
- 55% of RV owners say that owning an RV has improved their overall quality of life.
- 64% of RV owners say they can travel spontaneously with an RV.
- The most common RV destinations are national parks (70%), beaches (65%), and state parks (63%).
- 42% of RV owners have stayed overnight in Walmart parking lots.
- 46% of RVers have solar panels installed on their RVs.
- 80% of RV owners say that RVing is a good way to travel with children.
- 37% of RV owners belong to RV clubs or associations.
- 74% of RV owners say that RVing allows them to meet new people and make new friends.
- 80% of RVers travel with laptops or tablets.
- 52% of RV owners say they cook more meals when traveling in their RV.
- 36% of RV owners spend between 20-29 nights per year in their RV.
- 59% of RV owners say that having an RV allows them to travel without worrying about the cost of hotels.
- 48% of RV owners say that having an RV makes them more likely to take more mini-vacations.
- 76% of RV owners say that RVing reduces their stress levels.
- 68% of RV owners say that RVing allows them to enjoy nature more.
- 31% of RV owners have traveled internationally in their RV.
- 62% of RV owners say that they prefer the RV lifestyle to flying and staying in hotels.
- 57% of RV owners say that having an RV allows them to take more trips than they otherwise would.
- 78% of RV owners say that RVing allows them to control their schedule better.
- 55% of RV owners say that having an RV makes them feel more connected to their family.
- 34% of RV owners say that having an RV makes them feel younger.
- 69% of RV owners say that RVing allows them to see more of the country.
- 52% of RV owners say that having an RV has improved their relationship with their spouse or partner.
Tent Camping Facts
You’d be surprised to find out that a majority of campers still sleep in tents! Tent users may like reading some of these facts about tent camping.
- Tent camping has ancient origins, with evidence suggesting that early humans used animal skins, hides, and other natural materials to create rudimentary shelters for camping purposes.
- The modern tent as we know it today traces its origins to the early 20th century when innovative designs using canvas and lightweight materials emerged. Early designs were often heavy compared to today’s lightweight and compact tents.
- There are various types of tents designed for different camping needs, including dome tents, tunnel tents, cabin tents, backpacking tents, and more. Each type has its own unique features suited for specific camping environments and activities.
- Modern tents are typically made from lightweight, durable materials such as nylon, polyester, and sometimes canvas. These materials are often waterproof or water-resistant to protect campers from the elements.
- Setting up a tent can be a fun yet challenging part of camping. Most tents come with poles and stakes that need to be assembled and secured to create the structure. While some tents are designed for quick and easy setup, others may require more time and effort.
- Proper ventilation is important in tents to prevent condensation and ensure airflow. Many tents feature mesh panels and windows to promote ventilation while keeping bugs out.
- Tents come in various sizes to accommodate different numbers of campers, ranging from solo tents to large family-sized tents capable of sleeping eight or more people.
- Tents are often classified by their seasonality, ranging from 3-season tents suitable for spring, summer, and fall camping to 4-season tents designed for year-round use, including winter camping in snow and harsh conditions.
- Ultralight tent camping has gained popularity among backpackers and minimalist campers who prioritize lightweight gear and simplicity.
Funny Facts about Dump Stations
Okay, so these might not be facts per se, but they’re sure to make you smile. Adult campers will get a laugh out of some of these as they’ve surely had a similar camp experience at some point in time.
- No matter how fancy or rugged your RV may be, when it comes time to empty the tanks, everyone gets down to the same level—literally.
- Dump stations can sometimes resemble a comical version of a busy highway toll booth, with RVers patiently queuing up for their turn to empty their tanks.
- Many RVers have perfected the art of the “dump dance,” a humorous combination of maneuvers designed to avoid splashes, spills, and unpleasant odors during the dumping process.
- Despite your efforts to seal everything tightly, there’s always that moment of trepidation when you remove the sewer hose and hope for the best. It’s a true test of nerves and nostrils.
- Sharing a dump station with fellow campers requires patience, courtesy, and good humor. After all, we’re all in this together.
- Forgetting to check for the location of the nearest dump station before setting up camp can lead to some humorous last-minute scrambles and GPS gymnastics.
- Nothing entirely breaks the ice at a dump station like unexpectedly bumping into a neighbor from the campsite while emptying your tanks. It’s a shared experience you won’t soon forget.
- Dump stations have a unique way of inspiring lively conversations among RVers, who often swap stories, tips, and advice while waiting their turn.
- Despite the less-than-glamorous nature of the task, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes from successfully emptying your tanks and hitting the road with a lighter load.
- Completing the dumping process without incident deserves a celebratory lap around the campground—just be sure to keep your windows rolled up!
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