Posts Tagged ‘Camping’

Washington, DC, January 21, 2011 – Almost 40 million Americans participated in camping last year, according to a new study released today by The Outdoor Foundation, Coleman and Kampgrounds of America (KOA). That equates to more than 14 percent of Americans over age six. The findings are part of the 2011 Special Report on Camping, a leading report tracking American participation in camping.

This extended 54-page Special Report on Camping provides data and analysis on camping participation in the United States, including psychographic profiles, camping preferences and buying behavior. The Report also explores opportunities in the camping industry and the overall future of camping. The findings are based on an online survey of more than 40,000 Americans ages six and older and a supplemental survey of camping participants 18 and older.

“The Special Report on Camping shows that camping endures as part of the American outdoor tradition – accommodating any lifestyle and giving access to any outdoor experience,” said Chris Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. “Thanks to support and commitment of Coleman and KOA, the Report provides first-of-its-kind information on camping trends, which should be of great interest to everyone in the outdoor community – especially those of us focused on inspiring future generations of enthusiasts.”

The study found that introducing children to camping at a young age is vital to their participation as adults. Half of all current campers ages 18 and over experienced their first camping trip before they reached the age of seven. Only nine percent of all adult camping participants tried camping for the first time after age 19.

“KOA has been serving the camping public for 50 years and believes that it is essential to evaluate key outdoor sector and camper trends to continually respond to the diverse outdoor hospitality needs of Americans and international visitors”, said Jim Rogers, Chairman and CEO of Kampgrounds of America. “KOA was pleased to have participated in this special report and looks forward to working with its outdoor partners to use this information to better serve and grow the outdoor marketplace.”

The insights detailed in the 2011 Special Report on Camping are critical to understanding both campers and non-campers and building participation in the activity. Additional findings include:

Overview of Camping Participation

• Almost 40 million Americans went camping in 2010 for a total of 514.8 million outings.
• On average, each camping participant spent almost 13 days camping.
• More than three-quarters of participants are planning 3+ camping trips in the next year.
• Over three-quarters of campers participate in multiple outdoor activities.

Profile of a Camper

• Family is the most popular camping companion for 35 to 54 year olds.
• More than 90 percent of campers hiked during their last in-season trip.
• In the last 12 months, 86 percent of campers went on a camping trip during the summer.
• Over 50 percent of campers are motivated to go camping simply because they enjoy the act of camping.

Buying Behavior

• Younger campers are most likely to buy backpacks, while older campers are most likely to buy propane lighting.
• Sixty-one percent of campers say they spend about the same amount on recreation in 2010 as they did in 2009.
• Most new and replacement camping purchases are planned at home before taking the camping trip.

Future of Camping

• Nearly a quarter of frequent campers say their camping trips over the last three years have become longer and more frequent.
• The most cited reasons for reducing the number of trips are a lack of time due to work and family commitments.
• Almost half of all respondents say their fathers took them camping for the first time.

To download a complete copy of the 2011 Special Report on Camping, visit The Outdoor Foundation website at http://www.outdoorfoundation.org.

Forty-four campgrounds, RV parks and resorts earned all around “A” grades in the fourth annual consumer satisfaction survey according to a news release.

The top parks were announced Dec. 2 during the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds’ (ARVC) annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo, which took place at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort & Spa and Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.

More than 30,000 camping and RV enthusiasts participated in the online survey, which evaluated guest experiences at campgrounds, RV parks and resorts that are affiliated with ARVC.

“Consistently earning an overall ‘A’ grade from guests is difficult, and our 44 winners this year represent less than 2% of all of the nation’s campgrounds. But what is even more impressive is that 12 of this year’s winners have also received this award four years in a row,” said Bob MacKinnon, president and CEO of GuestRated.com, the Murrieta, Calif.-based company that conducted the online survey.

“Consumers should take the time to check out the ratings that are posted for each campground on www.GoCampingAmerica.com because that’s the quickest way to tell which parks are best meeting – and exceeding – guest expectations,” said Paul Bambei, ARVC president and CEO.

The 44 Parks Earning “A” Grade This Year

• Acres of Wildlife Campground in Steep Falls, Maine, a three-time winner.
• Anaheim Resort RV Park, Anaheim, Calif., a first-time winner.
• Ashland Resort, Northfork, W.Va., a two-time winner.
• At Rivers Edge RV Resort, Brookings, Ore., a first-time winner.
• Brookdale Family Campground, Meadville, Pa., a first-time winner.
• Buffalo Lake Camping Resort, Montello, Wis., a two-time winner.
• Buttonwood Campground, Mexico, Pa., a four-time winner.
• Camp A Way, Lincoln, Neb., a first-time winner.
• Chalk Creek Campground & RV Park, Nathrop, Colo., a three-time winner.
• Cherry Hill Park, College Park, Md., a three-time winner.
• Cross Creek Camping Resort, Delaware, Ohio, a first-time winner.
• D & W Lake Camping and RV Park, Champaign, Ill., a two-time winner.
• Dogwood Acres Campground, Newville, Pa., a four-time winner.
• Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort, Panama City, Fla., a first-time winner.
• Gettysburg Campground, Gettysburg, Pa., a three-time winner.
• Gold Country Campground Resort, Pine Grove, Calif., a first-time winner.
• Hidden Valley RV Park, Von Ormy, Texas, a first-time winner.
• High Plains Camping, Oakley, Kan., a four-time winner.
• Kalyumet Camping & Cabins, Lucinda, Pa., a first-time winner.
• Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort, Waymart, Pa., a three-time winner.
• Kozy Rest Kampground, Harrisville, Pa., a four-time winner.
• Lake George RV Park, Lake George, N.Y., a four-time winner.
• Las Vegas RV Resort, Las Vegas, Nev., a two-time winner.
• Magnolia RV Park & Campground, Kinards, S.C., a two-time winner.
• Meadowcliff Lodge & RV Resort, Coleville, Calif., a three-time winner.
• Mill Creek Ranch RV & Cottage Resort, Canton, Texas, a four-time winner.
• Misty River Cabins & RV Resort, Walland, Tenn., a four-time winner.
• Moose River Campground, Saint Johnsbury, Vt., a first-time winner.
• Mountain Vista Campground, East Stroudsburg, Pa., a three-time winner.
• Myrtle Beach Travel Park, Myrtle Beach, S.C., a first-time winner.
• Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach, S.C., a four-time winner.
• Pecan Park Campground, San Marcos, Texas, a first-time winner.
• Pioneer Campground, Laporte, Pa., a four-time winner.
• Pismo Coast Village RV Resort, Pismo Beach, Calif., a two-time winner.
• Pontchartrain Landing, New Orleans, La., a three-time winner.
• Red Apple Campground, Kennebunkport, Maine, a three-time winner.
• Rose Point Park, New Castle, Pa., a first-time winner.
• Sunny Brook RV Resort, South Haven, Mich., a four-time winner.
• The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course, Borrego Springs, Calif., a two-time winner.
• The Vineyards Campground & Cabins, Grapevine, Texas, a four-time winner.
• West Canada Creek Campsites, Poland, N.Y., a three-time winner.
• Willow Tree Resort, Longs, S.C., a three-time winner.
• Yellowstone Holiday Campground, West Yellowstone, Mont., a first-time winner.

The GuestRated.com national online survey program was launched in 2008 in collaboration with ARVC.

Consumers are invited to submit their own reviews of private campgrounds and RV resorts they have recently visited by logging on to www.GoCampingAmerica.com and clicking on the “Review a Park” tab. Survey results will eventually be posted on the GoCampingAmerica website.

For more information about the online survey program, please contact Bob MacKinnon of www.GuestRated.com at (877) 707-7080 or Paul Bambei of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds at (303) 681-0401.

DENVER – Looking for a gift for family, friends or co-workers who love the outdoors? A Colorado State Parks Annual Pass is a gift of outdoor cheer that lasts all year and doesn’t require a shopping trip. The passes are available online at http://www.parks.state.co.us/Holiday/Pages/Holiday.aspx. The annual passes provide free access for everyone in the vehicle to all 42 state parks throughout 2012.

Colorado State Parks offer settings of natural beauty across the state, nearly every kind of outdoor recreation – boating, camping, fishing, hiking, rock climbing and sledding – and special programs for youngsters and adults. Check your holiday giving list for people who love the outdoors or enjoy the recreational fun at Colorado State Parks.

The annual pass is $70 and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. For additional information or to order a pass over the phone, call 303-866-3437.

Need more holiday giving ideas? Gift certificates, which can be used for annual and daily passes, dog off-leash area passes at Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks and overnight stays in cozy cabins and yurts, are popular gifts and stocking stuffers. Purchase online for $5, $10, $25, $35, $60 or $70 or buy in any amount at a Colorado State Park office. The gift certificates are also good for reservation fees. And, Colorado State Park gift certificates never expire.

The annual passes are also available all Colorado State Parks, at the Colorado State Parks Denver office, the southeast region office in Colorado Springs, the Rocky Mountain region office in Clifton near Grand Junction, and the Littleton office. The passes are also available at many King Soopers, Safeway, City Market, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Gander Mountain and REI stores. Visit http://parks.state.co.us/ParksPasses/ for a complete list of retail outlets.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.