The Rise of International Camping: How Americans Are Changing the Way the World Camps

Camping is a great way to travel, unwind, or spend quality time with loved ones. Sometimes, it's all three!

Did you know camping is growing a lot more popular? There are also different types. You no longer have to stick to camping in the middle of the woods with just a tent. Plenty of campsites have electricity, water, and even wi-fi.

State parks across the United States also offer cabins, perfect for family get-togethers, or those who prefer not to sleep on the ground. And have you heard of glamping? It's camping, but with luxuries. Imagine spending a night in a see-through tent with air conditioning, a TV, and a clear sky. Temping, right?

Camping looks different for everyone. It even differs across the world. But how? Follow along to find out. For this slideshow, 24/7 Tempo carefully researched the topic, using sources like CRR Hospitality, the Office of Outdoor Recreation, KOA, and Travel US News.

How Common Is Camping?

Camping in the U.S. is on the rise and understandably so, as it's affordable and a great way to see different parts of the country. Since 2014, camping participation has gone up 23% and it's expected to continue. The camping crowd is also young. Almost half of all North American campers were Millennials and Gen Zers in 2023.

What Type of Camping Exists in the U.S?

So, what kinda camping exists in the U.S? Well, just about anything. Some common types are RV, cabin, tent, van, car, and glamping.

Where Do People Camp In the U.S?

Camping is a lot of fun, and where you can camp is a long list. For instance, you can keep it casual and camp in your backyard with friends and a cheap tent or spend a whole week in a national park. In 2023 in North America, 29% of camping nights were spent at some type of park, including local, state, and national. Within the national parks, 8.42 million people camped.

Need some ideas on where to go camping in the U.S? Slide through!

Yellowstone National Park

Imagine waking up to the beauty of Yellowstone National Park. There are so many spots within the park to visit and stay a night, too, making it one of the easier choices. This is a place you'll want to reserve weeks, if not months, in advance, as it can fill up fast.

Acadia National Park

Another excellent choice for camping in the country is Acadia National Park. Here, you can find several campgrounds, including Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods. It's best to make a reservation quickly, like with Yellowstone National Park, as it's a popular spot. If you are traveling with livestock, you can camp at Wildwood Stables.

White Sands National Park

For those who live in primitive camping, White Sands National Park is an excellent choice. It is very unique compared to other national parks. The ground is so white, it almost looks like glistening snow. Check the website, though, for the rules and if camping is open.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

State parks are just as beautiful as national parks. Another option for camping in the U.S. is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in California. This campground, like the others on our list, is extremely popular. It's known to fill up six months in advance.

Camping Foods

Although you can make whatever you want on your camping adventure, there are some foods considered 'typical' American camping treats. These include s'mores, jerky, burgers, sausages, corn, crackers, and dehydrated meals. While these are common camping foods, plenty of people cook full meals like rice and beans, spaghetti and meatballs, and scrambled eggs. The food you eat, cook, and pack is going to depend on your circumstances. Are you limited to fire, or do you own a grill?

How Do Other Countries Camp?

Camping is not strictly an American thing, but it does look different in other countries. For instance, in Germany, camping is a big family affair. No one is left behind, and the bulk of the trip is spent playing board games. In northern Thailand, camping is more solitary or for small groups. According to KOA, in the mountains of northern Thailand, hundreds of people camp with private picnic tables.

The Best Countries for Camping

Excluding the United States, what are considered the best countries for camping? And what spots in each country are worth visiting? For this section, we used HiCamp's Worldwide Camping Index. They did an excellent job with the data and even broke it up by things like stargazing, wildlife biodiversity, dangerous wildlife, and scenery.