A recent study by the Outdoor Foundation, a group that researches trends and demographics in outdoor sports, shows a 7.4 percent increase in car and backyard camping in 2008. The study uses participation data collected annually, and shows that last year, 33.7 million Americans went car camping. In 2008, the average car camper spent 14 days beneath the stars but close to their bumper. The study suggests that the downturn in the economy is partly responsible for the increase in car camping. With tighter budgets, Americans are looking for less expensive vacation alternatives.
Look for BRO’s extensive car camping guide in the upcoming November issue.
