If you’ve spent any time in the outdoors community lately, you’ve probably felt it: camping isn’t slowing down. In fact, according to the latest report from The Dyrt, camping participation in the U.S. continues to climb at a remarkable pace. In 2024, an estimated 81.1 million Americans camped at least once — and more importantly, 5.8 million of them were first-time campers.
Let that sink in.
That’s not just growth… that’s a wave.
Despite inflation making everything from groceries to gas a little heavier on the wallet, people are still choosing to pitch tents, tow campers, and head for the tree line. It says something about what camping has become in America: not simply a hobby, but a release valve, a reset button, and in many ways, a return to something that feels more grounded than everyday life.
Why the Boom?
There are a few big drivers:
1. The Search for Simplicity
After several years of chaotic news cycles and rising screen time, getting outside has become one of the few places people can genuinely disconnect. A campfire does something a notification never will.
2. Vanlife, Overlanding & Social Media Visibility
The rise of truck campers, affordable trailers, and off-grid rigs — along with the digital visibility of outdoor creators — has inspired a whole generation of new campers. People finally see what’s possible, and they want a piece of it.
3. Accessibility & Tech
Apps like The Dyrt, Campendium, and iOverlander make it easier than ever to find remote boondocking spots, last-minute campgrounds, or the perfect truck-camper pullout. The barrier to entry keeps shrinking.
What This Means for the Boondocking Community
For the off-grid crowd — truck campers, van lifers, DIY overlanders, and weekend wanderers — this surge brings both opportunity and challenge.
More first-timers means more interest in gear reviews, practical how-to articles, trip ideas, and real-world experience from people actually living the lifestyle. That’s where Boondocking Magazine slots in perfectly: bridging the gap between inspiration and hands-on knowledge.
But growth also brings pressure. Popular campgrounds are filling up faster. Dispersed camping areas are seeing heavier traffic. And newcomers often need guidance on etiquette, safety, and minimal-impact camping. Education is becoming just as important as adventure.
The Road Ahead
The trend line is clear: camping isn’t fading. Even as the economy fluctuates, the urge to escape the noise is stronger than ever. More people are stepping into the woods, parking on forest roads, and finding out how good a quiet night under the stars can feel.
For BM — and for your readers — that’s incredibly good news.
A growing community means more stories to tell, more places to explore, and more innovation in the gear and rigs that make off-grid life possible.
And as long as people keep chasing the horizon, we’ll be right there with them.