The Dyrt, a camping app offering information on all U.S. public, private, and free campsites, unveiled its 2025 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks.
In its second year of partnership, Toyota collaborated with The Dyrt to deliver a detailed analysis of trends and challenges shaping the nation’s camping industry.
The report reveals that 81.1 million Americans camped in 2024, with 5.8 million experiencing camping for the first time.
The data, collected from The Dyrt’s extensive camper network, a representative national sample, and campground operators, reflects the growing demand for outdoor experiences.
According to a press release, Founder Sarah Smith expressed optimism in her introduction to the report, noting that camping serves as a grounding force amid uncertainty. “The need to connect with nature — and to connect with one another in nature — is what helps humans stay grounded,” Smith stated.
Since 2021, over 25 million Americans have become first-time campers, a statistic that underscores sustained interest in outdoor recreation.
Smith highlighted an encouraging trend: reservation cancellations and no-shows have decreased, allowing more people to fully utilize campsites. While 58.9% of campers used all their reservations in 2023, that figure rose to 70.7% last year, improving campsite efficiency.
However, access to available campsites remains a challenge. From 2019 to 2022, the percentage of campers reporting difficulties in booking sites surged from 10.6% to 58.4%. Though it fell to 45.5% in 2023, the issue resurfaced last year, with 56.1% of respondents again struggling to secure reservations.
“Campsites are being added at private campgrounds all over the country to accommodate the growing number of campers,” said The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long.
He emphasized that access difficulties are most acute at sought-after public campgrounds, where booking competition remains intense. This pattern signals a need for continued investment in both public and private camping infrastructure.
The report also examines the role of vehicles in camping experiences. Over half (53.4%) of respondents indicated a preference for vehicle-based camping, including RVs, trailers, and camper vans.
Toyota Motor North America, a key partner for The Dyrt’s report, reinforced the importance of dependable vehicles for camping adventures. “The real start of every camping trip is the moment you get out on the road,” said Kaylea Spurgin, senior media analyst for Toyota.
She highlighted how Toyota Trucks support various camping journeys, from short weekend getaways to extended road trips.
