IO_Summer_21

“outdoor” cannot be separated from “outdoor activity,” but for first-time campers in 2020, an appreciation of nature is surprisingly low on the list of priorities. Indeed, for every other cohort surveyed by KOA, “love of the outdoors” is far and away the top reason they initially went camping in the first place. Among experienced campers in 2020, for example, 62 percent cited their “love of the outdoors” as a reason for trying camping, while 71 percent of camping couples with no children said the same. Among first-time campers, on the other hand, about half as many (32 percent) cited a “love of the outdoors” as a reason for choosing camping. The less-developed appreciation for nature may have resulted in less tolerance for “roughing it” among first-time campers in 2020. “First-time campers in 2020 were significantly more likely than first-time campers in 2019, or when compared to experienced campers, to have started camping in a glamping accommodation,” said the KOA study. KOA de- fines glamping as a camping experience that includes a greater number of services and amenities and is a more upscale type of experience. Of first-time campers, 28 percent said that they started their camping expe- riences in some type of glamping or unique accommodation compared to only 11 percent of experienced campers and 14 percent of first-time campers in 2019. More than half of first-time campers expressed as least some interest in taking a glamping trip in 2021. More important than a “love of nature” for first-time campers were the opportunity campgrounds offered to “get away from crowds and noise,” as well as COVID-related reasons such as camping being a “safe way to travel” or providing the “freedom to travel around the country.” However, the rate of response to these reasons among first-time campers were right in line with experience campers surveyed by KOA. The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) reported similar findings in its look at new participants across a large swath of outdoor activities. “Getting outside or connecting with nature” was fifth on a list of reasons why a new participant started or resumed an outdoor activity during COVID. Under- standably more important were reasons of personal health or to escape the confines of home quarantines. Inside Outdoor | SUMMER 2021 25 Perceived Benefits of Camping, Experienced vs. First Timers in 2020 (% Strongly Agreeing) Benefits Experienced First-time Camping is a great way for me to escape stress of everyday life 54% 36% Camping is a time to relax and not feel like I have something to do/somewhere to be 53% 30% Camping allows me to clear my mind 49% 37% Camping is an affordable vacation 47% 30% Camping allows me to spend more time with my family 47% 30% Camping helps my emotional well-being 46% 32% Camping helps improve relationships with family and friends 39% 25% While camping I feel more independent and empowered 36% 31% I like to camp as part of a group of friends or family 36% 27% Source: KOA, 2020