Across the United States, the use of camping sites in state parks, national parks, forests, and other outdoor venues is rocketing to record-breaking results. It seems that whether it is in Michigan, out in the Rockies of Colorado, or deep in the Pacific Northwest, almost all of the camping locales around the United States are way up since 2019. People have been buying RVs, campers, tents, and renting cabins like never before. Of course, this is going on at the same time that places like Disney World are seeing increased prices, as well as record-breaking profits. So what is going on?
It turns out that it’s not only the pandemic that is driving people to outdoor activities like camping and theme parks. Although you’ve likely heard that inflation is very much on the rise, and you’ve probably seen some of the inflationary issues at the gas pump and grocery store, you may not realize just how much prices are rising. And because the prices are going up so quickly across so many different categories, a large swath of tourists are deciding that it’s better to get out of the hustle and bustle of restricted restaurants and hotels. After all, food and lodging… along with gasoline… are some of the items that have gone up the most in all of this inflationary economy.
To get an idea of just how much prices are rising across the board, let us turn to the 1970s. That was the last time in which we saw rampant inflation in America, and it is often known for the “double-digit inflation” that was typical of the era. While our current inflation has been labeled 7.5% most recently, it turns out that if you apply the same metrics that were used in the 1970s, our inflation today is also double-digit. It just requires you to grade it in the same way we did then.
Inflation Data Source: Forbes
In other words, what is likely driving those who can’t afford expensive theme parks (and some who can) into national parks and camping trips is an inflationary rate we haven’t seen since the 1973 oil crisis. That’s not something you’ll see in the mainstream press, but it’s what is happening whether consumers fully recognize it or not.
Given that inflation is outpacing wages, and given the desire of many to get away from cities during the pandemic, it’s likely we will continue to see record numbers of camping trips in the spring and summer. It could possibly continue. Is this a new American phenomenon taking root? Perhaps that’s why even in the midst of a supply chain crisis, there are more RVs being made right now than ever before? Perhaps this is the new American leisure.
By another measure, 72 million Americans say they are planning an RV trip in the next year — up from 61 million a year ago, according to a November survey the trade group conducted.
There are some 11.2 million U.S. households that own an RV up, 26 percent since 2011.
And minorities are fueling some of that growth, according to RVIA, which found that 13 percent of first-time RV owners in 2020 identified themselves as black — up from 6 percent over the past one-to-five years and 2 percent in 2014.
— Lisa Fickensher, New York Post
If you’re one of those individuals looking to hop in a camper or mobile home in the next year or so, keep a keen eye on all the beautiful locations around American to visit. Don’t forget to watch that gas pump price too, as it may mean families are going to more places closer to home than ever before!
As always, keep following That Park Place for all things tourism. And don’t forget to read John Golf’s series of articles about his travels all around our beautiful United States.
