The Dyrt, the leading app for camping availability, photos, and reviews, has revealed that solo camping is experiencing significant growth. According to The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report, presented by The All-New Toyota Tacoma, 29.8% of campers camped alone for at least one night in 2023.
“Almost everybody’s first camping experience is a group outing with friends or family,” says The Dyrt founder Sarah Smith. “But once you become a seasoned camper and realize you can handle it solo, enjoying the great outdoors alone becomes a real possibility. There’s a certain peace and tranquility that can only be found when alone with nature. It’s powerful, and more and more campers are tapping into that.”
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The percentage of solo campers has steadily increased, rising from 18.8% in 2021 to nearly 30% in 2023. The Dyrt community members cite various reasons for solo camping, from embarking on cross-country trips to simply seeking solitude.
“I don’t always camp alone, but when I do, it is because I like the respite from being around others,” says The Dyrt camper Miccal M. of Vermont. “Camping alone gives me the time to meditate and reflect on my life and what I am doing. There is nothing like sitting next to a fire in the woods to help look inwards and see if you need to adjust paths.”
The Dyrt has proven to be an essential companion for solo campers. “I used The Dyrt extensively while solo road tripping and car camping around the U.S. for six weeks last fall,” says Topaz G. of Pennsylvania. “It was invaluable.”
Adam R. of Colorado shares his solo camping experience: “I camp alone because I enjoy the solitude and the adventure of finding my way self-supported. I take a semi-annual, long-weekend trip to an area near Canyonlands National Park in Utah, covering many miles driving new-to-me forest service roads and 4×4 trails. Campfires and stargazing at night, sunrises and hearty breakfasts in the mornings.”
The rise in solo camping correlates with the increase in free camping. Nearly two-thirds of campers (65.8%) camped for free in 2023, up from 47.5% in 2021. Those who camped alone in 2023 were 36% more likely to have camped for free at some point in the year.
A membership to The Dyrt PRO ($36 annually) offers campers features to explore the outdoors more safely and confidently. Subscribers gain access to information on 5,000 drive-in accessible free camping locations, offline maps, overnight parking spots, and cell service details, along with discounts on camping and The Dyrt Alerts for reservations at sold-out campgrounds.
About The Dyrt
The Dyrt is the most comprehensive camping resource in the United States, featuring millions of user-generated reviews, photos, and tips for RV sites, cabins, glamping, and tent camping locations.
The Dyrt PRO subscription offers advanced features like reservations at sold-out campgrounds and discounts on camping. As the No. 1 camping app, The Dyrt receives over 30 million visits annually from campers. For more information, visit The Dyrt.
Source: Solo Camping Increases Significantly for Second Consecutive Year
