Familes: more or less?

outwest · 08-09-2011, 10:56 AM

I am wondering if now compared to years ago if there really are less people camping or not as a family. I know back in the day it was all the rave, before huge TV sets, tons of movies and video games but it still seems like tons of people enjoy it as a family. Am I wrong here?

Grandpa · 08-09-2011, 11:18 AM

I remember very little recreational camping as a youth except by kids. Fishing, hunting and work were the reasons for camping trips rather than the camping itself. Usually, family outings were the father and his sons and on rare occasions his daughters. It wasn't until the late 50's that family oriented recreational camping came into place.

SpencerT · 08-09-2011, 11:20 AM

I haven't noticed because you still see a lot of people at campgrounds, but I'd assume there are less people doing it less often because there are a lot more things to do these days then back when I was growing up. I think a lot more mothers are working too so it might be harder to get time off for both parents at the same time.

limbs · 08-09-2011, 03:01 PM

I think there are more people camping now. Our local campgrounds have a reservation system and they are always filling up through the summer. Even on weekdays. Of course that makes it harder to get a site.

Lamebeaver · 08-09-2011, 04:01 PM

I've read articles that clearly indicate less people are camping (as a percentage of the population). I don't know about sheer numbers.

Newanderthal · 08-13-2011, 12:17 PM

more people (quantity) camping because of higher population, but it's a smaller percentage of the population that camps.

some of this is due to the belief that it takes fancy gear to go camping. people have told me they can't afford to go camping. My early trips were made with a $20 tent, a $3 flashlight, and a can of ravioli. Should have splurged on the $1.50 can of OFF.

megawalker · 08-13-2011, 04:15 PM

I think it's a matter of geography. If you live in or near a big city then you won't run into a lot of campers but if you go more towards the outlying areas-especially from the midwest on-there's a lot of campers.

Ilovelife · 08-13-2011, 05:10 PM

I find it hard to imagine people think they can not afford to camp, though I do believe you. My camping trips are far less expensive than some of the other kinds of trips my friends make.

briansnat · 08-16-2011, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megawalker

I think it's a matter of geography. If you live in or near a big city then you won't run into a lot of campers but if you go more towards the outlying areas-especially from the midwest on-there's a lot of campers.

Just try to find an available public campsite on short notice within 90 miles of NYC on a summer weekend and you'll know this isn't true.

calanta · 08-16-2011, 02:26 PM

Most people in my area are lazy and do not want to get "wet" or "hot" or "away from (insert plugged in electrical device here)". I know some people are hooked when it comes to work but I don't know anyone that could say they do not at least two days a year to plan a trip outdoors.