The Dyrt, an app for camping availability, photos, and reviews, revealed that the trend of glamping continues to attract first-time campers.
In 2023, nearly 8 million people, or 9% of all campers, experienced this luxury form of camping, and 42% of them were first-timers, as highlighted in The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report.
The Dyrt founder Sarah Smith believes glamping is the perfect introduction to camping for those hesitant about traditional camping. “It’s kind of like camping with training wheels, where people can get a feel for it without sacrificing all the comforts of home. For others, it’s a luxurious alternative to the tent camping they’re used to,” Smith said in a press release.
Another aspect of the report shows that campgrounds are catering to this demand. The report reveals that 22.1% of property owners who already offered glamping before 2023 expanded their glamping sites last year. Additionally, 10% of properties that added a new type of camping in 2023 chose to introduce glamping sites, though this rate has slowed from 44% in 2022.
The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long noted properties increasingly strive to distinguish themselves, as glamping continues to grow. “It’s not just about king-size mattresses on a platform covered by a canvas tent. Property owners are getting super creative. Two of the strongest human desires are to try new things and to be comfortable. Glamping gives you both in spades,” Long said.
The interest in glamping among first-time campers highlights the importance of catering to a diverse market and offerings, which can provide lessons for campground owners and glamping developers. The data from The Dyrt underscores the need to create an inviting, comfortable, and luxurious camping experience.
By continuously innovating and providing a range of experiences, glamping site owners can not only attract first-time campers but also ensure that their properties remain competitive and attractive to a wide array of visitors.
