2017 american camper report - home - outdoor industry ... · 2017 american camper report | 4...

PRESENTED BY THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC. AND THE OUTDOOR FOUNDATION

2017 American Camper Report

2 | 2017 American Camper Report presented by The Coleman Company, Inc. and The Outdoor Foundation

2017 American Camper Report | 3 presented by The Coleman Company, Inc. and The Outdoor Foundation

Introduction ........................................1

Key Findings .......................................2

Camping Participation .......................3

Profile of a Camping Trip ...................13

Buying Behavior .................................25

First-Time Campers ............................33

The Future of Camping ......................43

Crossover Participation ......................49

Method ...............................................54

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Camping is one of America’s favorite outdoor activities, attracting 40.5 million participants in 2016. Americans participated in the activity in various ways, camping in a conventional tent, enjoying the comforts of an RV, relaxing in a cabin or roughing it in a bivy. The 2017 American Camper Report profiles the more than 40 million people who used camping to connect to the natural world in their own unique ways.

A Look Back at 2016: Overall Trends

40.5 million Americans, or 13.7% of the population over age 6, camped at least once in 2016. The participation rate was up slightly from 13.6% in 2015 due to an addition of 500,000 new or returning camping participants.

Campers logged a collective 587.2 million camping days, or an average of 14.5 days per person. While the number of total days camped remained steady, the an average days dropped marginally from 14.7 in 2015.

Consistent with past reports, the majority of camping participants were Caucasian, and they skewed slightly male. Since camping is easily accessible throughout the United States, participation was spread fairly evenly across the nation. The Mountain Region, which stretches from Montana down to Arizona and New Mexico, had a somewhat higher participation rate than the other regions.

The Year Ahead: Future Opportunities

Research in The American Camper Report continued to highlight the importance of introducing Americans to the outdoors at an early age to inspire lifelong camping participation and encourage interest in the outdoors. In fact, the average age for a camper’s 1st camping trip was age 10. And, after age 15, the likelihood of being exposed to camping dramatically dropped.

Similarly, half of current adult campers participated in outdoor activities as adolescents, compared to just 38% of non-campers. The gap among campers who participated during childhood was almost as dramatic.

To help stakeholders reach campers and non-campers alike, the 2017 American Camper Report details camping participation and provides data and analysis on camping trends throughout the United States. The research in this report will help the camping industry—and the entire outdoor industry —be better equipped to engage potential campers and initiate an increase in camping participation.

introduction


Overview of Camping Participation

• 40.5 million Americans went camping at least once in 2016.

• Camping gained 500,000 participants from 2015 to 2016. The participation rate rose from 13.6% to 13.7%.

• Participants logged a total of 587.2 million camping days or 14.5 days per person.

• The Mountain Region had the highest camping participation rate at 19%.

• 88% of campers participated in multiple outdoor activities.

Profile of a Camping Trip

• Tents were the most popular type of shelter.• Of all male campers, 77%, camped in tents.

77% of female campers also camped in tents.• Cabin/yurt campers tended to be the old-

est, with an average age of 50. Tent campers were the youngest at an average age of 40.

• Camping trips were planned an average of 25 days in advance.

• 43% of camp site reservation were made the day of arrival to the camping destination.

• 71% of respondents said that they made the camping arrangements by themselves.

• Participants traveled an average of 136.8 miles from homes to their camping destinations.

• More than half of camping trips lasted 1 to 2 nights.

• 68% of camping companions were spouses or significant others.

• 74% of adult participants used a Smartphone while camping.

Buying Behavior

• Adult participants spent an average of $546.41 on camping gear in 2016.

• Almost half of participants bought a flashlight for camping, making it the most popular camping purchase.

• A majority of camping purchase decisions were made before the trips.

• Most camping purchases were replace-ments for a lost or broken item.

• 96% of campers said that their gear kept them comfortable.

1st Time Campers

• 11% of campers were new to the activity in 2016.

• At 16%, backpacking had the highest rate of new participants.

• Campers spent an average $181.61 on gear for their 1st trip.

• Flashlights and coolers were the most popular purchases for 1st time campers.

• 92% of 1st time campers said it was “likely” or “very likely” that they would participate in camping next year.

Future of Camping

• The average age for a 1st camping trip was 10.

• Half of current campers were exposed to outdoor activities as adolescents. The gap among campers who participated during childhood was almost as dramatic.

• Camping participants planned to take an average of 4.7 trips in the next year.

key findings

CAMPING


camping participation trends

Camping Participation Over Time13.7% of the US population participated in camping at least once in 2016. This is a slight increase from 13.6% the year before when camping was at the lowest participation level measured in this report.

All Americans, ages 6+

Number of Participants40.5 million Americans, ages 6

and over, participated in camping

in 2016, an increase of 500,000

participants since the year before.

Number of OutingsCamping outings remained

steady at a total of 587.2 million

from 2015 to 2016.

Average OutingsCamping participants embarked

on an average of 14.5 outings

per person last year. During the

year before, the average was 14.7

outings per person.

41.744.7 46.2

42.3

44.8

40.5 40.1 40.5 40.540.0

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

14.9%16.4%16.0%15.1% 15.7% 14.1% 13.8% 13.9% 13.6% 13.7%

20072008

20092010

20112012

20132014

20152016


participation by type of camperAll Americans, ages 6+

Type of Participant

Number of Participants

Participation Rate Total Days

Days per Participant

Car camping 27.7 million 9% 265.3 billion 9.6

RV camping 14.7 million 5% 181.5 billion 12.3

Backpacking 10.1 million 3% 140.4 billion 13.9

All 40.5 million 14% 587.2 billion 14.5

0%

5%

10%

15%

9%

5%3%

2.72.6 14%35%

19%

13.9%

All

BackpackerRVCar

Participation Rate by Camping TypeOf those Americans who camped in 2016, most participated in car camping, which means they camped

within 1/4 of a mile of their vehicles. Although car camping was the most popular form of camping, these

participants averaged the fewest number of days at 9.6.

Note: Some people participated in several types of camping.


participation in-depth

-20

0

20

40

60

+10.5M

Total Participants

2015

New/Returning Participants

2016

Lost Participants

2016

Total Participants

2016

-10.0M

40.0M 40.5M

Churn Rate25%

The Leaky BucketThe leaky bucket illustrates how camping participation increased from 2015 to 2016. Camping attracted 10.5

million participants who tried the activity for the first time or returned after a hiatus. Meanwhile, camping

lost slightly fewer participants—10.0 million—and netted 500,000 participants. The churn rate, those

joining and departing the activity, was fairly high at 25%.

New/Returning Participants

New camping participants made

up 11.0% of total participants, or

4.7 million Americans. Returning

participants, those returning after

a hiatus, accounted for 15.0%

of participants, or 5.9 million

people.

Lost Participants10.1 million people stopped

participating in camping in 2016.

The attrition rate decreased

since 2015 when 10.0 million

people stopped participating in

camping.

Continuing ParticipantsThe majority of participants,

74.0%, continued participating in

camping from 2015 to 2016. That

equates to 30.0 million people.



participant demographics

Pacific: 17%

West South Central: 11%

Middle Atlantic: 11%

East South Central: 10%

East North Central: 14%

New England: 11%Mountain: 19%West North Central: 16%

South Atlantic: 11%

highest percentage of participants

0%

10%

20%

9%

17% 18%19%

18%

Ages13-17

Ages6-12

Ages1-5

Ages1-17

None

Kids in Household

Participation in Outdoor Recreation Among Adults with Childrenamong camping participants, ages 18+

Adults with children in their

households participated in camping at

higher levels than adults without children.

17% of adults with children, ages 1 to 17,

in their households participated, while only

9% of adults without children participated.

among Americans, ages 6+

South Atlantic: 11%


Ethnicity

Hispanic

White

Asian

Black

EducationIncome

≥$25,000

≥3 YrsHigh School

High SchoolGrad

1-3 YrsCollege

CollegeGrad

Post-GradStudies

Other 1%

$25,000-$49,999

$50,000- $74,999

$75,000-$99,999

≤$100,000+

Age

13-17

18-24

25-44

6-12

100%

60%

80%

40%

0%

20%

Gender

Female

Male

45+

45%

55%

13%25%

16%

21%

25%

22%

20%

16%

29%

16%

10%

11%

34%

29%11% 5%

6%

10%

78%

Other 3%

participant demographics

Marital Status

among camping participants, ages 18+

Work Status


Married or living with a domestic partner

67%

Single25%

Divorced or separated

7%

Widowed1%

Employed57%

Student or homemaker

27%

Retired8%

Not employed 8%




camping participation over time by age

0%

10%

20%

30%

20162015

20142013

20122011

20102009

Ages 45+Ages 25-44Ages 18-24Ages 13-17Ages 6-12

Participant Age Participation Ratein 2016

5-year Average Annual Growth

6-12 21% -4.2%

13-17 18% -3.7%

18-24 14% -3.7%

25-44 16% -1.4%

45+ 8% -4.2%


4-5 Times17%

6-11 Times19%

12-23 Times

13%

1-3 Times39%

52+ Times4%

24-51 Times8%

level of participation

Annual OutingsCamping participants went on a 14.5 average annual outings in 2016. A majority—75%—went on less than

one camping trip per month. 12% of participants went camping twice a month or more.

Camping Participants, ages 6+

Perceived Level of Camping Participation Camping Participants

I'm a casual participant. Camping is one of several ways I like to spend my recreational time.

45%

I'm hooked. Camping is one of my favorite things to do. 21%

I'm a fanatic. I love being outside, and camping is my favorite activity.

17%

Camping is OK, but I most often choose to do something else with my recreational time.

12%

I don't really consider myself a camping participant. I usually only participate at the urging of others.

5%


enjoyment of other activities

Participation in Outdoor Recreationages 6+

A majority of campers, 88%, participated in camping

in addition to another outdoor activity. Only 12%

participated in camping alone. 88%

12%

I participate in camping +another outdoor activity

I only participate in camping

Camping Participants

Top 10 Favorite Sports and Leisure Activities in General(not only during a camping trip)

% of Respondents, ages 18+

Card and board games 49%

Fishing 47%

Photography 47%

Outdoor cooking 46%

Hiking 45%

Traditional yard games (e.g. badminton, croquet, horseshoes) 40%

Boating 28%

Canoeing 20%

Road bicycling 17%

Kayaking 17%



perceptions of camping

Top 20 Words Associated with Camping % of Respondents

Outdoors 89%

Campfire 89%

Fun 84%

Tent 83%

Adventure 80%

S'mores 77%

Wilderness 76%

Relaxing 76%

Family 74%

Friends 69%

Happiness 68%

Peace 67%

Escape 65%

Animals 60%

Stories 53%

Weather 53%

Cabin 45%

Social 43%

Children 42%

Recharging Self 42%

PROFILE OF A

CAMPING TRIP


Cabin17%

Tent71%

Bivy1%

RV11%

type of camping

Primary Camping StructureTents were, by far, the most popular type of camping structure. 71% of all camping participants, ages 18 and

up, chose to primarily sleep in tents.


Gender Average Age

Bivy

RV

Cabin / Yurt

Tent77%77%

33%37%

27%24%

15%

83%

85%

71% 29%4%

Bivy

RV

Cabin / Yurt

Tent 40 years

50 years

46 years

42 years

Male Female


trip preparationCamping Participants, ages 18+

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

1+ Months

2-4 Weeks

4-7 Days

1-3 Days

Day of Departu

re

7%

18%

20%

24%

31%

Time Camping Plans Confirmed before the Camping TripCamping plans were confirmed an average of 25 days in advance. Only 7% of trips were planned on the day

of departure, while 31% were planned at least one month in advance.



Reservations Made at a Camp Site before TripCamp site reservations tended to be more spontaneous than general trip planning. 43% of camp site

reservations were made on the day of arrival.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

1+ Years

6+ Months

3+ Months

1+ Months

2-4 Weeks

4-7 Days

1-3 Days

Walk-in 43%

9%

7%

19%

12%

3%

1%

5%

Yes46%

No54%

Yes77%

No23%

Electrical hook-up provided? Did you use the hook-up?



Who brings up the idea to go camping? % of Respondents

Me 48%

Male spouse or significant other 18%

Children 14%

Friends 11%

Parents 5%

Female spouse or significant other 3%

Who makes the camping arrangements? % of Respondents

Me 71%

Male spouse or significant other 10%

Friends 8%

Female spouse or significant other 4%

Parents 4%

Entire family 1%

Children 1%



Top 10 Ways Campers Chose Their Destination % of Respondents

Close to home 32%

Affordable 25%

On a driving vacation 9%

Amenities 9%

Scenery 3%

Convenient location 2%

Own property 2%

Previously visited 2%

Regular destination 2%

Event or festival 2%


Average Ideal Daytime Temperaturefor Camping

Average Ideal Nighttime Temperaturefor Camping

trip preferencesCamping Participants, ages 18+

0

1

2

3

2.7 2.72.6 2.535%

19%

13.9%

SpringWinter

Fall

Summer

Average Number of Trips per SeasonAlthough the average number of camping trips per season were fairly evenly spread out, summer and winter

were slightly more popular seasons to take trips than fall and spring.

72.5˚ 60.7˚


trip detailsCamping Participants, ages 18+

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

37% 35%

19%

5% 4%

13.9% 13.6% 13.7%

500+ Miles

301-500 Miles

151-300 Miles

51-150 Miles

Less Than 50 Miles

Distance from HomeCamping participants traveled an average of 136.8 miles to reach their final camping destinations. 72% of

campers preferred to stay close to home, within 150 miles from home.

Type of Trip Length of Trip

3-4 Nights35%

1-2 Nights52%

5-6 Nights7%

7+ Nights5%

Backcountry13%

Drive-up72%

Group10%

Backyard6%


activities during the tripCamping Participants, ages 18+

Top 10 Favorite Activities While Camping % of Respondents

Hiking 45%

Outdoor cooking 44%

Fishing 39%

Photography 25%

Card or board games 21%

Traditional yard games (e.g. badminton, croquet, horseshoes) 16%

Canoeing 15%

Boating 14%

Kayaking 13%

Climbing 7%

Top 10 Favorite Nighttime Activities While Camping % of Respondents

Campfires 81%

Stargazing 63%

Grilling 52%

Storytelling 37%

Cooking 32%

Drinking 30%

Card or board games 28%

Reading 18%

Playing guitar or other instruments 15%

Fishing 14%


companions during the tripCamping Participants, ages 18+

Who do you go camping with? % of Respondents

Spouse or significant other 68%

Friends 65%

Immediate family 58%

Pets 37%

Kids, ages 9-14 29%

Kids, ages 2-8 26%

Extended family 22%

Kids, ages 15-17 18%

Kids, under age 2 10%

Grandkids, ages 2-8 9%


By myself 4%

Grandkids, under age 2 2%


Others 2%


technology use during the tripCamping Participants, ages 18+

Technology Used While Camping % of Respondents

Smartphone 74%

Portable USB charger 30%

iPod or other music player 22%

Tablet 19%

Fitness monitor 12%

Laptop computer 9%

Handheld GPS 9%

Watch-based GPS 2%

Speaker 1%

None 19%


technology use during the tripCamping Participants, ages 18+

Top 15 Reasons for Using Technology % of Respondents

Texting 53%

GPS location services 47%

Personal email 39%

Outdoor activity-related apps 33%

News 29%

Gaming 28%

Work email 26%

Get to know the area 6%

Music 4%

Camera 4%

Keep in touch with family 2%

In case of emergency 2%

Checking weather 2%

Watching TV or movies 1%

Talk on the phone 1%

BUYING BEHAVIOR


camping gear purchasesCamping Participants, ages 18+

Top 10 Camping Purchases in the Last Year % of Respondents

Flashlight 48%

Cooler 42%

Backpack 30%

Airbed 29%

Tent 26%

Sleeping bag 25%

Propane or liquid fuel lighting 24%

Headlamp 23%

Lantern 22%

Camp furniture 15%

0%

10%

20%

30%

$10,

001+

$5,0

01~

$10,

000

$1,0

01-$

5,00

0

$501

-$1,

000

$401

-$50

0

$201

-$40

0

$101

-$20

0

$51-

$100

$51-

$100

$21-

$50

$11-

$20

$10

or l

ess$0

Money Spent on Camping GearNearly half of adult camping participants, 47%

to be exact, spent between $51 and $200 on

camping gear in 2016.


spending more on the outdoors among participants and non-participants

Americans, ages 18+

Outdoor Goods or Services Camping Participants Non-participants

Outdoor recreation activities 14% 3%

Sport or recreational footwear 14% 5%

Sport or recreational equipment 11% 3%

Gym membership 11% 4%

Sport or recreational clothing 10% 4%

Travel to participate in sports or recreation

10% 3%

Individual sporting events 9% 2%

Golf membership or fees 8% 2%

Outdoor Goods or Services

Camping Participants Non-participants




Gym memberships 11% 4%



10% 3%


Golf memberships or fees 8% 2%

Winter sports 7% 2%

Team sports outside of school 6% 2%

Team sports at school 6% 1%

Tennis memberships or fees 5% 1%

Lessons or camps 5% 2%


spending less on the outdoors among participants and non-participants

Americans, ages 18+

Outdoor Goods or Services

Camping Participants Non-participants


16% 5%





Winter sports 12% 2%

Gym memberships 8% 5%

Lessons or camps 8% 2%


Golf memberships or fees 7% 3%

Team sports outside of school 7% 2%

Team sports at school 7% 3%

Tennis memberships or fees 4% 2%


making the purchaseCamping Participants, ages 18+

When did you decide to purchase the item? % of Respondents

Before camping 67%

At a general store 8%

On a camping trip 8%

After a camping trip 6%

While reviewing gear online 5%

While at an outdoor store 3%

While at a yard sale 1%

Received it as a gift 1%

New38%

Replacement62%

Yes96%No

4%

What kind of item? Did your item keep you comfortable?


deciding on the purchaseCamping Participants, ages 18+

How was your purchase decision made? % of Respondents

I went to a store to make my purchase without doing any online research ahead of time.

35%

I did some research about the product online. Then, I went to a store to check out the item in person and made my purchase in the store.

29%

I went to the store without an intent to purchase the item. 9%

It was an impulse purchase because of a discounted price. 8%

I did some research about the product online. Then, I went to the store to check out the item but made my purchase online.

6%

I did some research about the product online and purchased the product online without checking them out at a store.

6%

I did no research, but I saw the item at a store and then made my purchase online.

5%

The item was given to me as a gift. 1%

Other 1%


camping gear preferencesCamping Participants, ages 18+

Top 10 Most Essential Camping Items % of Respondents

Tent 61%

Sleeping bag 38%

Bug spray 24%

Cooler or fridge 23%

Firewood 22%

Toilet facilities 22%

Flashlights 22%

Fire starters or matches 20%

Airbed or mattress 13%

Camper or RV 12%

Top 10 Most Luxury Camping Items % of Respondents

Air conditioning or heating 47%

TV or electronics 44%

Electricity 41%

Wifi or GPS 37%

Camper or RV 34%

Shower and washing facilities 24%

Airbed or mattress 17%

Toilet facilities 11%

Cooler or fridge 10%

Stove 6%


frequency of replacing gearCamping Participants, ages 18+

Most Replaced Camping Items Average # of Years

Coolers 3.1

Tents 3.0

Sleeping bags 2.9

Camping chairs 2.7

Camp stoves 2.5

Canopy or shelters 2.4

Portable outdoor grills 2.4

Flashlights and headlamps 2.4

Airbeds 2.3

Battery lanterns 2.2

Fueled lanterns 1.9

1ST TIME

CAMPERS


camping for the 1st time in 2016Camping Participants, ages 6+

1st Time Participants11% of all camping participants in 2016 were new to camping. That equates to 4.7 million people.

Type of Camping % of 1st Time Participants

# of 1st Time Participants

Backpacking 16% 1.6 million

RV 8% 1.2 million

Car camping 8% 2.3 million

All 12% 5.0 million

11% of camping participants

4.7 millionpeople

Note: Some people participated in several types of camping.


age of 1st camping experience among novice and veteran campers

Age at Time of 1st Camping Experience

1st Time Campers in 2016

Continuing/Returning Campers in 2016

6-12 27% 12%

13-17 9% 8%

18-24 16% 10%

25-34 26% 15%

35-44 12% 15%

45-54 5% 15%

55-64 3% 12%

65+ 2% 13%

Camping Experience in 2016Of all 1st time camping participants, 27% were in children between the ages of 6 and 12. Interestingly, 26%

were young adults between the ages of 25 and 34. Age cohorts were more evenly spread among veteran

campers ages 25 and up.


deciding to take the 1st trip1st Time Camping Participants, ages 18+

Which influenced you to take your 1st camping trip? % of Respondents

Love for the outdoors 34%

Thought it would be fun 32%


Spend time with family 27%

Escape the grind 26%

A relative 23%

Spend time with friends 22%

Affordable 20%

New experience 17%

Always wanted to go 17%

Enable participation in other activities 16%

Give family a new experience 10%

Friend 9%

Children asked to go 5%


gear preparation for the 1st trip1st Time Camping Participants, ages 18+

Top 10 Items Purchased for the 1st Trip % of Respondents

Flashlight 55%

Cooler 53%

Tent 48%

Sleeping bag 46%

Cooking utensils 38%

Portable grill 37%

Backpack 35%

Airbed 34%

Propane or liquid fuel lighting 34%

Camp stove 33%

Top 10 Items Borrowed for the 1st Trip % of Respondents

None 67%

Tent 14%

Cooler 8%

Sleeping bag 8%

Airbed 6%

Portable grill 5%

Battery lantern 5%

Camp stove 5%

Camping accessories (e.g. picnic cloth, pocket knife) 4%

Flashlight 4%


gear review after the 1st trip1st Time Camping Participants, ages 18+

Top 10 Items That Would Have Made the 1st Trip Better % of Respondents

Nothing 34%

Airbed 29%

Rain gear 15%

Bicycle 14%

Cot 11%

Camp stove 9%

Portable grill 9%

Headlamp 9%

RV 9%

Camp furniture 9%

Money Spent on Camping Gear for a 1st Trip % of Respondents

$0 22%

$10 or less 0%

$11-$20 2%

$21-$50 6%

$51-$100 14%

$101-$200 21%

$201-$400 27%

$401-$500 5%

$501-$1,000 2%

Over $1,000 1%


companions during the 1st trip1st Time Camping Participants, ages 18+

Who do you go camping with on your first trip? % of Respondents


Friends 47%

Immediate family 37%

Kids, ages 2-8 20%

Pets 16%

Kids, ages 9-14 14%

Extended family 9%

Kids, under age 2 7%

Kids, ages 15-17 6%

By myself 3%


Scouts 1%

Other groups 1%

Grandkids, under age 2 1%




perceptions among 1st time campers1st Time Camping Participants, ages 18+

Top 20 Words Associated with the 1st Trip % of Respondents

Campfire 70%

Adventure 61%

Fun 61%

Happiness 60%

Outdoors 58%

Relaxing 52%

S'mores 50%

Peace 49%

Family 46%

Escape 45%

Stories 45%

Wilderness 42%

Tent 39%

Friends 36%

Social 34%

Drinking 33%

Recharging self 32%

Animals 32%

Easy 25%

Economical 23%


future participation among 1st time campers1st Time Camping Participants, ages 18+

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Very unlikelyUnlikelyUndecidedLikelyVery likely

79%

13%

7%

0% 1%

Likelihood of Camping Next YearA vast majority of 1st time campers, 92%, reported that they were “very likely” or “likely” to go camping

again next year. Only 1% said that they probably would not go again, and 7% had not yet decided.


future participation among 1st time campers1st Time Camping Participants, ages 18+

Reason for Not Camping in the Future % of Respondents

Not enough vacation 54%

Prefer a hotel 41%

Work or school commitments 36%

No one to go with 19%

Didn’t like it 12%

Want to spend vacation differently 12%

Motivation for Camping in the Future % of Respondents

More free time or vacation time 55%

Spouse or significant other wants to go again 47%

Good weather 43%

My family wants to go again 42%

Campgrounds with “luxuries” (e.g. wifi, showers) 33%

My friends want to go again 27%

Campgrounds with activities for children 22%

Better equipment 15%

Online resource for meeting other campers 15%

Marketing of camping equipment, techniques, lifestyles and destinations 12%

Resources to help figure out how to prepare for a trip 7%

FUTURE OF CAMPING


introduction to campingCamping Participants, ages 18+

0%

10%

20%

30%

65+55-64

45-5435-44

25-3422-24

19-2116-18

12-159-116-83-50-2

Age at 1st Camping ExperienceThe majority of camping participants experienced their first outing during childhood, with an average age of

10 for a 1st camping trip. After age 15, the likelihood of being exposed to camping dramatically dropped,

and by age 45, it was very unlikely that an individual would go on a 1st trip.



youth participation in sports and recreation among current campers

Adults at age 6-12 Adults at age 13-17

ActivityOutdoor

ParticipantNon-outdoor

ParticipantOutdoor

ParticipantNon-outdoor

Participant

PE at school 69% 65% 67% 63%

Outdoor activities 44% 31% 50% 38%

Team sports 36% 31% 41% 35%

Cycling 33% 27% 34% 29%

Running or jogging 22% 18% 33% 29%

Swimming for fitness 20% 16% 22% 18%

Water sports 19% 13% 21% 16%

Winter sports 15% 11% 18% 15%

Racquet sports 7% 5% 13% 12%

Golf 6% 4% 10% 10%

Fitness or health club-based activities

5% 3% 11% 9%

None 15% 21% 15% 18%


camping barriersCamping Participants, ages 18+

Reasons for Taking Fewer Trips % of Respondents

Work or school commitments 58%

Family commitments 35%

Not enough vacation time 28%

Too expensive 16%

No one to go with 14%

Need equipment 11%

Bad weather 8%

Prefer a hotel 8%

Price of fuel 5%

No reservations 2%

Health 2%

Have young children 2%

Family issues 2%

Park closed 2%

No transport 1%

Distance 1%

Most Time-Consuming Aspect of Camping % of Respondents

Packing and unpacking 23%

Finding time 21%

Planning 20%

Setting up camping equipment 16%

Traveling 13%

Maintenance of gear 8%


past camping activityCamping Participants, ages 18+

Camping Activity Over the Last 3 Years % of Respondents

No significant change 31%

Fewer trips, and they are shorter 18%

More trips, and they are longer 15%

Same number of trips, but they are shorter 12%

More trips, but they are shorter 11%

Fewer trips, but they are longer 8%

Same number of trips, and they are longer 4%


Motivation for Taking More Trips % of Respondents

More vacation time 42%

An inexpensive option 37%

Prefer camping over staying at a hotel 35%

Weather has been good 33%

Want to stay close to hiking or biking trails 14%

Upgraded or purchased equipment 11%

Enjoy the family bonding 5%

Like getting back to nature 1%

Like the people I meet camping 1%

It’s fun 1%

future camping activityCamping Participants, ages 18+

3-5 Times34%6-10

Times14%

1-2 Times42%

10+ Times11%

Camping Trips Planned for Next YearCamping participants reported having an average of 4.7 camping trips planned for next year. 11% of adult

campers had an ambitious 10 or more trips lined up.

CROSSOVERPARTICIPATION


Activity Participants (in millions)

Participation Rate

Index vs. Total Population

Adventure Racing 3,257 8.0% 794

Aquatic Exercise 4,551 11.2% 315

Archery 4,996 12.3% 462

Badminton 3,791 9.4% 377

Barre 2,132 5.3% 468

Baseball 6,906 17.0% 342

Basketball 7,563 18.7% 247

Bicycling (BMX) 2,720 6.7% 641

Bicycling (Mountain/Non-Paved Surface) 3,827 9.4% 325

Bicycling (Road/Paved Surface) 11,301 27.9% 215

Birdwatching 4,407 10.9% 278

Boardsailing/Windsurfing 2,001 4.9% 842

Bodyweight Exercise and Bodyweight Accessory-Assisted Training 6,920 17.1% 201

Boot Camp-Style Training 2,518 6.2% 280

Bowling 13,902 34.3% 221

Boxing for Competition 1,483 3.7% 896

Boxing for Fitness 3,077 7.6% 435

Canoeing 6,036 14.9% 439

Cardio Kickboxing 3,591 8.9% 381

Cardio Tennis 1,832 4.5% 630

Cheerleading 2,105 5.2% 382

Climbing (Sport/Indoor/Boulder) 3,068 7.6% 457

Climbing (Traditional/Ice/Mountain) 2,668 6.6% 699

Cross-Training-Style Workouts 4,380 10.8% 248

camping crossover participationCamping Participants, ages 6+

Participants = number of campers who participated in that activity

Participation Rate = percentage of campers who are participates in that activity

Index vs Total Participation = compares the percentage of camping participants who participated in that activity to the percentage of the total US population who participated in that activity. For example, an index of 100 means that the percentage of camping participants participating in an activity equals the percentage of the national population who participated in that activity.



Participation Rate


Dance, Step and Other Choreographed Exercise to Music 6,154 15.2% 206

Elliptical Motion Trainer/Cross-Trainer 8,105 20.0% 184

Field Hockey 1,121 2.8% 542

Fishing (Fly) 3,658 9.0% 414

Fishing (Freshwater/Other) 14,544 35.9% 279

Fishing (Saltwater) 4,924 12.2% 293

Football (Flag) 3,212 7.9% 380

Football (Tackle) 2,558 6.3% 341

Football (Touch) 2,439 6.0% 314

Free Weights (Barbells) 7,108 17.5% 196

Free Weights (Dumbbells/Hand Weights) 11,770 29.0% 167

Golf (On Golf Course) 6,458 15.9% 198

Gymnastics 2,040 5.0% 277

High Impact/Intensity Training 7,658 18.9% 262

Hiking (Day) 19,528 48.2% 339

Hunting (Bow) 2,868 7.1% 474

Hunting (Handgun) 2,141 5.3% 446

Hunting (Rifle) 5,678 14.0% 385

Hunting (Shotgun) 4,058 10.0% 359

Ice Hockey 1,580 3.9% 428

Ice Skating 5,405 13.3% 383

Jet Skiing 2,579 6.4% 326

Kayaking (Recreational) 5,473 13.5% 399

Kayaking (Sea/Touring) 2,320 5.7% 543

Kayaking (White Water) 2,194 5.4% 628

Kettlebells 4,138 10.2% 282

Lacrosse 1,114 2.7% 390

Martial Arts 3,023 7.5% 385

MMA for Competition 1,011 2.5% 652

MMA for Fitness 1,602 4.0% 479

Other Combat Training 1,493 3.7% 578

Paintball 2,204 5.4% 435

Pickleball 1,494 3.7% 388

Pilates Training 3,391 8.4% 279

Racquetball 1,989 4.9% 406

Rafting 2,134 5.3% 455



Participation Rate


Roller Hockey 1,977 4.9% 749

Roller Skating (2x2 Wheels) 3,495 8.6% 393

Roller Skating (Inline Wheels) 2,900 7.2% 394

Rowing Machine 4,171 10.3% 282

Rugby 1,035 2.6% 488

Running/Jogging 11,981 29.6% 185

Sailing 2,578 6.4% 460

Scuba Diving 1,948 4.8% 458

Shooting (Sport Clays) 3,678 9.1% 492

Shooting (Trap/Skeet) 3,306 8.2% 526

Skateboarding 3,371 8.3% 383

Skiing (Alpine/Downhill) 3,348 8.3% 264

Skiing (Cross-Country) 2,679 6.6% 422

Skiing (Freeski/Freestyle) 2,036 5.0% 321

Snorkeling 3,434 8.5% 288

Snowboarding 3,577 8.8% 344

Snowmobiling 1,988 4.9% 435

Snowshoeing 1,541 3.8% 319

Soccer (Indoor) 2,346 5.8% 335

Soccer (Outdoor) 4,343 10.7% 266

Softball (Fast-Pitch) 1,317 3.3% 390

Softball (Slow-Pitch) 3,548 8.8% 337

Squash 1,204 3.0% 569

Stair-Climbing Machine 5,369 13.3% 260

Stand-Up Paddling 2,305 5.7% 523

Stationary Cycling (Group) 3,702 9.1% 303

Stationary Cycling (Recumbent/Upright) 8,442 20.8% 171

Stretching, Flexibility, Warm-Up, Cool-Down, and Mobility Training 8,458 20.9% 183

Surfing 2,061 5.1% 540

Swimming for Fitness 8,003 19.8% 220

Swimming on a Team 1,894 4.7% 411

Table Tennis 6,238 15.4% 275

Tai Chi 2,023 5.0% 399

Target Shooting (Handgun) 6,653 16.4% 300

Target Shooting (Rifle) 6,753 16.7% 352

Telemarking (Downhill) 1,260 3.1% 323



Participation Rate


Tennis 6,336 15.6% 256

Track and Field 2,222 5.5% 395

Trail Running 6,480 16.0% 552

Treadmill 11,517 28.4% 162

Triathlon (Non-Traditional/Off Road) 2,024 5.0% 868

Triathlon (Traditional/Road) 1,865 4.6% 574

Ultimate Frisbee 1,319 3.3% 263

Volleyball (Court) 2,312 5.7% 272

Volleyball (Grass) 2,112 5.2% 360

Volleyball (Sand/Beach) 2,799 6.9% 373

Wakeboarding 1,858 4.6% 467

Walking for Fitness 17,496 43.2% 119

Water Skiing 1,869 4.6% 369

Weight/Resistance Machines 7,477 18.5% 153

Wildlife Viewing 8,861 21.9% 312

Wrestling 1,388 3.4% 528

Yoga 7,507 18.5% 209


The Coleman Company, Inc. 180 N LaSalle Street; Suite 800

Chicago, IL 60601 www.coleman.com

is a registered trademark of The Coleman Company, Inc.

The Outdoor Foundation 419 7th Street NW, Suite 401

Washington, DC 20004 www.outdoorfoundation.org

is a registered trademark of The Outdoor Foundation.

© 2017, All Rights Reserved

Method During the 2016 calendar year, a total of 24,134 online interviews were carried out with a nationwide sample of individuals and households from the US Online Panel of over one million people operated by Synovate/IPSOS. A total of 11,453 individual and 12,681 household surveys were completed. The total panel is maintained to be representative of the US population for people ages six and older. Over sampling of ethnic groups took place to boost response from typically under responding groups. Data is based on Nielsen’s measure of the Hispanic population in the United States, ages 6 and up, which is 35,550,161 individuals.

The 2017 participation survey sample size of 24,134 completed interviews provides a high degree of statistical accuracy. All surveys are subject to some level of standard error — that is, the degree to which the results might differ from those obtained by a complete census of every person in the US. A sport with a participation rate of five percent has a confidence interval of plus or minus 0.31 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

A weighting technique was used to balance the data to reflect the total US population ages six and above. The following variables were used: gender, age, income, household size, region, population density and panel join date. The total population figure used was 296,251,344 people ages six and older.

Youth Interviews All interviews of children under 13 were carried out following the guidelines set out in the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA). No children were contacted directly. The panel is a balanced sample of households with children in each age group, but contact is always made through designated adult panelists. The adult panelist receives the survey invitation on behalf of a specified child, age six to 12, and they are asked to complete the survey together. Respondents ages 13 to 17 are contacted in a manner similar to respondents age six to 12, but they are asked to complete the survey themselves.

About the Physical Activity Council (PAC) The survey that forms the basis of the 2016 Special Report on Fishing is produced by the Physical Activity Council (PAC), which is a partnership of leading organizations in the US sports, fitness and leisure industries. While the overall aim of the survey is to establish levels of activity and identify key trends in sports, fitness and recreation participation, each partner produces detailed reports on specific areas of interest. Partners include: the Outdoor Foundation (OF); National Golf Foundation (NGF); Snowsports Industries America (SIA); Tennis Industry Association (TIA); USA Football; United States Tennis Association (USTA), International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA); and Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA).

Notes Unless otherwise noted, the data in this report was collected during the latest 2017 participation survey, which focused on American participation in the 2016 calendar year. Please note that some information includes data that was collected during previous surveys, as some questions are not asked every year.

Disclaimer The data contained in this report is for information purposes only. While The Outdoor Foundation and The Coleman Company, Inc. have made every effort to collect and report accurate information, neither The Outdoor Foundation nor The Coleman Company, Inc. makes any representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to this report or the information or related graphics contained herein. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will The Outdoor Foundation or The Coleman Company, Inc. be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this report. Reproduction, distribution, republication, and/or retransmission of material contained within this report is prohibited without the prior written permission of The Outdoor Foundation or The Coleman Company, Inc.

2017 american camper report - home - outdoor industry ... · 2017 american camper report | 4...

Documents