Camping reservations skyrocket across the US during pandemic

[TravelTime]

People tired of being stuck in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic are looking for the perfect socially distant getaway: camping.

Campgrounds across the country have seen reservations skyrocket as the coronavirus shrouds the U.S., news outlets report. Health experts have said it’s safer to be outdoors than indoors as COVID-19 continues to spread.

“The final word on outdoor recreation?” Claudia Finkelstein, an associate professor of family medicine at Michigan State University, told CNN. “Of course, go out and be active. It’s important for your mental and physical health. But, choose wisely, be prepared and stay safe.”

Americans have listened to the advice, and they are heading to campsites in high numbers. RV and camper sales have gone through the roof, WSYX reported. Campgrounds are booking up quicker than ever, multiple media outlets reported.

Before the pandemic, camping accounted for 11% of all vacation-type trips, The Columbian reported. Experts predict it will jump another 5%.

Read more here: https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article244251262.html?#storylink=cpy

 

[silentg]

I have never liked camping but I think in this Covid time it’s better than staying at a hotel.

 

[CO skier]

I have never liked camping but I think in this Covid time it’s better than staying at a hotel.

Done both in the last few months. Prefer hotel stays with a private bathroom. jmo.

 

[TravelTime]

Tuggers seem to think camping is roughing it. The new trend is Glamping.

These Glamping Destinations Across the U.S. Are Seriously Gorgeous

Now this is our idea of luxury.

www.countryliving.com

Also read my post about Glamping on the Beach.

Travel Plans Summer 2020?

I banked our owned week at Cold Spring, but the other 3 trips for the summer are still on the books. We are hoping to spend a week in Lincoln, NH mid-June, mid-July at Smuggs, and late July heading to Missouri to see my parents. All will be driving trips. I know that the resorts will look very...

tugbbs.com

 

[swditz]

We have 3 seasonal camp sites in vermont and upper state new york. With seven time shares we found we used them very infrequently. We went into the year planing to sell down to one site but with our time shares mostly on hold we have used them every weekend so far this season. Glad we kept them. While I have no interest in tenting our campers are a long way from ruffing it. Not on par with time shares but still enjoyable. So far the number of day campers seem low compared to other times but that may start to increase here.

 

[Polly Metallic]

I think a timeshare condo is just as safe as camping and more convenient.

 

[Sandy VDH]

I have friends that just bought a trailer, 18 ft with slider. AC and all the bells and whistles. The two of them are working remotely anyway, so that thought they would move about and work during the week and get out in the evenings etc, and move locations on the weekends. They plan to be gone for a month or two.

I told them make sure you have reservations.

See how it goes for them, they just left a week ago.

 

[Clifbell]

I still love my timeshares. But as a way to camp with a pickup truck and a camper on the back while driving to the timeshare or as a weekend break from the timeshare, this seems like a good idea... I hate that all the weekend points are so high, so I will leave the timeshare on the weekend and use the camper. Since it is just an add on to a pickup truck there is no problem with parking at a timeshare. The gas mileage is the only downside. I did a video and looking for thoughts from others.

 

[WinniWoman]

I hate camping but it is very big up here in NH. Of course, I get the best of both worlds living in a modern cottage in the lakes and mountain areas.

Here are two photos of a state park we recently spent a day at - Jericho Mountain. It is very popular with campers and ATV users in the Great North Woods.

PS We actually visited here while staying in our timeshare in New Hampshire.

 

[pedro47]

Some campgrounds are liked some ts resorts. They have inground pools, mini basketball & tennis courts and bike & walking trails.
Folks are not sleeping in sleeping bags on the ground. LOL.

 

[WinniWoman]

Some campgrounds are liked some ts resorts. They have inground pools, mini basketball & tennis courts and bike & walking trails.
Folks are not sleeping in sleeping bags on the ground. LOL.

I still like my own bathroom, air conditioning, less bugs and a kitchen. For me, timesharing is less work. Camping is work to me.

 

[pedro47]

I still like my own bathroom, air conditioning, less bugs and a kitchen. For me, timesharing is less work. Camping is work to me.

You sound liked The Commander in Chief in your post. LOL.

 

[WinniWoman]

You sound liked The Commander in Chief in your post. LOL.

Smart woman your Commander in Chief!

 

[geekette]

I hate camping but it is very big up here in NH. Of course, I get the best of both worlds living in a modern cottage in the lakes and mountain areas.

Here are two photos of a state park we recently spent a day at - Jericho Mountain. It is very popular with campers and ATV users in the Great North Woods.

PS We actually visited here while staying in our timeshare in New Hampshire.


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View attachment 24635

Lovely! Thank you so much, you're in a part of the country I have driven through only once, so it's nice to get peeks of the beauty!

 

[geekette]

I still like my own bathroom, air conditioning, less bugs and a kitchen. For me, timesharing is less work. Camping is work to me.

True, modern conveniences often lacking. Cabins can help with the bug and kitchen issue, and sometimes private bathroom. If AC is a necessity, that's where the RV pulls up!

But, I agree, many campgrounds for decades have had many amenities. I can't tell you how many I visited in the 70s and 80s, pools, stores, game rooms, lakes, horses... varies by the place.

While nightly prices have gone up, it's still a more affordable way to vacation, especially on a per-person basis when compared to hotel. Timeshare likely still beats it on that measure.