Camping’s popularity has skyrocketed post-pandemic. Increased demand has led to overcrowded campgrounds and rising prices, pushing many to seek alternatives like boondocking. Boondocking, which offers fewer crowds and lower costs, requires no special equipment for basic setups. Those who desire extended stays may benefit from upgrading their water capacities and power systems. For those considering boondocking, Battle Born Batteries offers support for upgrading your RV’s electrical system and resources like The Dyrt can help find free camping locations.

The Post-Pandemic Rise in the Popularity of Camping

According to The Dyrt’s annual camping report, despite an upward trend, campers still find locating an available campsite four times harder than it was pre-pandemic. With 84.8 million Americans camping in 2023, 5.5 million of whom were first-time campers, it’s no wonder the supply of campsites is struggling to keep up with the demand.

Following the pandemic in 2020, “as other travel sectors stalled, camping surged, accelerating growth exponentially. Travelers who would never consider themselves campers found their way outdoors, discovering a new travel option.” Kampgrounds of America’s (KOA) 2024 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report shows that “since 2014, there has been a 98% increase in the number of households who camp three or more times annually”, with the pandemic marking a key turning point in this unprecedented growth.

As other modes of travel were primarily put on hold, many people who would not describe themselves as outdoor enthusiasts got to experience the magic of immersing themselves in nature. Additionally, camping is one of the most affordable and accessible types of travel. While there are some luxury methods of camping, many traditional modes of camping are relatively cheap and easy to start doing.

“Nowadays, more and more people are expressing interest in camping in all of its forms—from back-country to adventure camping and, of course, glamping.” These trends have catalyzed the transition of camping from an outdoor activity to entering the hospitality and luxury travel markets. With incredible amenities that could rival a five-star hotel at some campgrounds and resorts, the lines that once designated camping are becoming increasingly blurry.

Overcrowded Campgrounds Fueled by Increasing Demand

In the years following the pandemic, many individuals transitioned to remote and hybrid jobs, giving them the flexibility to spend more time camping. The Dyrt reported that 28.9% of campers worked while camping in 2023. Camping is no longer just for weekends and holidays. People are camping all week long, and shoulder seasons are quickly becoming just as popular as the summer.

“The popularity of camping that boomed with the pandemic is not slowing down.” With more people camping and even more planning to do so in the next few years, demand for campgrounds is likely to continue increasing. In 2023, 45.5% of campers reported difficulty booking a site because a campground was sold out. Campers are being forced to book camping trips months in advance to even have an opportunity to get a spot, with high-demand campgrounds booking up as soon as new dates are released.

While tent camping remains popular, as 31.4% of campers reported using tents to camp in 2023, more than half of all campers in the United States camped in a vehicle, including RVs, truck campers, and other overland vehicles. As more campers prefer to add comfort and luxury to their camping trips, they’re more likely to choose to camp in an RV and bring along many of the comforts of home. This means that demand for camping spots with full hookups is also on the rise.

In addition, with an increase in crowded and full campgrounds, this increase in demand has led to a rise in prices. “45.3% of camping properties raised rates in 2023, and 36.5 % of properties plan to raise rates in 2024.” Between inflation, high demand, and the desire to fund upgrades, higher rates for campgrounds won’t be going away any time soon.

Entering the Golden Age of Camping | Choosing to Boondock Instead

“We are in the new golden age of camping,” says The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long. “The demand for camping has never been greater, but technology is making it easier to find camping, and property owners are rapidly expanding. As a result, campers have more options than ever before.” More campers are discovering ways to camp for free. Taking advantage of dispersed camping, rest stops, and stores for quick overnight trips, as well as even free areas of campgrounds, allows campers to avoid rising fees and overbooked campgrounds.

Choosing to boondock instead, even just occasionally, exponentially increases the areas available for camping. Worries about finding a campground during holidays and busy seasons or being forced to pay for a tight spot with close neighbors have become a thing of the past. Without the need for reservations or booking a site ahead, it also creates more flexibility while on the road. Boondocking allows campers to choose a spot far from neighbors and with jaw-dropping views that will enable them to be immersed in nature.

In the past, the main limitation for campers choosing to boondock was the necessity to have entirely self-sufficient water, power, and waste disposal. If campers wanted to continue using the appliances and amenities within their RVs, they could only boondock for a night or two before running out of resources. With recent technological advances, campers can boondock for extended periods without worrying about depleting resources. In our opinion, boondocking off-grid is the best form of camping.

Reliable Systems for Extended Boondocking

For those ready to leave the chaos of crowded campgrounds behind, boondocking offers the perfect escape. Although boondocking can be intimidating for those who have never done it for extended periods of time, here are a few quick tips to get you started.

First and foremost, boondocking does not require any specific equipment or accessories. Simply finding a dispersed camping area or piece of BLM land and spending the night is a successful boondocking trip. If you don’t plan on using electronics or need running water, your usual camp setup will work perfectly for boondocking.

If you want a few more comforts from home or a camping experience similar to camping with full hookups, there are a few upgrades that will get your rig boondocking ready. Increasing fresh and grey water capacities can help extend your stay off-grid. By bringing more water, you can continue washing dishes, taking showers, and utilizing your running water as if you are plugged in. Simply by being mindful of a few water conservation tactics, you can easily boondock for weeks at a time.

Additionally, a reliable and rechargeable power system lets you use your favorite appliances away from the electrical grid. Battle Born LiFePO4 Batteries, paired with solar panels or alternator charging, will allow you to stay powered indefinitely as your boondock off the grid. While some campers only need a little power to keep the essentials running, others want to enjoy all the comforts of home, requiring a larger, more robust system. Check out the Battle Born Battery Calculator to complete a guided electrical audit and determine how many amp hours of lithium batteries your ideal off-grid electrical system requires.

The Perfect Escape | Embrace Freedom with Boondocking

As you begin planning your upcoming camping trips and run into fully booked campgrounds and rising prices, consider the freedom that boondocking offers. Choosing to boondock instead opens endless possibilities for where you can take your next camping trip. Escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity of being in nature. Ditch the loud neighbors keeping you up at night and noisy generators interrupting your peaceful mornings.

Look for BLM and National Forest Service land in your area, or use sites like The Dyrt to easily find dispersed and free camping wherever you plan to camp next!

Before adventuring off the grid, make sure your electrical system is ready for whatever the road throws your way. Our technical sales team would love to answer your questions and help you design an off-grid electrical system perfectly suited to your needs. Then they can give you tips for DIY installation or help you find a certified dealer and installer to quickly upgrade your electrical system and get you back on the road!

You can reach our technical sales team at (855) 292-2831 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (PST)). Stay tuned for the latest from Battle Born Batteries, and be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag us and show us where you go on your next boondocking adventure!