By the numbers: In Minnesota and around the nation, camping stays hot

All data points to a truth: More people are making time to hit the outdoors.

June 17, 2021 at 9:02PM
A solo camper's tent was set up at a site in Jay Cooke State Park on May 26, 2021.
(Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Data nationally and from the Minnesota state parks system reflects a heightened interest in camping in 2020 that has kept pace this year:

3.9M

Number of new U.S. households in 2020 that identified as campers.

48.2M

Households that camped at least once in 2020.

10.1M

First-time camper households in 2020, many driven by the pandemic.

60

Percentage of first-time campers in the United States from nonwhite groups.

28, 26

Percentage, respectively, of the newest members to camping in 2020 among GenZ and millennials.

4,600+

Campsites and cabins available in the Minnesota state parks system

61.3

In percent, the overnight average occupancy for July 2020, a 19 % leap from July 2019.

70.6

In percent, the overnight average occupancy on weekends thus far this July systemwide.

Sources: 2021 North American Camping Report; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

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