In this age where technology is in every space of life, many Americans are ditching tech for trees. Camping exploded in popularity in 2020 when people found themselves craving adventure with nowhere to travel at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the tradition is continuing as many are going on more financially savvy trips.
A new report by insurance comparison website, Insuranks, finds 2 in 3 Americans are going camping in 2023, but as more people are drawn to this affordable type of vacation, it’s getting harder to find quiet places to go! We determined every state's most popular state or national park based on which ones people are searching about the most.
Many people are camping across the U.S. to soak up nature and save a few pennies in the process. In a survey of more than 1,000 people, nearly 1 in 5 (19%) shared they’re going on more camping trips in 2023 to save money. However, these budget-friendly trips don’t appear to be immune to inflation. 70% feel camping is getting more expensive in 2023.
Some of the most beloved and popular camping sites to enjoy nature are national and state parks. In states that have national parks, those are often the most popular. Unsurprisingly, Yellowstone National Park is the favorite park of both Idaho and Wyoming. Although a small part of the park resides in Montana, Glacier National Park is the favorite there!
With its abundance of national and state parks, there are a lot of options for people to explore in California. But the number one choice is Joshua Tree National Park. The park beat out Yosemite as the most popular in the state.
There are so many beautiful spots in Tennessee that two state parks are tied for the best in the state. Fall Creek Falls State Park and Rock Island State Park share the top spot. Out further East, one of the most popular state parks in New York wasn’t Niagara Falls, but the Grand Canyon of the East: Letchworth State Park.
Across the entire U.S., state parks didn’t stand a chance against national parks. The most popular parks in the nation are all national parks or trails, many of them out West. Yellowstone ranked first followed by the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Once again, Joshua Tree beat out Yosemite as the 5th most popular place.
In the top 10, only two parks were on the East Coast: Acadia National Park and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It’s no wonder the Appalachian Trail is popular… the trail spans across 14 states and is more than 2,100 miles long!
It’s a bucket list item for many to visit national or state parks, but while many love to drive through and hike in these parks, not everyone prefers to camp in these spaces. 1 in 3 prefer to camp in private campgrounds instead.
However, finding the ideal camping site is getting harder for Americans. Nearly 2 in 3 (65%) say camping spots have gotten busier since 2020. In fact, 37% had to camp elsewhere after finding first come, first serve campsites full while on a trip. For campsites requiring reservations, more than 1 in 4 (29%) are having trouble getting a spot. On average, people say they’re having to make reservations six months in advance!
While 27% find reviews to be most important when choosing a campground, some people may purposefully not review their favorite spots. More than 1 in 4 (26%) admitted they try to keep their favorite camping spot a secret so it doesn’t get too busy.
Whether it’s bugs or a lack of bathroom accommodations, camping isn’t for everyone. However, some are being drawn to the outdoors with the promise of “glamping.” Glamping is camping with all the amenities. It’s described as more luxurious camping because it includes comfortable sleeping arrangements, bathrooms (usually even running water!), as well as food. But all of that also comes with a price tag.
When it comes to glamping vs camping, on average, Americans are spending more to glamp. Campers will shell out an average of $258, but while glamping, people spend nearly double that: $487. The added cost appears to be worth it for those who have tried glamping because 68% say they like it better than camping.
Glamping is often promoted by influencers online, and social media seems to draw some out of their homes and into the wilderness. Nearly 1 in 6 (14%) camp in places based on how ‘Instagrammable’ it is, meaning they choose their vacations based on which will provide the best images for social media. It’s especially important for younger generations: 22% of Gen Z admit to doing this!
No matter what your motivation may be, getting outside is good for your health. Camping is a great way to breathe in some fresh air and take in the beauty of the world. We hope you have plenty of trips in your future and enjoy exploring everything this Earth has to offer.
Methodology
To determine the most popular national or state park, we analyzed the Google search volume of 3,785 search phrases and terms relating to the names of state and national parks in America over the period from May 2020 to May 2023.
In July 2023, we surveyed 1,053 people about camping habits and preferences. People ranged in age from 18 to 85, averaging 41. 50% were men, 49% were women, and 1% were nonbinary.
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3.2 / 5
Generali Travel Insurance Experience: A Practical Guide Background: On my recent trip to China and Japan, I had to deal with Generali Travel Insurance for two separate claims: medical expenses and a delayed baggage issue. This review, based on my personal experience with Generali, might also be useful for dealing with other travel insurance companies. Before Purchasing Insurance: Key Tip: The amount of coverage you actually need is often less than the total trip cost. Generali's reimbursement policy focuses on the actual loss incurred, not the total trip cost. For instance, if a flight for your family costs $5000 but the fee to change tickets is only $800, Generali will cover the $800, not the full ticket price. The same principle applies to hotel cancellations. During Travel: Documentation Is Crucial: Preserve every piece of travel evidence, such as boarding passes. Generali requires proof of travel and all related purchases for claim processing. This includes receipts (regardless of language) and all medical documentation. Pro tip: I photographed all my receipts as a backup. Filing a Claim: Patience Required: The claims process with Generali can take several months. Often, you must first file a claim with another party. Baggage Delay Example: For my delayed baggage, I had to first lodge a claim with the airline (United Airlines in my case). Only after persistently following up with the airline for 60 days and obtaining written proof of compensation, was I able to avoid filing with Generali, as United covered my expenses. Medical Claim Process: For medical claims, you might need to file with your primary insurance first. In my case, I waited for the insurance carrier's Explanation of Benefits, which took 60 days, to show that my expenses were not covered due to an unmet deductible. Only then could I file a claim with Generali, which after another 60 days and several calls, reimbursed my full medical expenses incurred during travel. Conclusion: Keeping meticulous records and being prepared for a lengthy process are key when dealing with travel insurance claims, especially with Generali.
1 / 5
Worst insurance company. Bought insurance for a concert that says cancel for any reason. Thr show iwas rescheduled for one month later for a time I have a booked flight one year ago and can not travel back to the show, they refused to pay me. Never again would I buy from this dishonest company Only want to collect your money and if you have a claim they disappear. Scammer
1 / 5
This is the most inhumane insurance company I have ever come across. I am now over $15000 in debt to a Greek hospital after suffering a severe car accident. I have a puncture lung and a hematoma the size of a water melon on my hip. I cannot walk and I have had to pay the hospital $8000 not including the car company and all the hotels that are not refunding me for the time I’ve spent in the hospital. They have found a very convenient loop hole so they do not have to help me after the worst car crash I have ever experienced. They have given me nothing and they advertised the adventure pack as something they would provide insurance for. This is inhumane, no empathy and I am completely disgusting with this company and will never associate with any company who associates with them.
Andreas Steger Insuranker
Policy Type: Travel Insurance
Company name: VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance
1 / 5
I was bitten by a stray dog in Bali. I went to a hospital for necessary treatment as the wound was bleeding and I received 3 shots of 4 of an anti rabies vaccine. The 4th back in my home country. Out of 265 USD I paid, this insurance wants to pay 35 USD only. They call my outpatient treatments, meds and doctors fee an "office visit " that is covered with 70 $ only and from this amount they deducted 50 $ and give me 20 $ only. I was seeking for help in a hospital with a kind of emergency as an untreated stray dog bite can threat your life with an rabies infection and I believed I am well insure. Original costs of this section is 204 $. I feel clearly scammed by this insurance. I contacted VisitorsCoverage before this review but the agent didn't or didn't want to understand my concerns and found my case obviously solved. It was my second time I signed an insurance policy with this insurance but, first time that I had a medical incident. After all, I conclude... it is dangerous to sign with them. I don't want to imagine my bill was some thousand dollars for outpatient treatments and they bluntly declare it an "office visit" paying 20 Dollars only.
1 / 5
AXA is either totally incompetent or they are scammers. Initially, they were quick to confirm that the event would be covered. However, upon receiving medical documentation, they started making excuses. After confronting them about it and translating some of the documents (since they apparently cannot read) they stopped replying altogether. It's been 2 weeks since the last email from them and they still haven't given any clear reply regarding why they are trying to reject the claim. Avoid them at all costs unless you want to spend a month on calls and writing emails without any response. In unlikely case they want to contact me: event # is 7123585018.
Not all those who wander are lost.
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