The massive social benefits and feeling of connection that camping trips generate have been highlighted by the findings of a major new study.
The Real Richness report from the Caravan and Camping Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) concluded that in a world where screens and schedules dominate, getting out in the great outdoors and unwinding – and socialising – at a campsite is wonderfully grounding.
The study, which drew on the feedback from 1,000 campers and 1,000 people who have not camped since 2023, found respondents wanted ‘fewer things and better time’ and ‘to travel with people rather than past them’.
The report found:
The simple pleasures ... and not a screen in sight. PIC: Kampus Production / Pexels
The report also found that people loved the equality of life on the road. Some 74% of campers said camping was a great people leveller and 71% said it was accessible to everyone regardless of income.
The CIAA said a campground was one of the last places in Australian life where the site next door could belong to anyone, and by the second night you know their names.
It says, for families the case is stronger again. 93% of campers said camping allowed children to learn about the environment, 92% said it teaches children life skills, and 91% said it teaches them to engage socially. Three in four campers believe camping should be part of the school curriculum.
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