Camping, glamping, and coronavirus in the United States

Abstract

Highlights Camping—an accommodation and form of recreation—is an understudied tourism sector. The influence of COVID-19 on future camping consideration was explored. Recent United States-based leisure travelers were surveyed about COVID-19 ( n = 2685). Camping experience and social distance are related to tent camping and glamping. Scale of COVID-19 influences tent camping and glamping consideration.

Glamping after the coronavirus pandemic

“…Furthermore, glamping is well-positioned among a growing body of travelers interested in eco-tourism and eco-accommodations (Bagheri et al, 2020). Present day, consumer desire in a COVID-19 climate is for accommodations that allow for social distancing, are closer to home, and offer outdoor recreation (Craig, 2020;Glusac, 2020;Gossling et al, 2021;Hong et al, 2020;Sanford and Dubois, 2020). With the effects of COVID-19 expected through at least 2022 (Kissler et al, 2020), perceived and actual health risks will regionally persists thus influencing leisure travel accommodation choices.…”

“…In response to the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), researchers suggest that outdoor settings and individuals' ability to maintain social distance lowers perceived and/or actual risks compared to traditional accommodations (Craig, 2020;Gossling et al, 2021). Because glamping combines outdoor recreation with accommodations (Craig, 2020;Brooker and Joppe, 2013), it provides an activity for those seeking to be outside where permissible (Gossling et al, 2021). Craig (2020) reports that glamping decisions are closely related to traveler desire to avoid crowds, though to-date, this is the first study to the authors' knowledge that explores factors related to traveler plans to glamp after COVID-19.…”

“…Because glamping combines outdoor recreation with accommodations (Craig, 2020;Brooker and Joppe, 2013), it provides an activity for those seeking to be outside where permissible (Gossling et al, 2021). Craig (2020) reports that glamping decisions are closely related to traveler desire to avoid crowds, though to-date, this is the first study to the authors' knowledge that explores factors related to traveler plans to glamp after COVID-19.…”

Camping climate resources: the camping climate index in the United States

“…Emerging trends in camping (e.g. glamping, cabin camping, shared economy) provide alternative accommodations that can address health concerns by providing private space and social distance (Craig, 2020;DuBois, 2020). Further, these alternative accommodations can also provide amenities (e.g.…”

“…Airbnb), and traditional (e.g. hotel) accommodations is the novel coronavirus 2019 where travellers prefer locations without communal spaces that facilitate social distancing (Craig, 2020;CCG, 2020;Dolnicar & Zare, 2020;Hong et al, 2020). Many campsites were able to remain open due to outdoor, natural settings that provide ample distance from others (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2020; Gossling et al, 2020).…”