Backcountry Camping Vs. Drive-Up Camping

Camping is a past time that many Americans of all ages enjoy. In fact one in four Americans aged 16 or older went camping at least once in the past 12 months (Wellner 1997). They do so for different reasons, but all enjoy being outdoors and away from the hassle of their everyday life. There are different kinds of camping and different ways of reaching camping destinations. This is where the real difference in campers is found. Some people prefer to “drive-up” camp while others prefer primitive or backcountry camping. My hypothesis was that teenagers to young adults are the more likely to participate in the backcountry camping, while older adults are more likely to participate in the drive-up camping.

The people who participate in the drive-up camping do not typically want to have to deal with the physical demands and primitive conditions of backcountry camping. They do not relish the idea of sleeping on the ground, and have increasingly turned to recreational vehicles as an alternative to tent camping. All kinds of RV’s are available from super luxurious to bare necessities (Wellner 1997). Also available are areas where campers can park and walk a short di

The percentage of those camping in developed areas to those in primitive areas for 16 to 24 year olds was rather close, 27.6 for developed and 22.7 for primitive. It is still close for 25 to 29 year olds, but not as close with 25.5 percent for developed, and 19.9 for primitive (Wellner 1997). This pattern continues as the campers get older.

This data however does not show that teenagers to young adults are more likely to participate in backcountry camping as opposed to drive-up camping. However they are the most likely to participate in the backcountry camping. Older adults, particularly from age 39 and up are more likely to participate in drive-up camping as opposed to primitive camping.

An ever-increasing trend in RV camping is luxury camping. RV parks are no longer just offering hook-ups and a pool, and maybe a rec-center. They are beginning to offer Olympic-sized swimming pools, golf courses, and organized activities. These parks are essentially resorts with out the hotel (Wellner 1997).

Camping of all kinds is a cost-effective way to get away from the everyday dramas and traumas of life. It also gives the participants an opportunity to experience and enjoy the outdoors. There are different ways and places for campin

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