Gone are the days when camping meant grey nomads and basic tents. Today’s typical Australian camper is just as likely to be a young Perth family with a new caravan or a group of tech-savvy millennials working remotely from a national park.
With a record-breaking 14 million camping trips in 2023 and visitor numbers exceeding all previous benchmarks, Australia’s camping industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation.
Fresh data from Western Australia’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions tells the story of this evolution, revealing not just growing numbers, but a fundamental shift in who camps and how they do it.
The Numbers That Matter
In what industry experts are calling a “camping renaissance,” Australia’s outdoor tourism sector hit unprecedented heights in 2023.
With 14 million domestic camping trips recorded and a staggering $7 billion contribution to the national economy, the industry has transformed from a niche holiday option to a mainstream phenomenon.
Key Statistical Highlights
Record-Breaking Numbers
- 14 million domestic caravan and camping trips recorded in 2023
- $7 billion in annual national expenditure
- 60+ million visitor nights annually
- 90% of site nights spent in regional Australia
- Unprecedented growth in first-time campers
Western Australia: A Case Study in Excellence
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ (DBCA) comprehensive 2023 survey has revealed Western Australia’s unique position in this national success story.
Three quarters of WA campers are locals, with Perth metropolitan residents making up an impressive 61.6% of all campers.
This local enthusiasm is complemented by a healthy mix of interstate travelers (20.9%) and international visitors (4.2%), creating a diverse and vibrant camping community.
Western Australian Market Insights (2023 DBCA Survey)
- 75% of WA campers are from within the state
- 61.6% originate from the Perth Metropolitan area
- 20.9% are interstate visitors
- 4.2% are international visitors
The Modern Camper Profile
Today’s typical camping group looks vastly different from the stereotypical grey nomad image of years past. Consider these insights:
The average group consists of 3.2 people, staying 3.5 nights at their chosen destination. Women slightly outnumber men (54.9% to 44.3%), and the majority of campers (57.9%) fall between 35-54 years old.
The Modern Camper Profile
The DBCA’s 2023 survey reveals a detailed picture of today’s typical camper:
- Age Distribution: 57.9% of campers are aged 35-54
- Gender Split: 54.9% female, 44.3% male
- Average Group Size: 3.2 people
- Stay Duration: Average of 3.5 nights per trip
- Travel Companions:
- 41.1% travel with family
- 28.3% with partner
- 17.3% with family and friends
Experience Level
- 44.7% identify as lifelong campers
- 44.5% have camped intermittently throughout their lives
- 10.9% are new to camping (started within the last four years)
Social Dynamics of Modern Camping
The way people camp tells us much about changing social patterns:
- 41.1% travel with family
- 28.3% camp with their partner
- 17.3% combine family and friends
Activity Preferences That Define the Experience
When it comes to how campers spend their time, the data tells an interesting story of diverse interests:
Bushwalking and hiking have emerged as the second most popular activity, with 79% of campers hitting the trails.
Swimming claims the attention of 56.2% of visitors, while wildlife viewing and photography have carved out their own significant niches.
Activity Preferences Stats
Top activities reported in WA parks:
- Camping (92.9%)
- Bushwalking/hiking (79.0%)
- Relaxing/enjoyment (72.2%)
- Sightseeing (68.1%)
- Swimming (56.2%)
Equipment Evolution and Investment
The post-2020 camping boom has driven significant changes in equipment preferences.
Nearly half (46.9%) of all camping equipment currently in use was purchased between 2020-2023, reflecting both the surge of new campers and the upgrading of equipment by experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Transport and Equipment Choices
The vast majority (87.6%) of campers rely on their own vehicles, typically cars, campervans or 4WDs, to reach their destinations. However, the real story lies in the evolution of accommodation choices:
Currently, 47.2% of campers use tents, but a significant shift is underway – 42% plan to upgrade to caravans or camper-trailers within the next two years. This transition reflects both growing confidence in camping as a regular holiday choice and increased investment in the camping lifestyle.
Vehicle Usage
- 87.6% use personal vehicles (car or 4WD)
- 4.3% use hire vehicles
- 2.7% use campervans/motorhomes
Equipment Purchasing Patterns
- 46.9% bought their camping equipment between 2020-2023
- 34.6% purchased their main equipment from 2021 onwards
- Equipment Type Distribution:
- 47.2% use tents
- 42.0% plan to use caravans/camper-trailers in next 2 years
Future Outlook and Trends
The enthusiasm for camping shows no signs of waning. The DBCA survey reveals that 79.3% of current campers plan to return to WA national parks within the next 12 months. Even more telling is that 25.4% intend to increase both their trip frequency and duration.
Growth Indicators Worth Watching:
- 30.4% increased their camping frequency in 2022
- 41.8% now undertake three or more camping trips annually
- 70.8% have modified their camping behaviors in the past year
Economic Impact: Beyond Tourism
The ripple effect of this camping boom extends far beyond holiday statistics. For every $100 spent in caravan parks, $138 flows through to local economies, creating a vital economic lifeline for regional communities.
Facility Utilisation
- 170,000 powered and unpowered sites available nationally
- 54% average occupancy rate
- 67.8 million site nights recorded in the sector
- 45.3 million nights (67%) spent in caravan holiday parks
Vehicle Registrations
- 528,869 total registered RVs
- 474,783 towed products
- 54,103 motorised vehicles
Projected Behaviors (Next 12 Months)
- 79.3% likely to go camping again in WA national parks
- 43.8% plan to maintain current frequency
- 25.4% plan to increase both trip frequency and duration
Growth Indicators
- 30.4% increased their camping frequency in 2022
- 41.8% undertook three or more camping trips annually
- 70.8% reported changed camping behaviors in past 12 months
Sources and Further Reading:
- Tourism Research Australia (2023). “Caravan and Camping Data Report”
URL: https://www.tra.gov.au/en/domestic/caravan-and-camping-data - Caravan Industry Association of Australia (2023). “Australian Love Affair with Caravanning and Camping”
URL: https://www.caravanindustry.com.au/research - Tourism Research Australia (2023). “International Tourism Results”
URL: https://www.tra.gov.au/en/international/international-tourism-results - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA (2023). “National and Conservation Park Camping Survey”
URL: https://library.dbca.wa.gov.au/FullTextFiles/208957.pdf - BDO Economic Report (2023). “Value of Commercial Caravan Parks to Local Communities”
Available through industry association membership
Contact points for further information:
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (WA)
- Tourism Research Australia
- Caravan Industry Association of Australia
