Family camping continues to grow even during the pandemic and can be an affordable travel

This time last year, the pandemic was a damper on pretty much everything. While most other forms of vacation travel lagged, camping grew. "10.1 million people camped for the first time last year," said Saskia Boogman with KOA, Kampgrounds of America.

Boogman says camping grew five times more than the previous year. "The pandemic actually helped us where as other parts of the travel industry, it did not," she said.

She says camping was considered the safest form of travel options during the pandemic. "I mean you are naturally social distancing when you’re on a campground. You’re out in nature," said Boogman.

KOA reports 72% of campers plan to camp in their own state and North Carolina is among the top 10 favorite places to get that experience. National parks, state parks and private campgrounds are favorite destinations and more affordable than most family vacation options.

"You don’t have to have that expensive plane ride to go out and find a campground near you," Boogman explained.

Many families also save money with a more back to nature approach, sleeping in small tents and sleeping bags. Others invest in large recreational vehicles that can be their home on wheels wherever they travel.

There’s also a new trend called "glamping." Boogman said, "It’s a combination of glamorous and camping. You can roll in and really not need anything to bring with you." Some KOA campgrounds offer deluxe cabins on site.

With a week before Memorial Day weekend, booking a spot at a campground may be a challenge but Boogman advises people make reservations as soon as possible.