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N.C. State Parks See Visitation Growth, Revenue Decline
North Carolina State Parks saw 20.1 million visitors and 4% visitation growth in 2023, according to a release from the Division of Parks and Recreation, according to an article at BusinessNC.com.
The growth was largely driven by Jordan Lake State Park’s 2.5 million visitors, which broke the previous record for visitation to a single park by 500,000, according to the release.
But increased visitation doesn’t necessarily lead to increased revenue, as the parks generated $300,000 less revenue in 2022 than in 2023, according to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
U.K. Holiday Parks, Campsites Generate $15B Visitor Spending
A new 2024 ‘Pitching the Value’ report has been released by the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance (UKCCA) highlighting the economic value and wellbeing impact of the UK holiday parks and campsites sector and its important contribution to UK domestic tourism, according to a press release.
Headline statistics from the ‘Pitching the Value’ economic benefit report 2024 record that the sector:
- Generates £12.2 billion ($15.1 billion USD) in visitor expenditure equating to £7.2 billion ($9 billion) Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy
- Supports 226,745 full time jobs across the UK
- Attracts a touring visitor and holiday caravan owner average spend of just over £100 ($125) per day (on-site and off-site)
- Welcomes visitors to UK holiday parks and campsites who stay 82% longer and spend 12% more than the national tourism average
Despite the challenges businesses have faced in the past few years such as Brexit, the Covid pandemic and more recently the cost-of-living crisis, the latest UKCCA report demonstrates the holiday park and campsite sector is resilient and continues to make a significant contribution to the UK economy.
In addition to the economic impact of the holiday parks and campsite sector the report highlights the value the visitors and consumers themselves receive from this type of UK holiday. A survey of visitors completed by more than 5,200 people, recorded that UK holiday parks and campsites continue to be viewed as good value for money with a wide range of affordable accommodation options for all types of family groups.
The research also highlights the wider health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in the great outdoors on campsites and holiday parks, through getting closer to nature and being active outdoors through a variety of pastimes.
The importance of the work undertaken by the sector on sustainability is also acknowledged including carbon reduction plans, energy and water conservation, and measures that support and enhance biodiversity.
The UKCCA’s spokesperson, Bob Hill, said: “It’s vitally important to see how much the holiday park and campsite industry contributes to the UK economy. Despite the challenges of the past few years, and those still to be faced in the future, the sector is vibrant and optimistic. It continues to invest in its sites, services, accommodation types and local communities, which demonstrates a commitment and strong confidence in the sector.
“Holiday parks and campsites also have strong ties to the local communities in which they are based, whether that’s through employment, supporting local marketing or fundraising initiatives or even, in some cases, because they have been run as multi-generational businesses for many years. That connection to local people is really important to our campsite and holiday park operators.”
Bob added: “This report evidences the value of the sector to enable it to attract investment and provide opportunities to grow, innovate and create new jobs, which in turn will enhance the overall experience for holidaymakers.”
Visit www.ukcca.org.uk for further information or to download a copy of the ‘Pitching the Value’ 2024 report.
8 Best Camping Tables for All Your Outdoor Needs
A camping table may not be the most crucial piece of gear in your camping kit, but having a table surface for prepping food and dining on is going to make your camping experience so much better, according to an article at Outdoors.com. After all, nothing’s more frustrating than needing a surface to accomplish a task and not having one.
A camping table will make it so you never feel that frustration again. Our top pick is the Coleman Pack-Away 4-In-1 Table, a versatile option that’ll suit a variety of needs. If multi-use and affordable are right up your alley, check this one out.
Depending on your group size, whether you’re car camping or backpacking into your campsite, and your budget, there are camp tables to suit all your needs and wants.
N.C. State Parks to Standardize Camping Check-In Times
State parks currently vary in check-in and check-out times, but this year all parks will have a check-in time of 3 p.m. and a check-out time of noon, according to an article at SmokyMountainNews.com.
The new hours apply to tent, trailer and/or RV campsites, group campsites, equestrian campsites, paddle-in campsites, walk-in campsites, backpacking campsites and camper cabins. The only exceptions will be overnight facilities at The Summit Environmental Education and Conference Center at Haw River State Park and the vacation cabins at Hanging Rock and Morrow Mountain state parks.
Outdoor Rec Manufacturer Relocating to Grand Junction, Colo.
Goose Gear, a manufacturer of outdoor vehicle-based recreation and storage systems, announced that it will relocate from Huntington Beach, California, to Grand Junction later this year, according to an article at GJSentinel.com.
The company, which builds camping systems and vehicle accessories like drawers and kitchen modules, will create up to 49 jobs over an eight-year period, according to a press release from the Grand Junction Economic Partnership.
Yakima Unveils Spring 2024 Product Lineup
LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. – Yakima, the pioneering manufacturer of category leading cargo and gear management solutions, has announced new Spring ‘24 products that will help consumers Take It Easy more than ever before. Designed to enhance outdoor experiences and simplify adventures, the new offerings showcase Yakima’s commitment to quality and innovation which has been part of their DNA for 45 years, according to a press release from the company..
In the cargo and carrying category, the all-new MOD Drawer System – engineered specifically to fit a wide range of vehicles – is designed to maximize internal storage space and keep all of your essentials organized and within easy reach. This modular system has the flexibility and customization to handle a variety of needs, from storing tools and gear to groceries and luggage. With the MOD HomeBase as the building block of your system, customization allows for over 30 configurations when mix-and-matched with MOD Topper drawers, three different types of totes (MOD GearCrate, MOD GearTote and MOD MicroTote), MOD WorkSpace, fridge sliding mount, Stretch Net and more.
The MOD HomeBase attaches easily to the tie-down points in your cargo space and requires no drilling or modifications to the vehicle. An internal drawer divider with multiple mounting locations is also included, and the drawer is lockable with Yakima SKS Lock Cores. To fit different types of vehicles, the HomeBase is available in three different sizes: MD (36 x 24 x 7 in.), LG (36 x 27 x 7 in.) and XL (45 x 37 x 7 in.). MOD and all accessories will be available in early March.
For exterior, roof-mounted storage, Yakima is proud to introduce the new RuggedLineHD Collection (available starting February 15), a heavy-duty platform-to-vehicle mounting system with models made specifically to work with the Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner and RAV4; Jeep Grand Cherokee; and RAM 1500. Also new is the RuggedLineHD Track Mount for use on vehicles with Yakima HD and Classic Tracks, as well as some factory racks.
Made of an engineered steel structure and powder coated for long lasting strength and durability, RuggedLineHD is tested and certified up to a 330 lb. dynamic off-road load rating (depending on vehicle) and made to pair with Yakima’s LockNLoad Platform. All models feature built-in M6 accessory slots, while the metal fairing ensures a smooth, quiet ride.
Also set to debut in March is the OverHaul MOLLE Panel, built to increase the utility of the OverHaul HD by providing a versatile surface to mount shovels, recovery gear, RotopaX, soft packs and more. Two size options (Short – 40” between crossbars and Mid – 54” between crossbars) ensure the perfect fit for any setup, and are engineered, tested and fully off-road certified for up to 54 lbs. (Short) and 80 lbs. (Mid) of gear.
Finally, in the bike category, early Q2 will see the debut of the new OnRamp LX. Modifications to the popular, award-winning OnRamp see the OnRamp LX blending sleek design with the strength and versatility modern e-bikes demand to ease the challenge of carrying not only heavier and longer bikes, but bikes with fenders. This 2-bike carrier fits a wide variety of bike shapes, lengths and weights, and an integrated ramp allows users to easily roll bikes into place. Stadium seating prevents bike-to-bike interference, while accommodating up to a 54” max wheelbase and up to 29” rims (and 5” wide tires). The OnRamp LX is road approved for up to 80 lbs. per bike, RV tested and approved for 80 lbs. per bike, and off-road approved for 48 lbs. per bike.
The fan-favorite HighRoad and HighSpeed rooftop bike carriers are also being updated and will be available starting February 15. Along with some aesthetic changes, additional features added, and a higher off-road rating (27 lbs. for HighRoad, 24 lbs. for HighSpeed) both are set to accommodate a longer wheelbase (52″ inches for HighRoad, up from 48″, and 50″ for HighSpeed, up from 48′).
The Spring 2024 products from Yakima will be available for purchase at select retailers nationwide and online at yakima.com starting in Q1 2024. For additional information on Yakima’s industry-leading products that for 45 years have transformed the way people travel and enjoy the outdoors, please visit yakima.com, yakima.eu or yakima.com.au.
Five Singular Winter Camping Spots for Snow Enthusiasts
Camping is not just for summer. During the winter, when the temperatures have dropped, the leaves have fallen and the snow is glistening, you get a different appreciation for the great outdoors. Bonus: There are much fewer people (and bugs!) around, according to an article at TheWeek.com.
Here are five snowy camping spots to check out before the ice melts.
Camping Challenges in a Changing Climate
TUCSON, Ariz. — Going out on RV trips and camping is a very popular activity for Arizonans, but rising temperatures during summer and winter weather events are narrowing the window where sleeping outdoors can be comfortable, according to an article at KVOA.com.
We’ve all gone out camping at least once or twice in our lives, but people who enjoy the activity year-round they are running into more and more issues when trying to enjoy the outdoors.
Gaye Adams moved to Tucson in the ’80s because of her love of the outdoors and the many different places that are available to go camping.
She used to enjoy camping throughout the entire year but now avoids the summer months and even part of winter just to avoid extreme temperatures.
Here are the Best Camping Chairs of 2024
Camping is the ultimate way to unplug, unwind, and spend time with friends. And while we love hiking, biking, and all of the adventures that go along with camping, one of our favorite parts is sitting around the campfire with friends and family. As kids, we’d spread out a blanket and call it good, but as an adult, a solid camping chair makes a huge difference, according to an article at TheInertia.com.
Camping chairs make everything more comfortable and, therefore, more enjoyable, and who doesn’t want that? Sure, it’s something else to lug around, but having somewhere to park when your legs are tired is worth its weight in gold. And these days, there are an insane amount of options out there, from fully decked-out thrones to lightweight stools. Even full-on couches!
We got our hands on the best camping chairs of 2024 and gave them a run for their money in Hawaii, Colorado, and California. Read on for our top picks as well as our honorable mentions. And if you’re curious about how these chairs stack up against one another, take a look at our Comparison Table. Or, if you’re wondering what to look for in a solid camping chair, peep our Buyer’s Guide.
Sub-$3K Micro Trailer A Bare Bones Sleeper Camper
With its perfectly named HitchHiker Camper, Pennsylvania mobile shelter company Tusca Outdoors presents what might just be the world’s lightest, most versatile fully enclosed hard-shelled camper, according to an article at NewAtlas.com.
The chassis-less teardrop-inspired camping pod can ride in either a pickup bed or utility trailer, adapting to the trip at hand while bringing along a set of four stout, four-season-ready walls. At under 200 lb (91 kg), it’s lighter than some basic pickup caps and can be hand-lifted and easily transported around for use and storage.