Federal Shutdown and Park Cuts Disrupted 16% of U.S. Campers in 2025
Event summary
- The Dyrt's 2026 Camping Report found that federal government actions affected 16% of U.S. campers in 2025, with disproportionate impacts on marginalized groups.
- A 43-day government shutdown and national park staffing cuts were the primary disruptions, affecting 33% of LGBTQ+ campers and 20% of BIPOC campers.
- Nearly 25% of private camping property owners reported negative business impacts, while 4.1% saw positive effects from displaced campers.
- The Dyrt's survey revealed that 23% of campers identify as politically independent, more than twice the national average.
The big picture
The Dyrt's findings highlight the vulnerability of the outdoor recreation sector to federal policy shifts, particularly for marginalized groups. With private campgrounds seeing mixed impacts, the report underscores the need for greater resilience in an industry reliant on public lands. The political independence of campers suggests a growing constituency for policy changes that prioritize outdoor accessibility.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Risk
- How future government actions will affect the camping industry's stability and accessibility.
- Market Segmentation
- Whether private campgrounds can sustain growth amid public park disruptions.
- Consumer Behavior
- The pace at which politically independent campers influence industry advocacy efforts.