BIPOC Campers Driving Growth in Outdoor Recreation, New Report Finds
PORTLAND, OR – A new national report highlights a significant shift in outdoor recreation trends, with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities playing a leading role in the growth of camping across the United States.
According to the 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks, released by The Dyrt, individuals from BIPOC communities were 53% more likely to have camped for the first time in 2025 compared to the overall population.
The report draws from survey data collected from thousands of members of The Dyrt’s camping community, a representative sample of U.S. residents, and campground operators across all 50 states.
“Camping in the great outdoors is for everybody, and it’s so encouraging to see these statistics for first-time campers from the BIPOC community,” said Kevin Long, CEO of The Dyrt.
New Trends in Camping Preferences
The report also found that experienced BIPOC campers are expanding how they explore the outdoors:
- 10% more likely to try new types of camping in 2025
- 55% more likely to prefer truck camping compared to the general camping population
- 122% increase in truck camping among BIPOC campers from 2024 to 2025
- 60% growth in camper van camping among BIPOC respondents
These findings point to a growing diversity in outdoor participation and a shift toward more flexible, mobile forms of travel and recreation.
Real Experiences Driving Interest
Campers shared stories that reflect the appeal of outdoor exploration. One respondent described a cross-country journey through Arizona, Utah, and Death Valley as a highlight of their year, underscoring how access to camping continues to open new experiences and destinations.
Barriers Still Exist
Despite the positive growth, the report also identified ongoing challenges. The 43-day U.S. government shutdown in 2025, along with staffing cuts at national parks, disproportionately affected campers from marginalized communities.
- 1 in 5 BIPOC campers reported disruptions to their camping experiences due to federal actions
This highlights persistent barriers related to access, infrastructure, and policy that continue to impact equitable participation in outdoor spaces.
Expanding Access to the Outdoors
The findings reinforce the importance of making outdoor recreation more inclusive and accessible. As participation increases, organizations like The Dyrt emphasize the need to support diverse communities and ensure equitable access to public lands and camping resources.
The full report is available at thedyrt.com.
SOURCE The Dyrt
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