Campers are demanding decent Wi-Fi wherever they pitch their tents

Searches for Wi-Fi-equipped U.S. properties on Hipcamp have increased by 110% year over year. The number of such sites has grown by 30% over the past year.

According to Tim Rout, the founder and chief solutions officer at AccessParks, the demand for Wi-Fi at campsites has significantly increased in recent years1. Six or seven years ago, Wi-Fi was considered a "nice-to-have" service for basic tasks like checking emails or bank accounts. However, now people expect the same quality of service in RV parks that they get at home. This shift in demand has been fueled by the pandemic, which pushed millions of people towards outdoor trips and experiences. As a result, many are now hooked on camping but also increasingly demanding reliable Wi-Fi connections wherever they pitch their tents or park their RVs. Consequently, Wi-Fi at campgrounds has become "the fourth utility behind water, sewer, and electric1."

The influence of Wi-Fi availability on campers' choice of campsites is also noteworthy. About 40% of campers say Wi-Fi availability influences where they decide to camp. This influence is even more significant among the younger generations, with 65% of Gen Z and Millennials and 45% of Gen X campers considering Wi-Fi availability when choosing a campsite.

Furthermore, the pandemic has also led to an influx of new, less experienced campers who prefer a less rustic experience and are more likely to demand amenities like Wi-Fi. The share of first-time and less-experienced campers reached 32% in 2022, down from a peak of 41% in 2021 but still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.

In response to this growing demand, Wi-Fi is now offered at 82% of U.S. campsites, slightly ahead of laundry and even shower facilities. It was the most commonly provided amenity last year among privately operated camping properties surveyed recently by The Dyrt. The camping information app found Wi-Fi being added at a faster rate (nearly 16% of campsites added it from 2022 to 2023) than pickleball courts (12%), dog parks or kayaks and canoes (each at 10%).

However, despite the growing demand and widespread adoption, not all campsites offer Wi-Fi. It's available at 65% of those listed on Airbnb, a spokesperson said, up only modestly from 61% in 2019. This is despite sharper increases in bookings of camping vehicles (22% higher than last summer) and camping properties (up 10%).

In conclusion, the demand for Wi-Fi at campsites has increased significantly in recent years, driven by the pandemic and changing camper preferences. As a result, Wi-Fi has become an essential amenity for many campers, influencing their choice of campsites and contributing to the growing trend of 'glamping' or glamorous camping.