In the worst economic decline in the nation since the big depression, camping visitation still increased in our national parks (see figures below). In fact enough visitors flocked to Yellowstone National Park in 2009 to set a record -- with nearly 3.3 million visitors passing through the park’s gates, representing a 7.5% increase from 2008 crowds, and a 3.6% boost from the old record of 3.15 million visitors counted in 2007, according to park officials. Maybe when the economy is tight more people visit the national parks and go camping instead of taking higher priced vacations and weekend getaways.
It could also mean that retiring baby boomers increased the ranks of potential campers. The same pattern held with state parks around the country, most of which saw even higher percentage increases in camping in 2009. Maybe I'll have to start making reservations rather than winging it.
Increase comparison between 2008 and 2009
Tent camping increased from 2,956,761 to 3,141,248 or +6.24%
RV camping increased from 2,012,532 to 2,135,371 or +6.1%
Back country camping increased from 1,797,912 to 1,806,154 or +0.5%
Concessionaire camping increased from 1,224,864 to 1,301,419 or +6.25%
Overall increase went from 7,992,069 to 8,384,192 or +4.94
If there is such an increase in camping at Nationa Parks, why are the state parks being shut down?
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