Written By Jeffrey Reed
Don’t look now, but camping is closing in on an all-time high amongst North Americans. According to the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) 2026 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, over 52 million North American households camped in 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic participation levels and driving a $66-billion economic footprint across Canada and the U.S.
The study says younger generations–Millennials and Gen Z–have embraced camping as a flexible, affordable travel option. RV News echoes those findings–the trade magazine reports Millennials represent the largest camping demographic. And, it reports seniors 65-plus nearly doubled their camping adventures last year.
Some of my fondest memories involve camping deep into the woods near Fanshawe Lake where my buddies and I were surrounded by pine trees and the howling of coyotes. Without screens consuming our time, we enjoyed summers filled with fishing, food cooked from the campfire – most often without fish, as our luck would have it–and late-night poker games by lantern. Those were simpler times, but memories that last a lifetime.
Here in Southwestern Ontario, camping is alive and well at numerous spots, including the three conservation areas operated by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Fanshawe in London, along with Wildwood in St. Marys and Pittock in Woodstock offer a cornucopia of camping opportunities from May 1 to October 18.
Fanshawe alone offers a large lake for boating, fishing and sailing, 30 kilometres of trails, recreation programs plus canoe and kayak rentals, just to name a few of its outdoor treasures. In total, Fanshawe Conservation Area spans about 2,000 acres and is home to four full-time staff and 31 part-time/seasonal employees. It has been a part of thousands of Londoners and visitors since 1947, and is the winner of the 2026 LondonOntarioSports.com Community Spirit Award for bettering lives through sports, recreation and fitness.
“We pride ourselves on being a welcoming space for all, including residents of London and visitors from further away,” said Fanshawe superintendent Jay Ebel. “UTRCA aims to reach people with its conservation messaging and Fanshawe is a perfect venue for people to foster and share their love of nature. We’ve seen the positive impact Fanshawe has on individuals and groups by providing sports, leisure and recreation.”
There are many reasons why camping is experiencing a new boom. As travel costs rise, camping offers a lower-cost alternative to traditional hotel vacations. Snap camping–quick, local trips–have become all the rage, thanks in part to easy planning. Talk to a camper, and they’ll tell you how they appreciate increased well-being, better sleep and fresh air while connecting with nature.
Indeed, camping is no longer a niche activity. Rather, it’s a mainstream travel choice and a breath of fresh air.
Award-winning writer Jeffrey Reed has covered Middlesex County sports since 1980.
He is publisher and editor of
LondonOntarioSports.com. Reach him at
jeff@londonontariosports.com.
