By Kathleen Knowles
There isn’t any doubt Covid has affected the lives of every American. Entertainment has been severely cut back. With movie theaters kept closed over much of 2020, as well as bars, restaurants, and bowling alleys, there hasn’t been much to do. Sporting events such as football, baseball, and basketball played much of their shorten seasons with no one in the stands. At the beginning of this season, the teams had to keep the fans apart, leaving many seats empty. High school sports were practically non-existent.
So, what are people to do? Many just stayed home as they were instructed to do. Of course, nothing last forever. In 2021, establishments are being allowed to slowly open once again, but in the meantime, people had to find ways to amuse themselves.
There was one industry that was affected, and not in a bad way… camping. In 2020, camping was halted but opened up later in the summer. People who never before camped found a way to get around the Covid blues. Campsites around the United States have reported a 500% increase in bookings! Campers are forced to book their sites months in advance in order to secure a site to park their RVs. The average stay for RVs has increased by 10%. Campsites across the country report being completely booked every weekend, while late booking campers find the only sites left are during the work week!
America has found a way around the restrictions of Covid. RV dealers report their business is way up in 2020 and 2021, with first time campers being a good share of the business. And why not? By purchasing an RV, entire families can head for the nearest campsite. They can even bring along the family dog! It is a wonderful way for families to book several sites and spend a weekend cooking and enjoying a nightly campfire in the evenings. For those who are not so outdoorsy, most RVs offer a kitchen, bathroom, and a bedroom with more sleeping for kids and guests. These traveling homes come complete with televisions, DVD players, and radios!
All the comforts of home!! Some campsites offer canoeing and swimming. Others have a firing range and skeet shoots. There are sites that have putt-putt golf courses as well. One can check with the campsite to see what activities they do offer.
Is it possible that the nation’s new pastime is now camping? If you want something your family can do together, camping may just be the activity you are looking for. RVs come in all sizes, from the 11-foot MyPod, Teardrop Trailers, Pop-ups, Motorhomes, to the 30-foot plus Travel Trailers and 5th Wheels. There is a RV out there for everyone’s preferences and needs. Family time has never been so much fun!
So, join the camping set and become a Happy Camper!
Kathleen Knowles
Contributing Writer
