Surveys conducted by the National Association of State Parks Directors (NASPD) are gaining some attention as their findings are revealing some supporting effidence that more people are enjoying the outdoors. Below is an article by RVBusiness that describes some of NASPD’s findings:
A brand new survey of state parks by the National Association of State Park Directors has some very encouraging news for the camping and RV industry.
For 28 state park systems reporting on camping activity for calendar year 2009, all but one reported an increase in camping. Hawaii was the sole exception – and the state has experienced a very significant drop in tourism. The average increase in campground stays for 2009 over 2008 for the 28 states was 7.38%, according to a preliminary report issued by Philip McKnelly, NASPD executive director.
The same states also reported a significant increase in overall state park visitations with just two states — New Jersey and Arkansas — reporting declines. The overall increase in visits for 2009 was 6.94%.