Campground Owners Predict 2010 Season to be Up 10 Percent

The summer camping season in the Granite State kicked off this past Memorial Day weekend. In contrast to last year's rainy May, spring 2010 came early with warm, sunny weather. Campgrounds throughout the state reported strong advance reservations.

"We think camping could be up as much as 10 percent this summer over last year," said Gregg Pitman, executive director of the NH Campground Owners Association. "The outlook for the economy is better, gas prices are stable, the weather has been great this spring, and advance reservations are running ahead of last year."

Pam Feldhouse, owner, with husband Jim, of Cedar Pond Campground in Milan, said before the weekend, "Most of our rentals are full and our tent sites are busy. With the good weather forecast, we'll probably have a full house."

Woodmore Family Campground in Rindge predicted a better 2010 than 2009. "Memorial Day weekend has been booked full for more than two months," said owner Christine Bouchie. "We are already 80 percent booked for July 4th weekend, and we already have 45 percent of the number of reservations booked for this season that we had in all of 2009."

There are approximately 230 campgrounds in NH, most of which are privately owned. While non-campers tend to think of campers as those who seek solitude, enjoy roughing it, and still sleep in tents, the reality is a little different.

Most experienced campers don't camp in tents. They own pop-up campers, trailers or recreational vehicles outfitted with kitchens, bathrooms, heat, air conditioning and television. Their campers cost anywhere from $20,000 to $150,000.

While an affordable campsite is important, today's camper wants to "ease it" not rough it. They expect comfort and convenience. Clean restrooms and hot showers are a must. So are campground amenities that include electricity, waste and water hookups, a lake, river or swimming pool onsite or nearby, and activities for children and adults. Cable television and wireless Internet access are increasingly on the list of expectations.

According to Pitman, "Camping is a social activity. It represents quality time spent with friends and family, sharing a host of activities during the day and relaxing time around the campfire during the evening."

While their expectations for creature comforts have changed over the past 100 years, the emotional needs of campers who come to New Hampshire have not, says Pitman.

"Campers crave a natural experience that includes mountains, lakes, rivers, forests and beautiful scenery. New Hampshire was made for camping," Pitman said.