A new survey of 2,000 UK adults by the Camping and Caravanning Club has found that 90% of campers describe themselves as “happy campers”. Psychologist Dr Sophie Mort says sleeping under the stars can deliver serious mental health benefits.
Survey reveals top camping benefits
The survey, conducted to mark the club’s 125th anniversary, asked participants what benefits they gained from pitching a tent or parking a caravan on a staycation or European adventure. ‘Fresh air’ was cited as the top benefit (74%), followed by enjoying the nation’s beauty spots (65%) and stargazing or watching the night sky (55%).
Others reported that camping boosted their mental wellbeing by spending more time chatting to one another (35%), switching off from social media (34%) and unwinding with loved ones (34%).
Psychologist explains mental health boost
Dr Sophie Mort said camping can strengthen relationships by stripping away many of the distractions and pressures of day-to-day life. She said: “When we're away from screens, work pressures and daily routines, we're more likely to have meaningful conversations, share experiences and form deeper connections with those around us.”
She added: “So many of us are burned out, stressed out and even talked out right now. Camping gives everyone a task, putting up the tent, unrolling the sleeping bags or getting the stove going for tea, so people can be together without the pressure of more talking and dissecting. It's often in those low-stakes, side-by-side moments that conversation starts to flow naturally.”
Camping helps Brits switch off
The research identified camping as one of the few holidays where Brits truly switch off from everyday life. An overwhelming 92% of campers admitted they spend more than two hours less on their phones when out in the wild. Nearly half (46%) believe camping helps them unwind more successfully than other types of breaks.
More than a third felt it makes them feel closer to nature (35%) and allows them to appreciate simple pleasures (35%). Over one in three adults (34%) said it brings people closer together than any other form of holiday, while 32% reckon it encourages better conversations than a hotel stay.
Partners topped the list as the nation's favourite camping companions (63%), with children coming second (46%), friends third (37%), pets (17%) and parents (12%). Almost one in 10 confessed they enjoy sleeping beneath the stars on their own.
Club director general comments
Sabina Voysey, director general of The Camping and Caravanning Club, stated: “While destinations and travel trends may have changed over the decades, the things people love most about camping have remained remarkably consistent, spending time outdoors, sharing experiences with loved ones and creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether it is waking up to birdsong, cooking breakfast outside, stargazing at night or simply having proper conversations without the distractions of everyday life, camping offers something many people are clearly craving. It is simple, sociable and memorable, and this research shows why so many people continue to see camping as one of the best ways to spend quality time with the people who matter most.”
That said, camping isn't without its drawbacks, with bad weather (58%) and insects and bugs (53%) topping the list of gripes amongst holidaymakers. Leicester was crowned Britain's happiest city for campers, with an impressive 94% of residents describing themselves as happy campers.
Top things Britons love about camping
- Fresh air - 74%
- Beautiful scenery - 65%
- Stargazing / watching the night sky - 55%
- Enjoying seeing a sunset - 41%
- Waking up surrounded by nature - 41%
- Spending more time talking to each other - 35%
- Spending quality time with loved ones - 34%
- Getting away from social media - 34%
- Walking or hiking nearby - 32%
- Slower pace of life - 31%
- Eating breakfast outdoors - 31%
- Being close to beaches, lakes or countryside - 28%
- Having a hot drink outside - 26%
- Sleeping in a tent - 26%
- Morning birdsong - 26%
