April 28, 2025 – Marin, California — Campers are expected to book more trips this summer than ever before, continuing a decades-long upward trend in outdoor recreation — even as national parks face significant budget cuts that could strain staffing and services.
CampChimp, a camping availability app, reports that camping interest should beat last year’s record numbers by 12%. With more people seeking outdoor getaways and fewer park resources available, campers are being warned to plan earlier and prepare for a tougher reservation landscape.
“Our data indicates that campers are going to need even more help finding available campsites this summer,” said Kyle O’Keefe-Sally, Co-founder of CampChimp. “With lower park staffing and support levels, they’ll be pushed to try new tools to plan their camping trips carefully and avoid unexpected surprises.”
In February, the National Park Service cut over 1,000 employees. And the proposed 2025 federal budget includes over $200M in funding cuts. These changes are expected to affect maintenance schedules and camper support — all while demand for campsites continues to climb nationwide. Popular parks are likely to see intense competition for campsites with fewer staff to help.
CampChimp helps campers navigate these challenges by focusing specifically on campsite availability. The app scans multiple platforms at once to find which campgrounds have open sites for reservations. Even with this advanced technology, O’Keefe-Sally encourages users to plan ahead, consider alternative locations, and stay flexible with their travel dates.
While outdoor adventures remain a cherished tradition for millions of Americans, this summer may require more effort and adaptability to secure a spot in the great outdoors.
About CampChimp
CampChimp is a mobile app found in Apple’s iOS App Store that makes it easy to find the best available campsites across national, state, and private parks throughout the U.S. Their iOS app can be found at at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/campchimp-rv-tent-camping/id6738033747.
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