Van lifestyle and camping is a growing hobby across the US

MILWAUKEE, (CBS 58) -- In 2024, 81 million Americans went on camping trips—whether in a tent, an RV or even a van. That number is expected to go up as five million of those people took to sleeping in the great outdoors for the first time ever.

Dave Draeger with Advance Camping in Milwaukee says van camping is growing into a lifestyle for many people. Whether you’re traveling across the country or want to escape into nature, Draeger helps people find the perfect RV, trailer or van to fit individual needs. Whether you’re new to camping or a seasoned outdoorsman, Draeger helps people find a solution.

“I would say, get out there and do it. Try it. Everybody is going to camp a little bit differently, and it's hard to understand at the beginning ‘what do I bring and what don't I bring.’ But you can pack differently for that weekend trip than you would that longer trip,” said Draeger.

Advance Camping also sells subscriptions to Harvest Host— a directory of breweries, wineries and even museums that give you a place to park and stay overnight.