Camping makes you happier, says major new study
Camping in the great outdoors makes people happier and improves their wellbeing and mental health, according to a major new survey
The Outjoyment Report asked nearly 11,000 people what they think about the benefits of all types of camping – whether it’s in a tent, caravan, motorhome or glamping.
And it found campers are happier, less stressed, more connected to nature and more likely to be active outdoors.
The report, commissioned by the Camping and Caravanning Club and carried out by academics, revealed:
- Happiness is the top motivator for going camping for 97% of campers, while 48% of campers reported feeling happy almost every day, compared with 35% of non-campers
- Campers are more connected to nature, with 93% going camping to enjoy being in nature
- 93% of campers value camping for the benefits it gives to their health and wellbeing
People who camp more often have optimal mental health, according to the report, with 44% of campers flourishing, compared with 31% of non-campers.
It also found that 88% of campers are motivated to go camping to take time out of everyday life and they have higher levels of psychological wellbeing than non-campers.
The report revealed that 98% of campers take part in outdoor activities, with 91% going walking, 39% cycling and 26% enjoying birdwatching.
Camping and Caravanning Club Director General, Sabina Voysey, said
Camping in all its different forms puts us on the doorstep of the great outdoors and provides a clear pathway to a healthier and happier lifestyle – one in which people appreciate nature more and are active outdoors. Given the many negative events that have been happening in recent times at home and abroad, anything that helps people to feel better about themselves and each other is vitally important.
The study was carried out for the Club by academics at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and Sheffield Hallam University and it was published 11 years after the groundbreaking Real Richness Report, also commissioned by the Club.
Dr Kaye Richards, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University, said, “Camping connects people – to the outdoors, to nature, to each other, and most importantly to themselves. Positive emotions generated from outdoor enjoyment help to alleviate everyday stressors and promote feelings of life satisfaction. It is no surprise then, that the more people camp the more this can improve happiness and wellbeing.”
Dr Adele Doran, Principal Lecturer in Tourism Management at Sheffield Hallam University, added, “Campers really enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. They pursue a range of outdoor activities while camping, which fuels their sense of adventure, keeps them physically active and connects them to nature. In fact, campers are more connected to nature than non-campers.”
The Outjoyment Report also examined subjects such as the importance of children going camping as part of their formal education, with 94% believing children should learn outdoors, while 93% think pupils should camp as part of their formal education.
Expert motorhome advice to your door!
Why not subscribe to one of our fabulous magazines and get expert advice, travel ideas, technical help and all the latest news for your motorhome and your motorhome adventures!
![MMM Motorhomers' Magazine](/images/image/promos/magazine_covers/december-2023/mmm.jpg)
Want to know more about MMM magazine?
Every month MMM has articles written by motorhomers who have been there and done it, from great UK and European (and further afield) tours, campsite reviews, owners' reports and DIY projects among other things.
MMM's tests, reviews and expert buying guides are not to be missed. MMM's technical advice is a must and includes everything from weekend jobs to longer-term DIY projects. And much more!
About MMM magazine![What Motorhome Magazine](/images/image/promos/magazine_covers/december-2023/what-motorhome.jpg)
Want to know more about What Motorhome magazine?
Every issue of What Motorhome magazine provides essential buying advice for anyone looking to buy a new motorhome or campervan or upgrade their existing model. With a pedigree of over 30 years of offering the best motorhome and campervan buying advice, every issue of What Motorhome includes more new motorhome and campervan reviews than you will find in any other magazine.
About What Motorhome![Campervan Magazine](/images/image/promos/magazine_covers/september-2023/campervan.jpg)
Want to know more about Campervan magazine?
Campervan is the exciting monthly magazine that will give you all the inspiration you need to explore the world in your campervan. Every issue is packed with real-life campervanning experiences, inspiring travel ideas in the UK and further afield, the best campsites to stay on, campervan road tests and reviews of the latest models, and much more!
About Campervan magazineExpert Caravan advice to your door!
![Caravan Magazine](/images/image/promos/magazine_covers/december-2023/caravan.jpg)
Caravan magazine has been inspiring caravanners for more than 80 years! We have grown to become a leading authority on caravans, the caravan industry, caravan lifestyle, campsites and caravan travel destinations. We know what our readers want – and that's to make the most of their caravans and their holidays!
Want to know more about Caravan magazine?
About Caravan magazineExpert Camping advice!
![Camping Magazine](/images/image/promos/magazine_covers/december-2023/camping.jpg)
Camping magazine has been the voice of campers for over 60 years!
Camping is the UK's only magazine devoted to the wonderful world of life under canvas and the freedom it brings.
Every issue is packed with inspirational travel, the top camping sites to stay on, reviews of the latest tents, camping gear reviews, practical help and much more to help you get the most out of your camping adventures.
Want to know more about Camping magazine?
About Camping magazineCampsite Finder 2024
![Campsite Finder 2024 magazine](/images/image/campsites/campsite-finder/campsite-finder-2024.jpg)
Campsite Finder contains a hand-picked collection of the best campsites across the UK and Europe for motorhomers, campervanners, caravanners and campers to find their dream destination.
Campsite Finder 2024
Recent Updates
Get five issues for just £5 in our summer sale!
Subscribe to Caravan magazine and get your first five issues for just £5 in our summer sale, helping you to make the most of your summer adventures. ...
Explore caravan accessories on the Out & About Shop!
Our brand-new shop is packed to the rafters with kit for outdoor adventure, including caravan accessories and ...
Deal for Robinsons Caravans after it enters administration
Parts of the Robinsons Caravans business have been sold and many jobs have been saved after the caravan ...
Buying Your Perfect Caravan 2024 available now
Are you considering purchasing a caravan this year? Look no further than our comprehensive guide, Buying Your ...
Embark on 2024 adventures with Swift: unveiling January savings!
Brand-new offers on caravans from Swift have been announced, helping prospective owners save up to £1,000! ...
Special edition Swift launched
A retailer special edition version of a Swift caravan is due to be unveiled at an open weekend event on 20 – ...
Don't miss the latest issue of Caravan magazine!
You can read the new issue of Caravan magazine here, today ...
A look at the Eriba Touring Colour Editions range
These compact tourers are eye-catching both inside and out, with added headroom courtesy of the lifting roof ...
Introducing the Eriba Touring 642
Meet the Eriba Touring 642, a distinctive addition to the range of adventure-led models that are new for 2024 ...
Have a jolly Caravan Christmas!
If you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a friend or relative then look no further – a ...
Other News
Introducing the Xplore 304 SE
Weighing in at just 1,070kg MTPLM and measuring 3.8m in body length, the Xplore 304 earns a resounding check in both the lightweight and compact ...
Discover the best Cyber Monday deals for outdoor living
Blink and you’ll miss it: these Cyber Monday deals include some epic gear for camping, motorhome living and ...
Introducing the Elddis Crusader Aurora
Introducing the single-axle Aurora; it has a layout that’s now become a classic, with a rear bedroom ...
These are the best caravan gifts this Christmas!
Looking for gifts for caravan owners? Our gift guide for Christmas 2023 includes some fantastic products, ...
AA annual campsite awards crowns Somerset campsite as Holiday Centre of the Year
The AA has announced its Caravan & Camping Awards winners for 2023-24 ...
Don't miss the latest issue of Caravan magazine!
You can get your copy of the December 23/January 24 issue of Caravan here, today! ...
Introducing the 2024 Eriba Touring 630
Putting the fun into family touring with the Eriba Touring 630 ...
Introducing the 2024 Elddis Avante 868
In the world of caravans, style, space, and comfort are paramount, and the 2024 Avante 868 by Elddis ticks ...
Premier Parks announces the 100 best UK campsites for 2024
The high-quality campsites group, Premier Parks, which soon celebrates its sixteenth anniversary, has just ...
Strictly winner named Club president
Broadcaster, Hamza Yassin, has been appointed the new President of the Camping and Caravanning Club ...