Why huge costs make camping a much worse holiday option

It is an iconic Aussie tradition but is it dying a quick death?

It’s time to farewell another Aussie institution.

First the future of our country’s great caravan tradition was under threat, with reports that plans to overhaul the nation’s fuel efficiency standards would kill these EV-unfriendly vehicles.

Fortunately, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese eased these fears, and the travelling dreams of grey nomads will continue well past their natural lifespan.

But now there is another cloud on our outdoor adventure horizon, and this time it’s the Boomers themselves to blame.

I’m talking about camping.

My daughter joined a friend’s family for a few nights of tent life this weekend and when I offered to pay for her share of camping fees, I was shocked by the response.

While her friend’s mother kindly refused my offer, she did share her own surprise at the cost of modern camping.

Camping? At those prices?

Seriously, brace yourself.

For two nights perched on one 10m by 10m powered site, it cost $771.

Yep, $385 per night for a 10sqm patch of grass.

The mum said she had found a luxury unit for less nearby … but after she had already booked.

Now, to be fair, there are a few points for context surrounding this camping scandal.

First, this was not your average campground. Facilities included a swim-up bar, a mini water park, jumping pillow, fire pits and even room service brought to your site.

Second, there was a concert at the neighbouring hotel, activating ‘festival rates’.

The non-festival rate for the same site later this week was $360 for two nights, which is still quite steep for a patch of grass.

For even more context, you could book the same two nights of the week at a luxury one-bedroom unit in central Surfers Paradise with ocean views, resort pool, free parking for just $340. Yep, $20 less AND you get free indoor plumbing.

Camping has somehow gone from being affordable to being out of reach for many.

What has happened to camping?

Once it was the family’s best friend, what you lacked in luxury you made up for in savings … not to mention teaching kids about ‘resilience’, which is the fancy way of saying surviving without technology but with their siblings … especially in the tight confines of a tent during rainy days.

Even if the site fees were reasonable, posts on the Caravanning with Kids Australia Facebook site showed many families were sick of being stung when it came to surcharges for children. Members said while the average rate was $10 per child per night, including toddlers, some campgrounds charged up to $50.

All this without even considering the initial set-up cost of camping itself: tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, eskies, torches, bug spray etc.

Camping used to be one of the best and most affordable ways to have a holiday. Picture: Kristy Carter

The last time our family went camping in a tent, I needed a holiday afterwards. But to pay $385 per night for the privilege? Tell’ em they’re dreaming.

It’s a real shame because there really is something about the community of a campground. Kids make new friends roaming around the sites, parents make new friends over afternoon drinks and everyone is on a natural high from all that fresh air.

A campground holiday should offer champagne views on a beer budget, but that’s simply not the case anymore.

As a commenter on another camping site stated: “Even to camp in a Queensland National Park with absolutely no facilities, where you bring your own tent, water, toilet et cetera, it’s (more than $200) per week (but) you’d also need to have borrowed or spent a fortune on equipment. Camping is for the privileged these days, especially with fuel prices.”

And that brings us back to the Boomers.

New data from Caravan and Camping NSW revealed the state recorded its highest ever number of overnight stays by caravanners last year, with over-55s especially loving hitting the open road.

While the popularity of the recreational pastime was skyrocketing across the nation, Baby Boomers were the most engaged with caravan and camping.

After all, they can afford it.

As for the rest of us, maybe we can start a new tradition … and camp in each other’s yards.