This is a print-friendly version of www.whitehutchinson.com/news/lenews/2013/june/article103.shtml

White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA

National Park visits on the decline

In previous articles we have documented the entertainment staycation trend, the decades long decline in both participation in and spending on entertainment on trips. New data we analyzed on visits to U.S. National Parks confirms our previous research.

We examined recreation visits to the National Parks since 2000 (recreational visits include all visits where the park was a destination, including overnight visits). Although total park visits have increased by 1% over the twelve years, when you factor out the 11% increase in the U.S. population during that time, we find that per capita visits have decreased by over one-tenth (11%).

We also analyzed the number of overnight backcountry, RV and tent campers visiting the parks, which are included in the above numbers. Total annual overnight visits declined by almost one-eleventh (8.8%) and on a per capita basis they declined by over one-sixth (17.7%)

Additional reading:

• Staycation Trend: Myth or Reality? (www.whitehutchinson.com/ leisure/ articles/ staycation-trend.shtml)

© 1999 - 2026, White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Inc.
The contents of this website and eNewsletters are protected by USA and international copyright law. Permission is granted to download and print single copites of any of the contents or articles for personal use. No other copies may be made. Educational institutions may obtain permission to make multiple copies for classroom use by e-mailing us with details. The contents of articles may be quoted provided credit is given to the "(author's name), White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA". All other rights for use or reproduction of the contents and articles are reserved.