Dogs and spouses top camping companion list, The Dyrt report finds

By AI, Created 10:24 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The Dyrt’s 2026 Camping Report says dogs were the most common pet camping companion in 2025, while spouses and partners were the top human co-campers. The findings highlight how camping trips vary by group and underscore the role pets, family and friends play in outdoor travel.

Why it matters: - Camping is a social activity for most people, and the mix of companions shapes how trips are planned and experienced. - The findings point to strong demand for pet-friendly campsites and family-oriented outdoor travel.

What happened: - The Dyrt said nearly half of campers, 49.7%, reported camping with dogs in 2025. - Spouses and partners were the most common human co-campers, at 72.2%. - The data comes from the 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks. - The report draws on surveys from thousands of The Dyrt Community members, a representative sample of U.S. residents and camping property managers across all 50 states.

The details: - Cats were the next most common pet companion, at 4.9%. - Campers also reported bringing parrots, guinea pigs, hamsters, horses, rabbits and ducks. - 38% of survey respondents said they camped with friends. - 29.7% said they camped with their children. - 29.2% of campers took at least one solo trip in 2025. - One Minnesota camper, Jules, highlighted camping at Coon Fork Campground in Augusta, Wisconsin, with family and several dogs. - Jules said an adult son brought a 3-month-old golden retriever, which joined two other dogs in the camper. - Odessa, a camper from New Hampshire, highlighted dispersed camping in Valley of the Gods in Utah with a dog. - Odessa said the trip was special because she could share a favorite place with her dog.

Between the lines: - The results suggest camping serves multiple audiences at once, from couples and families to solo travelers and pet owners. - The Dyrt’s CEO, Kevin Long, said the same campground can feel like a different experience depending on who joins the trip. - Long said camping can work as a family getaway, a dog-focused outing or a weekend with friends.

What’s next: - The Dyrt will continue positioning its Camping Report as an annual benchmark for camping habits and industry planning. - Pet-friendly and group-friendly camping options are likely to remain important for campers choosing where to go next.

The bottom line: - Dogs and spouses are the most common camping companions, but the report shows camping remains flexible enough to fit pets, families, friends and solo trips alike. - More information is available at The Dyrt.