The Outjoyment Report

You might have a sneaking suspicion that there’s something about camping that makes you feel great. But The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Outjoyment Report, carried out by Liverpool John Moores University and Sheffield Hallam University, has proven it. In this blog we walk you through the five research-backed benefits of camping, giving you even more reason to spend nights under the stars. 

We’re proud to partner with The Camping and Caravanning Club to share these findings with you. Read on to discover the results and kit to help you reap the rewards. 

Published in February 2022, 10 years on from the previous report, it looks at how camping affects people’s happiness and well-being. Not only does it recognise the growing benefits of spending time outdoors, but it also acknowledges how people feel physically, mentally and socially. And by surveying 11,000 participants (campers and non-campers) and using different measures to understand campers’ happiness and mental health, The Camping and Caravanning Club was able to use the findings to contribute to the national discussion on using camping and other outdoor activities to boost happiness.  

Campsites, festivals and other shared outdoor spaces hosting happy campers are great for sociability. Everyone’s there to enjoy time outside, whether with family, friends or both! So, naturally, we relate to the same funny (and not-so-funny) experiences we go through when enjoying a camping trip. Perhaps one of your tents blew away on a particularly windy night, or a kind neighbour lent you their mallet – these experiences create a community. Yes, it can be challenging sometimes, but with help from others, memorable experiences – like, ‘Do you remember when dad fell over that family's guy rope?’ - bring us together as human beings, strengthening relationships and family bonds.

Camping not only brings happiness but also cultivates positive mental health. The Outjoyment Report highlighted that 44% of campers experience optimal mental well-being, compared to 31% of non-campers. The tranquillity of nature and the escape from daily stressors give us time to recover and reset – a moment to stop, take a deep breath and enjoy the therapeutic effects of gathering around a campfire and watching the sunset. 

Plus, the opportunities that camping brings can help build confidence. For example, learning to build the perfect fire, how to cook on a stove or how to pack clothing that’ll keep you warm at night and cool during the day. But, once you own the right kit (with a few camping tips up your sleeve), adventures are endless! 

One of the core motivations for camping is the desire to connect with nature, and The Outjoyment Report found an astounding 93% of campers choose camping to revel in the wonders of our natural world. Camping provides a unique opportunity to escape the confines of urban environments and appreciate the soothing sounds of birdsong and nature. By disconnecting from our busy world of screens and embracing the outdoors, campers can tap into a deeper appreciation for our precious landscapes. 

Everyone has their own camping motivator – it could be to discover a new area, cross a few walks off the bucket list, or finally finish that book. The Outjoyment Report revealed that 91% of campers choose camping for relaxation, offering a much-needed respite from the fast-paced demands of everyday life. And feeling ‘relaxed’ can mean very different things to different people! But one feeling many campers will relate to comes after choosing the perfect camping spot, setting up camp and finally slipping into a camp chair, eyes closed – breathe out – bliss! 

The natural rhythms of the outdoors have been shown to reduce anxiety levels in campers, easing the pressures of modern living. Anxiety levels was as much as 23% less, compared to non-campers. This further emphasises the restorative power of camping. Whether that's unwinding by a peaceful lake, taking leisurely walks through lush forests, or simply basking in the beauty of a starlit night.  

The Outjoyment Report showcases how popular outdoor activities are among campers. An impressive 98% of campers actively participate in outdoor pursuits during their camping trips. 91% of campers enjoy the simple pleasure of walking, while 39% indulge in the thrill of cycling. Additionally, 26% of campers use the opportunity to do activities like birdwatching.  

So, these discoveries further emphasise that being outdoors promotes physical well-being and nurtures mental health by providing a sense of adventure, accomplishment, and connection to the natural world. 

Thanks to The Camping and Caravanning Club for their valuable research on the connection between camping and well-being. If you're interested in discovering more about their findings, visit The Camping and Caravanning Club's website, where you can find more information and resources. Plus, for those looking for new adventures, visit your nearest store and speak to an in-store expert and find the perfect kit for your camping adventures.