The reason, experts say, is because Americans are afraid to travel in traditional ways because of the pandemic. The U. S. Travel Association reported that 47 percent of survey respondents said they would be more likely to travel by car during and even after the pandemic subsides, and 42 percent said they would likely choose a destination that is closer to home.
Locally, campground owners have noticed the surge.
Patty Frensemeier, owner of Friends O’ Mine Campground and Cabins( previously named Westward Ho Campground), said it has been chaotic.
“ When the Governor opened camping the Thursday before Memorial Day, it got crazy,” Patty said.“ Those first two weekends were wild. The phone was ringing off the hook.”
Patty, who took ownership of the campground in May, said she has been surprised by the number of first-time campers who have been making reservations.
“ We have had a lot of people calling who are brand new to camping,” Patty said.“ They say they wanted to travel and with an RV it is their own bed, their own restroom facilities and their own space, but they are still away from home and able to enjoy nature.”
Having been a lifelong camper, and now a brand-new owner of a campground, Patty said she understands the attraction of camping.
“ When you are camping you get to enjoy being outdoors and getting away from it all,” she said.“ When you are home, you always have a list of
things to do, you never really get a chance to relax.”
Paul Lawson, co-owner of Brown County KOA, said he also noticed the increase in demand. In fact, the campground is currently almost completely booked through July 4.
“ When they opened up camping for Memorial Day weekend, we got absolutely inundated with reservations,” Paul said.“ We were getting calls from 7:30 in the morning to 10:30 at night. We have had to turn people away because we have been booked. We are really in a sweet little position as far as the travel industry goes.”
Most of the campers, Paul said, have been coming from Louisville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Illinois.
“ I think people just want to get out of their house,” Paul said.
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July / August 2020 • Our Brown County 17