For some, camping means wrestling with tent poles and waking up with a stiff back — but a psychologist has revealed how sleeping under the stars can deliver some serious mental health benefits.
Research appears to back this up, with a new study showing that 90% of UK adults who head into the great outdoors describe themselves as "happy campers."
The survey of 2,000 adults asked participants what benefits they felt they gained from pitching a tent or parking a caravan on a staycation break or European adventure.
'Fresh air' was cited as the top benefit (74%), followed by enjoying the nation's beauty spots (65%) and stargazing or watching the night sky (55%).
Others reported that camping boosted their mental wellbeing simply by spending more time chatting to one another (35%), switching off from social media (34%) and unwinding with loved ones (34%).
An overwhelming 92% of campers admitted they spend more than two hours less on their phones when out in the wild.
Nearly half (46%) believe camping helps them unwind more successfully than other types of breaks.
More than a third felt it makes them feel closer to nature (35%) and allows them to appreciate simple pleasures (35%).
Over one in three adults (34%) said it brings people closer together than any other form of holiday, while 32% reckon it encourages better conversations than a hotel stay.
Almost one in 10 confessed they enjoy sleeping beneath the stars on their own.
Camping is also proving popular in Ireland, with Fáilte Ireland reporting a strong year for the caravan and camping sector in 2025.
In its September tourism barometer, 56% of caravan and camping businesses said their revenue was higher than the previous year, while 57% reported increased revenue from the domestic market.
The sector also had the highest proportion of businesses citing Irish people holidaying in Ireland as a positive factor, at 37%.
Glamping is also becoming a bigger part of Ireland's outdoor holiday offering.
Fáilte Ireland's 2025 accommodation outlook found that planning applications for outdoor accommodation had increased, including proposals for glamping pods, huts, camping and caravan pitches.
There are now options across the country ranging from traditional campsites to luxury pods and domes, giving people a way to enjoy the outdoors without completely sacrificing their home comforts.
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