BRUNSWICK, Md. — The hot and humid D.C. summer is typically a popular time of year for a trip to the beach. This year, in the middle of a global pandemic, families are getting creative to avoid the crowds.
John Gonano, the General Manager at River and Trail Outfitters, helps manage the Brunswick Family Campgrounds. He said they have been extremely busy at their RV campgrounds and their family cabins since mid-May.
“Camping is a great social distancing opportunity. You can be social here but you don’t need to be right on top of each other,” said Gonano.
RV sales and rentals have skyrocketed across the nation this summer. Gonano said he has seen this popularity first-hand. He said the RV campgrounds are sold out for the next two weeks and their family cabins are sold out for the next six weekends.
“I’ve never seen the cabins sold out this far in advance. It is similar to the RV sites, normally if you called a few days in advance we would have a cabin available on the weekends, but it is just booked solid every weekend,” said Gonano.
According to travel data from Airbnb, staycations are becoming a new trend. Since the beginning of April, more than 60% of all domestic U.S. bookings have been for trips within 300 miles from home.
“People are looking for an opportunity where they can get outside and have some fun with the family and friends but also not feel really cramped up,” said Gonano.“I think it is important for people to keep in mind as they are making their plans, whether it is with us or with anyone, they should call in advance to make reservations."
Gonano said they have also been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and have made changes, including limiting the number of campers allowed at the campgrounds.
“We’ve been really grateful for all of it because it was scary going into the beginning of the season and losing almost two months,” said Gonano.
If you plan on bringing your family on a summer camping trip, Gonano said it is best to make your reservations at least two weeks in advance.
“You definitely got to plan well ahead for what you want to do if you are going to find [a] place,” said Gonano.
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