What did Camping Look Like in the 60s and 70s?

Camping first began to surge in popularity as a family vacation choice during the 1950s. It was an affordable option for large households and offered endless outdoor space where kids could roam freely.

With more federal funding flowing into park services, campgrounds quickly became busier, drawing families and travelers from across the nation—and even abroad.

Tents, hammocks, and sleeping bags had long been staples of the camping experience. But as annual family trips to campgrounds grew, camper vans began to rise in popularity. Soon, owning one became part of the broader suburban dream—alongside the house, the lawn, and the iconic white picket fence—complete with all the outdoor gear that came with it.

Today, camping remains a beloved American tradition, supported by the vast network of National Parks across the country. But to really understand its charm, let’s take a step back and see what camping was like for families and friends in the 1960s and 70s.

Photo: Mark Susina. Vintage Camping captures the charm of a simpler era, when families packed up their tents, coolers, and folding chairs to escape into the great outdoors. The scene evokes the golden age of mid-century camping—complete with canvas shelters, classic gear, and a sense of togetherness that defined weekends under the stars. It’s a nostalgic reminder of how adventure once meant piling into the family car, driving out to the nearest park, and making memories around a glowing campfire.

Photo: Mark Susina. (State of Florida Archives) – Vintage Camping offers a glimpse into mid-century outdoor life, when families sought adventure in the simplest ways. Canvas tents, classic gear, and wide-open landscapes reflect an era when camping was not just recreation but a cherished tradition—captured here as both history and memory.