SETTING up camp and "enjoying the great outdoors" has proven a popular holiday choice for Australians, and the Tamworth region is an attractive destination for nomads and families.
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As the local events and accommodation sectors struggle through COVID-19, happy campers could boost the city's economic recovery.
Tamworth Regional Council co-ordinator economic and destination development Kate Baker said she expected more people would be hitting the road for regional travel this year, and Tamworth could see more mobile visitors.
"The caravan and camping industry is well aligned with Tamworth and a large sector of our tourism market," she said.
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"The attraction to national parks and range of camping options from quality caravan parks to free camping in some of the smaller towns makes us a sought-out destination."
An industry report by Tourism Research Australia has revealed caravan and camping trips were the most popular holiday type for Aussies last year, before the pandemic even hit.
The data shows the total caravan and camping visitor nights exceeded 60 million and 14 million trips for the first time in 2019.
With school holidays approaching, there are a range of camping sites and caravan parks locals can adventure to for a getaway.
"All the smaller towns and villages have caravan parks ... we encourage travellers to support these operators," Ms Baker said.
She said national parks in the New England and Northern Tablelands at this "stunning" time of year are also a drawcard.
A spokesperson for NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) said campgrounds across the region are booked "very tight" for the holidays.
Ms Baker and Tamworth Paradise Tourist Park's Taryn Judd both said families and younger groups are embracing camp culture.
Ms Judd said she was not surprised camping and caravanning topped the travel list for Australians.
"It's the quintessential family holiday and you get to get back to basics," she said.
"Once people get the taste of caravanning and camping, it's really hard to get it out of your blood."
Destination Tamworth and NPWS websites have more information about taking camping trips locally.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
