Camping became a popular choice for family vacations starting in the 1950s. It was a cost-effective activity for large families and provided tons of outdoor space for children to run around.

More federal money was being put towards the park services, and campgrounds became increasingly crowded with families and visitors from all over the country and beyond.

Tents, hammocks, and sleeping bags have always been the most common mainstays. But with the boom in annual family vacations to campsites, the rise of the camper vans started.

Soon, it was becoming a extension of the suburban dream to have not just the house with the lawn and white picket fence, but to also own a camper van along with all of the outdoor accruement.

Camping is still a very popular mainstay in the United States with its gigantic network of National Parks across the country. Let’s take a look at what camping was like for friends and families in the 60s and 70s.

Photo: Mark Susina. Vintage Camping