Camping helps keep working lands working

Around the world, farmers and ranchers are increasingly turning to tourism as a means to diversify their income and protect their livelihoods. 

Visitors want to experience life on the farm and see first-hand where their food comes from. Farms and ranches that welcome visitors by offering agritourism experiences are generating new revenue, supporting jobs, and creating economic opportunity for their community.

Norm, a fourth-generation dairy farmer on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia is using Hipcamp to offer camping as part of his expanded agritourism business. Norm says, “knowing this place is being used and enjoyed brings me so much happiness.” Hear Norm's story below.

We believe low-impact agritourism activities like farm stays, camping, and other overnight outdoor stays can play an important role in keeping farmers and ranchers on their land and protecting agricultural heritage.

Agritourism is a type of experiential travel that connects people to produce on a farm. It’s about showcasing life on a working farm or ranch to allow visitors to experience it first-hand. 

Agritourism delivers more than just economic benefits to landowners. It also increases visitor spending and brings additional tourism dollars to regional communities. Agritourism supports and maintains agricultural heritage by passing on knowledge and stories to visitors. 

In some parts of the world, farmers are under pressure from natural disasters, such as drought, floods, and wildfires. Agritourism offers an opportunity to support these farms through tough times.

Agriculture is also under pressure from other land uses, like mining, housing, and commercial development. Low-impact agritourism, like camping, can create new economic opportunities for farmers and their communities, preserving agriculture and keeping working lands working.

The Camping Advocacy Network is powered by Hipcamp, Inc.