Motivational Dimensions of the Camping Experience

Abstract

Seven motives influential in the decision to go camping and in the choice of the camping area were identified in a sequence of three studies. Subjective interview data from campers were used to write 42 objective questionnaire items. These items were administered to a different group of campers and to college students. Factor analyses were examined and 23 replicated items were placed on 7 scales named as follows: (1) Primitive Life Style (4 items), (2) Escape from Routine Responsibilities (5 items), (3) Security of the Campground (3 items), (4) Entertainment (2 items), (5) Aesthetic Outdoor Experience (5 items), (6) Escape from Urban Stress (2 items), (7) Escape from the Familiar (2 items). The percentage of total variance accounted for by factors similar to the above exceeded 85 percent in the two samples. Further research to extend the comprehensiveness of the motivational factors is needed. However, the items presented constitute replicated factor scales for measuring motivations for camping in basic research.