National Camping Month 2025- Best Walkie Talkies for Adventure
June marks National Camping Month, the perfect time to unplug, pitch a tent, and reconnect with nature. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country expedition, having the right gear can make or break your experience—and reliable communication is key.
This month, we're highlighting Midland’s top walkie talkies for camping to help you stay safe, connected, and adventure ready on every trail. We’re also taking a closer look at key insights from KOA’s 2025 North American Camping Report, which reveals what campers value most, the latest trends in outdoor travel, and how more people than ever are embracing the great outdoors.
Let’s dive into the gear, KOA's report data and why walkie talkies still belong in every camper’s pack.
Travel Trends
Over the past 5 years, outdoor hospitality and travel trends have drastically shifted, in large part due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between 2020 and 2023, those deciding to camp reached a new record at 58 million households. However, now that other travel has resumed, camping participation has steadily declined with 1 million less campers in 2024.
The outdoor hospitality industry is still remaining strong despite this with 1 in 4 leisure trips being camping adventures.
Industry Stabilization
According to KOA's report, the pandemic lead to younger, more diverse campers who worked and/or studied on the road.
Now, the campers of today more closely resemble those of 2019.
For example, in 2019 the percentage of camping households with an income of $75k or more was 32%. In 2024 that percentage was 31%.
While millennial and Gen X participation has stayed consistent, Gen Z increased their camping participation by 13% since 2019 while Boomers' participation spiked 4% in 2024.
The camping participation by ethnicity in 2024 also reflects similar patterns to that of 2019. White households made up 64% of campers in 2019 and 66% in 2024, black households 11% in 2019 and 14% in 2024, Hispanic households made up 12% in 2019 and 10% in 2024, Asian households were at 5% in both 2019 and 2024.
All this to say that 11 million more households camped in 2024 than in 2019, signaling that camping is still top of mind for many, even after travel stabilized post pandemic.
Camping and Remote Work
With the increase in remote/hybrid work schedules due to the COVID-19 pandemic, households had more flexibility to travel to campgrounds as they could work from any location.
Even as more companies head back to the office, the percentage of campers who are working while camping is still steady. In 2019, 37% of campers worked while camping with that number remaining close at 36% in 2024.
Because of this, the importance of WiFi at campgrounds is just as critical. In 2019, 45% of campers said this technology is a major factor. Post pandemic that number is essentially the same at 45%.
Economic Impact of Camping
According to KOA, the 2024 local economic impact of camping totaled $61 billion. That number was $49 billion in 2023, $52 billion in 2022, and $44 billion in 2021.
The report found that travelers were optimistic about their ability to spend more on travel at the beginning of the year, but the percentage of travelers who say they plan on spending less while traveling doubled from 13% to 26% in just 3 months.
However, 72% of people still view camping as a cost-effective way to travel.
56% of campers with children view camping as a way to save on travel costs.
Why Camping
KOA found that the 2025 travel goals of campers were ranked by the following in order of high importance to low importance
- Slowing down, enjoying the experience and being in the moment
- Travel experiences that allow them to recharge
- The ability to "check off" several items on the travel bucket list
- Being spontaneous and not making plans far in advance
- Connecting to loved ones
- Travel that includes a lot of physical activity and challenges
- Seeking the type of experiences they had when children
Campers are looking to experiences in nature that improve their overall well-being like hiking, mindful strolls, and water based activities that include paddleboarding, fishing, and kayaking.
Walkie talkies while camping
When you’re out in the wilderness, cell service isn’t always guaranteed. In fact, it's usually spotty or nonexistent.
Whether you're deep in the woods, high in the mountains, or miles away from the nearest town, being able to communicate with your group—or call for help—can be critical. That’s why reliable communication should be a top priority when planning any camping trip.
Walkie talkies offer a dependable way to stay connected, even when your phone can’t. Unlike cell phones, two-way radios don’t rely on towers or internet access. With push-to-talk simplicity and instant connection, they’re an essential tool for coordinating hikes, managing campground logistics, or simply keeping in touch between tents, trails, and cabins.
Reliable walkie talkies also promote safety. If someone in your group gets lost, injured, or needs help, a quick call over a walkie talkie can make all the difference. Many of Midland's GMRS and FRS walkie talkies have NOAA weather alerts, ensuring you’re aware of changing conditions before storms roll in, giving families the time needed to head indoors or seek shelter.
Other walkie talkies have long-range capabilities, hands-free operation, and water-resistant construction—perfect for difficult terrain and unpredictable weather.
Walkie talkies aren’t just about emergencies—they make camping more fun and functional. Kids love them, parents can keep tabs on little explorers looking for independence at the campground, and campers can split up to gather firewood or explore without losing touch.
As camping continues to grow in popularity, especially in remote or off-grid locations, having the right communication tools is a must.
Before you head into the woods, make sure your backpack includes more than just snacks and a sleeping bag.
Stay prepared. Stay safe. Stay connected—with Midland's walkie talkies.
Shop Midland's top walkie talkies for camping.
GXT67 GMRS 5-Watt Walkie Talkie - GXT67 PRO
For campers who venture off the beaten path, the Midland GXT67 PRO is a powerful, durable walkie talkie designed to handle more demanding outdoor environments.
With 5 Watts of GMRS power, this walkie talkie delivers maximum range for crystal-clear communication in wide-open spaces, dense forests, and mountainous terrain—making it an essential tool for serious adventurers who prioritize safety and reliability.
Engineered with a heavy-duty IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, the GXT67 PRO is built to withstand tough weather conditions and rough use around the campsite. Whether you're navigating backcountry trails, setting up basecamp off-grid, kayaking, or paddleboarding this radio is designed to keep up.
The repeater capability allows you to extend your communication range even further—ideal for dispersed camping, group excursions, or emergencies when staying in contact is critical.
For those headed on long adventures, the GXT67 offers up to 4 days of battery life, ensuring you won’t have to worry about losing power deep into your trip.
Despite its pro-level features, the GXT67 PRO remains easy to use, thanks to its intuitive menu and user-friendly design.
Whether you're coordinating hikes, monitoring weather changes, or checking in with your group across long distances, this radio keeps you connected when it matters most.
For campers who go beyond the basics, the GXT67 PRO offers unmatched performance, durability, and confidence in the wild. It’s not just gear—it’s your lifeline in the great outdoors.
T77 X-Talker® FRS Walkie Talkie Bundle with Case - T77VP5
When it comes to staying connected on the trail, the Midland T77 X-Talker® FRS Walkie Talkie Bundle is built for adventure.
Designed with both functionality and convenience in mind, this all-in-one set includes two high-performance walkie talkies, boom mic headsets, and a durable soft-shell carrying case, making it the perfect grab-and-go communication kit for camping trips, hiking excursions, or road-ready adventures.
These walkie talkies ensure clear, crisp communication wherever your journey takes you with impressive battery life and an easy-to-use design.
Featuring NOAA Weather Alert Radio and Weather Scan, you’ll always be one step ahead of changing conditions—an essential feature for any serious or beginner camper.
From campsite coordination to hiking safety, the T77VP5 is a smart choice for anyone who takes outdoor preparedness seriously or just wants to make sure the entire family is safe along any adventure.
T10 X-Talker® FRS Walkie Talkie 3 Pack Multi-Color - T10X3M
Perfect for families, friend groups, and first-time campers, Midland’s T10X3M X-Talker® FRS Walkie Talkie 3-Pack delivers clear, reliable communication in a fun, easy-to-use design. Each radio comes in a bold, eye-catching color—making it simple to keep track of who’s got which unit around the campsite.
Whether you're hiking, gathering firewood, or letting the kids explore, these walkie talkies are easy to use and stay connected at all times.
Lightweight and compact, these license-free FRS radios are packed with family-friendly features like call alerts, channel scan, silent operation, and a battery meter with low-battery alert—so you’re never caught off guard when they need new batteries. The keypad lock prevents accidental channel changes, while the accessory jack gives you the option to plug in headsets for even more convenience.
Whether you're car camping or venturing off-grid, the T10X3M brings peace of mind, safety, and fun to your outdoor adventures. Just add AAA batteries, and you’re ready to go.
