ORANGE, Calif. -- In the midst of increasing gas prices and questions about consumer travels, the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) and Friend Communications have good news to report. Total campground and RV bookings are up 23 percent from January to May 2008 versus the same period last year, according to online bookings at GoCampingAmerica.com and reservation statistics from Friend's front office management system. Web bookings alone have increased by more than 17 percent, as more consumers plan their trips online.

"These numbers show that camping continues to be a strong and viable vacation option even in this uncertain economy," says Linda Profaizer, ARVC president. "People still have a desire to get outdoors and travel. The statistics say they are turning to camping and RVing as a getaway."

According to the statistics, people are using the Internet even more for those transactions. "We've always known that consumers appreciate the convenience of being able to make reservations online at anytime with just a couple of mouse clicks. We continue to see online traffic and revenues increase as more and more campers and RVers turn to the Web to make their travel plans," says Kelly O'Bryan, vice president of marketing at Friend and Camping.com.