Stop Shitting on Work-From-Home Culture: It’s the Future of Camping

At Twin Ponds Lodge, members of our team securing enough time off to truly escape—like, actually leave the campground—is practically mythical. There’s always something: a leaky hose hook up, a raccoon rebellion, or a picnic table needing repairs. So when Tommy and Roberto generously granted me the chance to work from home during the spring and fall shoulder seasons, I didn’t just take the opportunity—I ran with it.

My first liberation week kicked off with a ride down to Portland on a Sunday afternoon. By Monday morning, I was planted in a coffee shop, americano in hand, laptop humming—and I was cranking out work like I was an unpaid intern desperate for a good reference. No interruptions, no “can you just…” requests, just pure, caffeinated productivity. I drifted from Wi-Fi–friendly coffee shop to Wi-Fi–friendly restaurant to Wi-Fi–friendly park, and by Wednesday I’d knocked out benchmarks for Theta Phi Lambda, The Growing Table, TPL Social Club, and, of course, Twin Ponds Lodge.

And yet, whenever I share my work-from-home stories, I often get hit with the inevitable snide remark: “Oh, must be nice—vacation hours, huh?” As if being trusted to work remotely means I’m suddenly sipping mai tais and dodging emails. Spoiler alert: I’m not.

Here’s the truth: from 2019 through 2023, both before and after the Covid lockdown, this was already my M.O. I thrived working remotely long before I joined the TPL family or hiked the Appalachian Trail. And I continue to thrive when the opportunity allows for it—because when I have autonomy, I produce more, stress less, and stay deeply committed to my priorities.

Millennials Aren’t Just Zooming in Slippers

• Millennials (ages 25–39) make up 36.5% of all U.S. remote workers, the largest share of any generation.

• 84% of Millennials want more remote work options, compared to only 49% of Gen X and 32% of Boomers.

• 58% of Millennials report higher productivity when working remotely, thanks to fewer distractions and more control over their environment.

We’re not slacking. We’re reshaping what work looks like.

When Millennials Camp… We Do It Differently

Camping isn’t just for retirees in rocking chairs anymore or families with two kids and a dog. Millennials are redefining the landscape, blending adventure with flexibility:

• 61% of new campers in 2024 were Millennials or Gen Z.

• Last year, KOA reported a 30% surge in first-time campers, driven largely by younger generations chasing comfort, flexibility, and unique experiences.

• 22% of RV-owning households have someone working remotely, and more than half of them have actually logged in from the RV itself.

• 28% of Millennials have invested in mobile living solutions like campervans, thanks to the freedom remote work provides.

For us, the magic isn’t “work or camp”—it’s both.

Why “Work-Ready” Campgrounds Are the Future

The line between work and play is blurrier than ever, and modern campers are seeking spaces where they can do both seamlessly. That doesn’t mean turning lodges into cubicle farms (no thanks), but it does mean recognizing that the ability to work from anywhere keeps people camping longer, returning more often, and spending more while they’re here.

Industry research shows:

• 4 in 10 campers say technology access influences their choice of campground—as important as clean restrooms or family-friendly amenities.

• 40% say connectivity lets them extend their trips, meaning destinations that support remote work earn more nights and more loyalty.

• A national survey conducted in 2024 showed 67% of campers view reliable connectivity as a deciding factor in where they stay.

That’s not about gadgets. It’s about building spaces where people can linger, thrive, and build lasting connections—on and off the clock.

Still Think This Is Just a Pet Peeve?

You might be tempted to say, “This is just you venting about people misunderstanding your coffee shop time. What does it have to do with Twin Ponds Lodge?”

But here’s the connection: Millennials are the fastest-growing group of campers. We’re also the generation most likely to live mobile lifestyles, mix work with adventure, and seek campgrounds that understand both. If we want to meet the future of camping head-on, we need to embrace—not eye-roll—the culture that makes it possible.

Final Thought

Let’s stop shitting on work-from-home culture—it’s not laziness. It’s a smarter, happier, increasingly necessary way to work. Blending productivity with nature doesn’t dilute dedication—it amplifies it. Millennials aren’t just the future of work—we’re the future of camping too. And that’s definitely something to celebrate.

Embrace WFH. Embrace modern camping. Because when you give people freedom — connected to nature and possibility—you unleash serious potential.

And the campgrounds that recognize this “work-ready” reality will be the ones that don’t just welcome the next generation of campers, but keep them coming back, staying longer, and investing in the community.

Yours in Community,

Ranger Alli