Hipcamp x REI Co-op Launch Summer of Magic Campout Series

Hipcamp and REI Co-op Launch the “Summer of Magic Campout Series” to surprise thousands of people with camping experiences this summer

Now people can win free stays, gear and experiences at Hipcamp’s most sought after locations across the U.S. all summer long

Mar 20, 2024

Hipcamp, the world’s leading campsite booking company, and specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op today announced the launch of the “Summer of Magic Campout Series” (Summer of Magic), a campaign offering complimentary stays at Hipcamp’s best campsites across the country during peak weekends, as well as outdoor gear packages and guided experiences. Focused on making the outdoors more accessible throughout the popular summer travel months, the Summer of Magic campaign will allow thousands of people to experience the joy of being outside.

In recent years, campers have stated that finding a good campsite is one of their main challenges to getting outside. Demand for camping is showing no signs of slowing down. Hipcamp is seeing 75%+ year-on-year traffic growth in the U.S. this year. And the 2023 Outdoor Participation Trends Report from the Outdoor Industry Association revealed a 12% increase in camping with 51.4 million campers registered last year. 

Hipcamp meets this consumer demand by offering 100,000+ private land campsites you won’t find anywhere else. And this year, Hipcamp and REI are going one step further to knock down barriers for campers.

Get in on the Summer of Magic with Hipcamp and REI to experience free campouts at top Hipcamps with the best gear—all summer long. 

Here’s how to attend: 

  1. Get on the list: Sign up with your email here and get the Hipcamp app to be notified when we announce new campouts. 
  2. Wait for an invite: Keep your eyes peeled for campout announcements throughout the summer. We have at least six announcements planned!
  3. Race to RSVP: Magic Passes are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so you’ll need to hurry to snag a spot within 24 hours. If you don’t get one, don’t worry, you can try again on the next drop.

A “Magic Pass” opens access to the best Hipcamp locations on the best weekends as well as gear packages, guided experiences, and more magic from REI and surprise guests. A Magic Pass might include things like enjoying a five-star catered meal in the great outdoors with a dozen friends, snagging a last-minute camping spot next to a waterfall during a prime holiday weekend, or arriving at the campsite knowing it’s already pre-outfitted with brand new REI camping gear, dry firewood and a delicious s’mores kit. 

To kick off the Summer of Magic, the first drop gives campers a chance to experience the total solar eclipse at top, award-winning Hipcamps along the path of totality. Some recipients will also have the chance to participate in a night hike and star talk with the REI Experiences team, or could receive a package of REI camping gear such as the REI Co-op Campwell Tent, REI Co-op Flexlite Print Camp Chairs, and REI Co-op Flash 22 Packs. Additional eclipse campouts include a scenic, pet-friendly campground in Arkansas, a private and quiet site in Texas and a family-friendly getaway nestled in the highlands of Ohio and many more. 

“We believe that nature — and spending time outside immersed in it — is a magical experience,” said Hipcamp CEO and Founder Alyssa Ravasio. “One of the best ways to tap into that experience is camping, but finding a great spot during the peak summer season can be tough, especially if you’re booking last minute. That’s why we’re so excited to work with REI to help thousands more campers accomplish our mission to get people outside.”

“As people continue their camping traditions, we hear from our members that available campsites, when and where they want them, are challenging to find due to many getting reserved early. Hipcamp makes thousands of additional campsites available to campers across the nation," said Paolo Mottola, REI divisional vice president, of brand marketing. "At REI, we connect our customers to the outdoors with gear, apparel, classes, and advice in our stores and online. This collaboration offers members more options to get outfitted and get outside.”

To learn more and sign up for the Summer of Magic visit hipcamp.com/magic. 

About Hipcamp

Over the past decade, Hipcamp has unlocked access to 5 million acres of beautiful private land camping around the world. In addition to hosting over 100k private land campsites you won’t find anywhere else, Hipcamp also has the best collection of bookable tent, RV and cabin sites on Earth. Each year, Hipcamp helps millions of people happily sleep under the stars, boosting local economies and biodiversity along the way. Everything we do is guided by our belief that getting outside is good for the health of people and the environment.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.