Camping.com
Camping experience redesign
Project Overview
I led the redesign of Camping.com and its companion mobile app, reimagining the platform for a new generation of camping enthusiasts.
Challenges
– Outdated Interface — A dated design failed to meet modern usability standards, reducing trust and user confidence.
– Poor Navigation — Content was difficult to find, with no clear structure for discovering guides, tips, or booking options.
– Low Mobile Usability — The site wasn’t optimized for mobile, making on-the-go access frustrating for campers.
– Limited Engagement Features — Despite an active community, the platform lacked interactive tools to encourage sharing and participation.
My Role
As the design lead, I was responsible for shaping the redesign of both the Camping.com website and its companion mobile app. My work included:
– Stakeholder Alignment — Collaborated with developers, marketers, and content creators to define goals and prioritize features.
– User Research & Insights — Analyzed user behavior, community feedback, and competitor benchmarks to identify key opportunities.
– Information Architecture — Redesigned navigation and content hierarchy to make discovery intuitive and engaging.
– Wireframing & Prototyping — Created interactive prototypes to test flows for booking, content browsing, and community participation.
– Visual Design & System — Developed a refreshed design language that balanced functionality with the warmth of community storytelling.
– Usability Testing — Conducted testing sessions to validate designs and refine based on real camper feedback.
– Collaboration & Delivery — Partnered closely with engineering throughout handoff and QA to ensure smooth implementation across web and mobile.
Outcomes
The redesign made Camping.com more user-friendly, with simplified navigation and engaging new features. User feedback highlighted significant improvements in usability and satisfaction. The mobile app introduced intuitive tools for campers, while SEO-driven updates improved visibility. Importantly, the redesign preserved the community spirit and user-generated content that define the platform.
Introduction
Camping.com serves a passionate community of outdoor adventurers who contribute stories, tips, and experiences. Yet, its dated interface hindered discovery, usability, and engagement. As lead designer, I set out to redesign both the website and mobile app, elevating usability while retaining the platform’s warm, community-driven spirit.
Landing page overview
Approach
We began with a full evaluation of the existing website, analyzing user feedback, site analytics, and competitor benchmarks to identify core weaknesses. From there, we developed design solutions aimed not just at fixing problems, but at enhancing the overall experience. Priorities included simplifying navigation, improving mobile usability, adding engagement features, and optimizing for SEO - all while preserving the platform’s community-driven identity.
Book camping accomodations
We introduced a streamlined booking system that made reserving campsites quick and intuitive. Users could see real-time availability and pricing, with instant confirmation to reduce uncertainty. The simplified interface was designed for both first-time campers and seasoned adventurers, removing friction from the process and significantly boosting satisfaction.
Camping knowledge base
We created a rich resource hub that made it easy for users to explore all aspects of camping. From gear guides and cooking recipes to survival tips and site recommendations, the content was curated to support both beginners and seasoned campers. The materials were organized for quick discovery, with intuitive navigation that encouraged deeper exploration. To strengthen the sense of community, we also enabled users to contribute their own tips and experiences, turning the platform into a shared knowledge base for campers.
Community Challenges
To preserve and strengthen the platform’s community spirit, we introduced Camping Challenges - interactive activities that encouraged users to share their adventures, earn recognition, and engage with others. This feature fostered friendly competition while deepening connections among campers, keeping the close-knit vibe of the community alive within a modernized platform.
Dedicated Camping App
We developed a dedicated Camping.com mobile app, which facilitated a digital check-in system for campers. This feature helped streamline campsite entry and eliminated the need for paperwork.
In addition, the app served as a social platform for campers in the same site to connect, chat, and share experiences, adding to the vibrant camping community. The app also provided essential information about the campsite, including amenities, weather updates, local attractions, and emergency contact details, thus enhancing safety and convenience for users.
Closing summary
The Camping.com redesign delivered more than just a modern interface—it reshaped the platform into a vibrant, revenue-driving hub for outdoor enthusiasts. With streamlined navigation, interactive features, and an improved mobile experience, user engagement rose sharply.
Post-launch analytics showed a 40% increase in site traffic, a 30% boost in booking conversions, and new revenue streams from partnerships and community features. SEO optimizations expanded visibility, drawing in first-time visitors while keeping loyal campers engaged. Most importantly, the platform preserved its community-centric identity, proving that modernization and authenticity can go hand in hand. This project reinforced the role of user-focused design in not only improving experience but also driving measurable business growth.
