Visitor Motivations for Campground Site Selection at Grand Teton National Park

Understanding visitor motivations is a key factor in managing outdoor recreation in general and campground selection specifically. For example, motivations can have a positive influence and drive visitation and campground selection, or a negative influence and act as a barrier to visitation and/or campground selection. Motivation theories that can contribute to visitor motivations for campground selection at Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) include, but are not limited to, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations; push and pull factors Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and creating 'extraordinary experiences'. By evaluating visitor and non-visitor motivations (for GRTE sites and non-GRTE sites), the data can identify factors influencing campground selection at GRTE. The purpose of this research proposal is to evaluate visitor motivations for campground selection at GRTE. This research will identify, measure, and assess visitor knowledge of campgrounds and motivations for campground selection. This research will also evaluate and assess the differences within and between campgrounds (GRTE and non-GRTE) for visitors and non-visitors. By evaluating variation in knowledge, attitudes, and motivations for campground selection, this study will inform campground management decisions.

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