The COVID-19 outbreak has had a huge impact on global tourism, leading to strict travel restrictions and restrictions on international mobility. In this global crisis, people need to find new ways to travel to meet their needs for exploration and leisure. Due to its proximity to nature, outdoor characteristics and relatively low population density, camping tourism has become a popular way to relax in nature and stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This study used the Q method to understand the diverse needs and preferences of Chinese campers. Using the prepared Q questionnaire, we conducted an interview survey targeting people in their 20s to 50s in the Dalian area who had camping experience. The survey was conducted from June 19 to June 30, 2023. Dalian, China, was selected as a survey site because it was judged to be an area with a variety of natural scenery and camping facilities concentrated there. In order to better understand the different needs and preferences of campers, Q method is used to analyze the different types of camping in China. The results show that Chinese camping can be divided into five main types: social camping, lonely camping, family camping, glamping camping and infrastructure camping. These categories reflect the preferences and considerations of different campers when choosing camping methods. Specifically, most campers prefer social camping, preferring to share outdoor experiences with family, friends or colleagues, emphasizing social interaction and environmental awareness. However, there are also a few campers who prefer to camp alone, seeking to enjoy the tranquility of nature alone in the wild. In addition, some campers are more focused on camping infrastructure and prefer camps with more facilities. Furthermore, with the development of Chinese society, young people, who are emerging as major customers in the camping market, are reported to have a tendency to prefer glamping/infrastructure camping over traditional camping, so products related to glamping/infrastructure camping are becoming important. This study increases the satisfaction of camping users by presenting the form and direction of camping tourism suitable for each type of preference through classification and interpretation of users' subjective preference types regarding camping. And it was carried out for the purpose of helping with campsite operation and strategy.