The British Pilgrimage Trust has reported that around 30 new pilgrimage routes have opened up over the last decade.
Anglican churches are now beginning to provide special accommodation, including camping facilities, to cater to the influx of believers.
A pilot scheme has been launched by Revd Peter Owen-Jones in Sussex.
The programme will see a number of rural churches open their doors to pilgrims tracing the South Downs Pilgrims' Way, a route being developed to run 240 miles from Winchester to Canterbury.
Revd Owen-Jones told The Times newspaper: "To start with, people would probably be able to carry their own beds and sleeping bags.
"And it would only involve churches that have toilet facilities.
"But as it unrolls and becomes more popular - and I believe it will become extraordinarily popular - churches may consider providing air beds.
"And there is an idea you could have a fold-out section of the pews."
He went on: "People could make a contribution that they could afford."
The pilgrimage trust also plans to launch a special phone app so people can plan their journeys ahead and liaise with churches along the way.
Catholic churches are also getting involved in the scheme.
Revd Owen-Jones stressed that a pilgrimage is a spiritual journey, he said: "A pilgrimage does not demand that you sign up to a belief system.
"You are given a chance to explore that aspect within yourself with a non-dogmatic and non-doctrinal approach.
"There is absolutely an increasing interest and it is potentially very exciting spiritually."
Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury, added that staying overnight in a holy place was a good idea.
