Camping is one of the most primitive activities that you can do yet it can offer so much fun and satisfaction. People love to go camping for different reasons and if you have never done it, you are missing out on a great experience. I have been going on regular camping trips for as long as I can remember as it was one of the childhood activities that I looked forward to the most.
Whether you are a seasoned camper or someone who is just looking for a reason to go, you will find something that resonates with you on the list below. I have compiled a list of reasons that are near and dear to my heart and are exactly why I love to go camping. Perhaps you will agree with them or may come across a reason that you didn’t consider.
One thing is for sure; camping is a fun activity that offers a very rewarding experience. It’s a time to get your hands dirty and put yourself smack-dab in the middle of nature. It’s a time to relax and enjoy the sounds and solitude that often come with the experience.
Each person who camps regularly will probably have their own list but the following is my list of reasons to go camping.
1) To Add Some Adventure to Your Life
Perhaps all of us could use a little more adventure in our lives. If you live amongst the walking dead and go through the motions at a day job, a nice camping trip could help to get you out of your mundane rut. Although camping is not a thrill-seeking activity like parachuting or hang gliding or some other extreme adventure, it should be considered an adventure that anyone can take part in.
A camping trip is often filled with various activities and you never know just what you are going to get into. Although camping isn’t usually dangerous, it does involve excitement and gets you away from the standard lifestyle that you may be used to living. Those who spend their days sitting at a desk certainly could use even the little amount of adventure that a camping trip can provide.
I’m reminded of a quote that I often refer to that makes me want to get in my camper van and head out on an adventure.
A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world. – John le Carre
2) To Experience Nature
Nature has healing power and those who spend a lot of time out in it can attest to the benefits that it can provide. It is certainly one of my favorite parts of camping. I love to get away from the bright lights of the city and the noisy cars and factories and other modern-day noises that have infiltrated our society.
I live close to a city and some of the noises can be quite loud at times. Whether it’s the freeway or a distant train, it’s hard to escape noises when you live near civilization. On noisy days, I long for the quietness that nature provides when I can get away from it all and park my camper van or pitch my tent in a secluded camping spot.
It’s sort of an addiction and once you experience the comforting peacefulness that nature can provide, you will want more and more of it.
3) To Live Simply
When you go camping, you have to make do with very little. There is little entertainment and you aren’t overloaded with technology. This may sound boring to some people but once you give it a try, you may realize that you don’t miss all of it as much as you thought you would. To live simply means to live with only the necessities and to make do with as little as possible. Rather than having entertainment in technology, you become more apt to find entertainment in other things.
It’s a time to put down your phone or computer and just enjoy living a more simple lifestyle.
Just talking to others, playing board games, or even just relaxing is something that can take the place of fast-paced technology. Americans are used to having everything within arms reach. Many of us are fortunate to have everything we need and even more. It can be a challenge to even appreciate the things that we do have. Once you put it all away and do without for a short amount of time on a camping trip, you may come away with a greater feeling of appreciation for what you actually do have.
4) It’s Great For Children
If you have children, taking them camping can teach them a different type of lifestyle than the fast-paced life that they may usually be exposed to. Just as it can increase your appreciation for the simple things in life, it can also do the same for your children. Beyond that, it can help you and your children to build a stronger bond.
Although I didn’t always love camping when I was a child, I grew to appreciate it and now those camping trips are among my fondest memories. When I think back to them, a smile comes to my face and I know that they helped me to be more appreciative of the things that I have.
Camping also helped me to be able to find something to do without the need for technology and other gadgets. Of course, each child is different and will get different things out of the experience but starting your child out at a young age can help them to appreciate it as they grow older.
5) Allows You To Relax
Camping can be very relaxing because there is often plenty of time to just sit around, read, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds. It’s a great time to unwind and clear your mind from troubles that you may have in your daily life. Camping allows you to escape for a little while and leave the real world behind.
When I’m parked at my camping spot, you can usually find me sitting in a chair outside just being quiet. I enjoy quiet time and love the sights and sounds of nature. Beyond that, I often read, watch a movie, or just chill.
6) Helps You Clear Your Mind
Since you will be living simply while you are camping, it’s easier to get worries off of your mind. Watching the campfire burn is a great time to let your troubles go and can help you de-clutter your thought process. I nearly always have a clear head after I have gone on a camping trip. There is just something about the whole excitement of the trip along with nature and being able to relax that clears my head and allows me to get a fresh start once I return.
It’s important to clear your mind regularly like this and this is especially true if you have a stressful job or other life situation. Everyone needs to get away and camping is a great way to do it. It allows you to relax without the noise of the world.
7) It’s A Cheap Vacation
Camping doesn’t require much money, especially if you will be using a tent. Of course, an RV can be expensive to obtain but once you have an RV, going camping with it doesn’t require a lot of money. Campgrounds are usually affordable and you will be bringing most of your supplies with you. You probably won’t be doing a lot of shopping and other activities that you might do on a standard vacation. Once you go camping you will likely spend a lot of time at the campground or other camping area where you may be.
When I go camping, I am of a different mindset than I am if I were to go on a beach vacation or something of that nature. When I go camping my main goal is to unwind and relax and not to be a consumerist. I can usually go somewhere in my camper van and stay for three or four days and spend less than I would have in only one night at a hotel. This isn’t always the case and depends on where you go but the point is that a camping trip is likely to be cheaper than other types of vacations. This can be great for families who are looking to save money and add some fun to their lives.
8) Gives You Exercise
When you go camping, there is usually some work involved in setting up camp. Getting the campsite ready is often a chore that will have to be done. Moreover, camping also offers the opportunity to go hiking and biking or partake in other outdoor activities. These activities are usually great for families to be involved in and are great exercise for the entire family.
The majority of times I have been camping, I have gone hiking which can be great exercise depending on the trails. I also carry my bike in my camper van and ride on trails from time to time. If you visit a bike-friendly area such as Jekyll Island, biking is a great way to enjoy the area while getting great exercise.
9) The Food Is Delicious
Is there anything better than eating a nice meal in the outdoors after the hard work of setting up camp is complete? Whether you are relaxing or doing strenuous activities, the reward at the end of the day is food cooked over the campfire or on the grill. Oftentimes, it’s the highlight of the day when it’s time to break out the stove or light the campfire. Some of the best meals I have had have been when I was camping. It’s not that the meals themselves are any better, it’s just that the environment that you are in makes you hungry and more appreciative of it.
Cooking the same meal while out camping that you would eat at home will probably taste better at the campsite. Beyond that, it will be a meal to remember whereas the meal at your home will probably be forgotten fairly quickly.
Morning coffee and a warm breakfast are amazing treats when you are camping. Waking up on a cool brisk morning and hearing the stove fire up and smelling the fresh coffee brewing is a great way to start the day. It’s making me want to go on a camping trip as I write this!
10) It’s Great Family Bonding Time
Camping is a great family activity that will help to get your family out of the normal routine. You never know what you are going to get into while you are out camping and it’s fun to enjoy it all together as a family. Since campers or tents are usually very small, you will be forced to spend quality time with your family members. This can be a great bonding time or it could be a nightmare for you. Only you know your family and what will come of it when you set out on your camping trip.
When I think of camping with a family, I always think of the movie RV which features the late Robin Williams. Hopefully, your camping trip doesn’t end up as adventurous as theirs was though. If you haven’t seen RV, you should check it out.
11) It’s Great For The Dogs
If you have dogs, they love to go camping too. It can be a great way to include your furry friends with you on a journey. Rather than going on a trip that might require you to board them at a kennel, you can take them with you and include them in your family bonding time.
Campgrounds are usually filled with people who own dogs. With most RV parks and campgrounds allowing dogs, it’s a great way to get your dog out of the house and take him or her on a trip and allow them to be in nature with you. It’s one of the reasons I love to travel in my camper van. I get to take my dog with me and know that she is welcomed wherever I go.
12) It Can Get You Out Of A Rut
Many people, including myself, get into ruts where they are just going through the motions. This is especially true when you have a boring 9-5 job that doesn’t provide much inspiration. Working for a paycheck can get you into a rut and make you feel lifeless at times. Taking a camping trip is a great way to wake yourself up and allow nature to give some life to you.
When I am in one of these ruts, I know it’s time to head off in my camper van. Doing so gives me a sense of adventure and something new to look forward to. Once I get to where I am going, I can take advantage of some of the other reasons I’ve mentioned in this article. I become inspired again, refreshed, clear-headed, and overall recharged. I’m ready to come back and meet life head-on again with a new perspective and energy.
Conclusion
When I was a child, I looked forward to the yearly summer trips that we would take camping at the lake. It was a weeklong trip and it was amongst the best memories I have growing up. Camping provided me with a love for nature and an appreciation for the better things that we have in life. My camping trips were always done in tents and it allowed me to appreciate the experience. However, I can’t say it was always great. As a child, there were definitely times when I despised it.
After becoming an adult and serving in the Marine Corps, I swore that I would never go camping again. I had had enough of sleeping on the cold ground and waking up wet and miserable. However, camping in the real world is nothing like this. Today’s tents and RVs are light years ahead of what they were when I was growing up and it makes the whole trip fun. RVs can be loaded with lots of entertainment if you like that type of thing or they can be simple and allow you to get your enjoyment from being in nature itself.
No matter how old you are, camping is a great activity that anyone can enjoy. It’s great for families as well as single people who just want to get away from it all. If you have never gone camping, try it out yourself. It’s a cheap activity but very rewarding and will allow you to create memories that will last forever.