6 Reasons Why Everyone Should Try Camping At Least Once In Their Lives

When you think of camping, what comes to mind?

Bugs? Dirt? Sleeping on the ground? Bears?

What if I told you camping was so much more than that? Like warm fires, cold drinks, laughter, and memories? Everyone should experience camping at least once in their lives. And here’s why.

1. You Can be a Kid Again

When you’re a kid, not much phases you. You don’t care if you’re filthy, your hair isn’t brushed, or you’re wearing the same clothes today that you wore to bed last night. And the best part is, no one else cares either. Camping is about getting dirty and letting go of your hang-ups. You can rock your favorite t-shirt and ripped jeans without a care in the world. So, leave your makeup and flat iron at home because that shit doesn’t belong camping. Not to mention, if you’re really roughing it, tents aren’t equipped with electrical outlets. (Sorry, ladies.)

2. You’re Part of an Exclusive Club

There are those who camp and those who don’t. If you decide to take the plunge and head out into the woods, you’ll become part of an exclusive and pretty badass group. Not only will others respect you for your adventurous nature but camping is a truly inclusive experience. Campers follow the motto of “love thy neighbor.” Did you run out of firewood? No problem. Just ask your neighbor for some and replace it later. Don’t have anyone to play corn hole with? No worries. The gang at the next site is ready for a tournament. With no walls dividing you from your neighbors, camping is about getting cozy with other members of the camping club.

3. Become One With Nature

This doesn’t mean swatting away mosquitoes and warding off bears (though it may come to that). It really means getting the chance to spend some time outdoors. How many people take the time to go outside and enjoy the fresh air? Listen to the birds and simply drink in nature? Due to our overly packed schedules, this likely never happens. When you’re camping, you have no real choice but to enjoy nature. After all, you’re in it!

Whether you’re tent camping, renting a cabin, or towing a trailer, a majority of your time will be spent outside. Campers make fires during the day, swim, fish, take hikes, ride bikes, and set up lawn games. Most campgrounds offer activities too. You can be as active or inactive as you like. All while spending some one-on-one time with Mother Nature.

4. Cook Like a Caveman

Sure, you love your Instant Pot and your panini press but nothing beats a steak cooked over an open flame. Camping opens up doors to primitive ways of cooking which are both fun and tasty. Want hot dogs for lunch? No problem. Throw some weenies on a stick and start cooking! If you’ve never seen a grilled cheese maker for camping, you don’t know what you’re missing. Take a couple slices of bread, butter, and cheese, arrange it all together in one of these quirky contraptions and cook your sandwich to golden perfection over an open flame. And of course, no camping trip is complete without traditional s’mores for dessert.

5. The Chance to Really Talk

Who really sits down and talks anymore? Without their faces buried in their phones or the conversations surrounding who posted what on social media recently? When you’re camping, people sit around a warm, roaring fire and actually talk. To ponder life’s big questions, discuss values, and reminisce about times and experiences gone by. You can even bust out some classic board and card games to play. Camping offers the unique opportunity to unplug and remember what life was like before technology.

6. You’ve Got Options

If you’re still warming up to the idea of camping, you’re not alone. Some people just view sleeping in the outdoors with no electricity or running water as a punishment rather than a vacation. Well, the good news is that glamping is growing in popularity and accommodates those who enjoy the finer things in life, mixed with the classic elements of camping. Glamping is basically glamorous camping (hence the name) and can be done in a cabin, camping trailer, RV or in some pretty luxurious tents. Glamping eliminates the need to sleep on the ground, walk to the public showers, and brush your teeth in the river.

Most cabins and campers are equipped with electricity, Wi-Fi, television, heat and air conditioning, real beds, and a long list of other amenities. If it rains, you can seek shelter indoors. Are the bugs biting? Find refuge inside. Your back will likely thank you for a good night’s sleep on a real mattress. And you won’t feel disconnected from the outside world with access to the internet and television. For some hardcore campers, glamping is “cheating”. But for those who want the best of both worlds, it’s called genius!

Give it a Try

Seeing the horrified look on people’s faces when I suggest camping, never gets old. But camping offers some amazing experiences that everyone should have, at least once in their life. So suck it up buttercup, grab your bug spray and folding chairs and get ready to make some memories.