The annual family vacation – not long ago, it was a tradition in most families. Traveling wasn’t a privilege that was only for the upper class. It was accessible. Sure, some families went to Europe while others drove to see family in a nearby city. Still, it was a common experience that many experienced once a year or more.

That’s not the case anymore. Only a little more than half of families are planning vacations this year. The rest are staying home, and finances are the primary reason for this. That’s a shame, because travel is good for mental health, and helps families reconnect. It’s time to bring vacations back, but how? That’s simple. Go camping!

Why Camping?

Why is camping the solution to making vacations accessible again? There are many great reasons.

Budget-Friendly

You don’t need thousands of dollars in equipment to enjoy a camping trip. Yes, if you love camping you may build up an impressive collection of gear. To get started, all you need is some basics. Additionally, the nightly fees to camp in a state park or campground are much lower than a hotel. You may even be able to find free camping in some areas

Then there are the activities such as:

  • Enjoying music and conversation around a campfire
  • Playing cards or board games at a picnic table
  • Hiking
  • Fishing

Are all reasonably cheap. If you stay at a private campground, the facility may offer some free activities and amenities included in your nightly rates.

When you choose camping over more expensive accommodations, you may free up cash for other activities. For example, a trip to visit a popular amusement park may be out of your budget when you factor in more than $100 a night for a hotel. Now, if you reduce that to a $25 nightly fee at a campground, it is suddenly quite doable.

The Perfect Distance

Camping can happen as close to home or as far away as you want. There’s a very good chance that you have access to camping close to your home. If you choose, you can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles away to a beautiful destination to enjoy a vacation with your family.

Flexible

There’s no single way to go camping properly. You can rent a cabin, pitch a tent, or even sleep in a hammock. You can go for one evening or several nights. There are privately owned campgrounds, National parks, beaches, and recreation areas. 

When you arrive, you can pick and choose the activities that work for you and your crew. For example, what if you don’t want to go through the effort of building a campfire? No rule says you have to! Enjoy sandwiches that you’ve packed in your cooler instead.

Encourages Connection

When you go camping, technology takes a backseat. Things slow down a bit. Many of the activities you’ll enjoy require cooperation and communication. That puts people in the perfect headspace to reconnect with the people around them.

This doesn’t just apply to friends and family. A camping trip makes for a perfect extended date when you are ready to take a romantic relationship to the next level. And, if you don’t have a partner who shares your interest in camping, go here to find people near you with 

Camping: Making it Easy For Beginners

You’re sold on the idea of camping, but not sure how you can pull it off. No worries! This is meant to be fun, not stressful. Here are a few tips for an easy camping experience.

Ask For Help

As a group, people who go camping are extraordinarily helpful. Think of them as evangelists for the hobby. They want you to have an amazing time, and will go out of their way to ensure that happens. If you have access to any of these folks, feel free to hit them up.

  • A worker at your nearest outdoor store for advice on the basics you’ll need to get
  • Any seasoned scout or experienced camper for campsite recommendations
  • The same scout or camper to help you learn to pitch a tent and build a fire
  • Dozens of YouTube channels for simple campground cooking recipes
  • Facebook groups and Reddit pages to ask and research questions on camping

When you arrive, your campsite may be operated by a camp host or ranger. Stop and introduce yourself to them. They can answer your questions about any amenities they have, and give you some important safety tips.

You Don’t Have to Rough It

Some people will claim that the only real camping is roughing it. Ignore the gatekeeping. The best camping is any experience you enjoy. It’s perfectly okay to:

  • Rent a cabin if you don’t want to stay in a tent
  • Bring a wifi hotspot to stay connected
  • Use a fan to stay cool
  • Allow your kids to use their phones or devices to keep them occupied
  • Use an air mattress
  • Skip long hikes in favor of relaxing around your campsite
  • Grab a pizza or some fast food instead of cooking

Start Small

The best first camping trip is usually at a family campground. There you will be near people if anything goes wrong. Most places have a general store onsite for any supplies you might need while you are there. You’ll often have access to a picnic table, fire ring, and bathrooms. You could even use your backyard as the destination for your first camping trip.

This way things that go wrong can be easily resolved. Be sure to write a list during your inaugural camping trip. You’ll want to jot down things that you wish you had taken along.

Final Thought: Stay Safe

Safety is key. You’ll have the best experience if you follow basic safety guidelines. Read the rules of the campsite you choose, and follow any instructions you are given. Hosts and rangers have in-depth knowledge of the area and the dangers that may arise. 

Pay attention to the weather, particularly flood or fire risks. Pitch your tent in a safe spot. Don’t choose a low area that might flood or a spot under a dead tree. Dig latrines more than 200 meters away from any body of water if you don’t have access to restrooms. Bring along a first aid kit, bug spray, and sunscreen. Wear comfortable shoes. Take along extra socks. Follow campfire safety rules, and don’t go to bed until your campfire is fully out. Don’t store food in your tent. Finally, let people know where you will be.