Have you been camping a couple times now, and in doing so, realized that the whole adventure just isn’t for you? You wouldn’t be the first person to come to that idea!
Camping isn’t for everyone. It takes a lot of effort, it’s not always comfortable, and sleeping under the stars can be less of a marvel and more of an agoraphobia attack waiting to happen!
However, if there have been moments where you’ve enjoyed camping, but come away from the experience still feeling like it’s not for you, you might be a secret camping enthusiast.
So, if you ever get the urge to try a camping trip one more time, trying out the tips below might just get you enjoying yourself a lot more.
Keep Your Trips Short
A short camping trip is always a winner! Even just one night in the wild is more than enough. So, if you want to try out camping once again, keep it short and sweet like this. You get to experience the great outdoors from the humble surroundings of a tent you put up yourself.
You just don’t have to sleep in that tent and pray it holds against the rain for 7 nights in a row. Just the one night is all you need! And if you can plan your trip for a day when it’s dry, cool, and the ground isn’t too damp, there won’t be any time for the weather to ruin the rest of the trip either.
Try an RV Park
Sleeping on the ground in a thin tent, where every noise woke you up, the wind rattled the canvas around, and in the morning you were boiling hot, is not an enjoyable experience. That’s something we can all agree on.
But when you go camping, you don’t need to pitch a tent. You can stay in a caravan or an RV instead. It’s still camping, it just gets you off the ground, inside somewhere more secure, and provides a proper bed and a toilet to use when you need it.
Plus, RV camping tends to have a lot of amenities to it outside of the van as well. You can head to a campsite, hook up at an RV pitch, and even get some working electricity that isn’t dependent on your vehicle’s battery. That’ll certainly give you a break from dark, cold, and long nights in a tent.
Bring Plenty to Do!
‘Outdoor’ activities might not really appeal to you at all. And that’s fine! You can bring plenty of other things to do while you camp.
A camera, sketchbook and paints, your guitar, and even a Switch console are totally fine to pack for a camping trip. If you enjoy doing it, and it’s portable, take it outdoors with you! That’ll make the time spent camping feel relaxing, and not just like something you’re doing to test yourself!
Get a Fancy Tent
If part of what puts you off camping is feeling cramped, exposed, or uncomfortable, a better, more colorful, fancy tent can make a huge difference. Modern tents can be spacious, well-ventilated, and even tall enough to stand up in.
Some come with blackout sleeping areas, separate rooms, and proper ground insulation. A fancy tent won’t turn camping into a hotel stay, but it can make it feel far more secure and enjoyable.
Camp Somewhere Close to Home
You don’t need to drive for hours into the wilderness to get a camping experience. Choosing a campsite close to home can remove a lot of stress and pressure.
If you know you can be back home quickly if things don’t go to plan, it’s much easier to relax and enjoy yourself while you’re there.
Give Travel Food a Chance
Bad food can ruin any trip, and camping is no exception. Planning meals you genuinely look forward to can make the whole experience feel more like a treat.
Bring easy-to-cook comfort foods, snacks you love, and maybe even something indulgent. Eating well outdoors can be one of the most enjoyable parts of camping.
Choose Comfort Over Tradition
You don’t have to camp the “proper” way for it to count. Bring an air mattress, extra blankets, pillows, or anything else that helps you sleep better.
The more rested and comfortable you are, the more likely you are to actually enjoy being outdoors instead of counting down the hours until you leave.
Go With the Right People
Who you camp with can make or break the trip. Going with people who are relaxed, flexible, and share your expectations can make camping far more enjoyable.
If everyone’s on the same page, there’s less pressure to do things a certain way, and more room to simply enjoy the experience for what it is.
When you decide that camping is not for you, give it one more go 🙂
