10 reasons why camping is fun for every age, gender & background

Thinking about getting in touch with your “outdoorsy” side?

Even if you’re not the biggest outdoorsman or outdoors-woman, camping can be a really great way to explore that side yourself.

In fact, camping is more popular than ever before.

According to Kampgrounds of America (KOA), the number of households who are campers have increased by 43% year over year, and 86% of those campers are planning to camp again in 2023.

We suspect that during lockdown, more people turned toward camping because it was a safer way to spend time with people and not travel, and they realized they really enjoy it!

If you’re on the fence about camping, here are 10 reasons to convince you that it’s extremely fun.

Reason #1: Get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature

City life can be hectic and overwhelming.

The constant noise, traffic, and crowds can leave you feeling drained and stressed.

Camping provides an escape from all of that, allowing you to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

When you’re camping, you’re surrounded by natural beauty, which can be a refreshing change from the concrete jungle of the city.

The sounds of birds chirping, leaves rustling, and water flowing can be incredibly calming and soothing.

Camping also allows you to disconnect from technology and the constant distractions that come with it.

Without the constant buzz of notifications and the pressure to stay connected, you can fully immerse yourself in the present moment and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.

Reason #2: Spend quality time with friends and family

Camping offers an excellent opportunity for you to bond with friends and family.

Because you don’t have the distractions of everyday life, you get to connect with each other on a deeper, more focused level by giving each other your full attention.

While camping, you can engage in activities that promote teamwork and cooperation, such as setting up camp, cooking meals, and exploring the outdoors.

These kinds of activities require communication and collaboration, which can strengthen relationships and build trust.

Without technology and social media to turn to during downtime, you can play games, tell stories, and share your thoughts and feelings in a relaxed and peaceful environment.

Reason #3: Explore new places and discover hidden gems in nature

When you’re camping, you have the opportunity to get off the beaten path and explore areas that are less traveled.

This can lead to some amazing discoveries, from hidden swimming holes to secret campsites with breathtaking views.

Whether it’s a secluded beach, a hidden waterfall, or a breathtaking mountain vista, there’s always something new to discover.

One way to find these hidden gems is to ask locals.

They often know about the best spots that are off the beaten path and can give you insider tips on where to go.

You can also do some research online or in guidebooks to find lesser-known areas to explore.

Alternatively, you can simply get out and explore.

Take a hike, go for a bike ride, or paddle down a river.

You never know what you might find along the way.

Reason #4: Get active without it feeling like a chore

One of the best things about camping is the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

Hiking is probably one of the easiest and most popular activities for campers of all ages and skill levels.

Many parks and nearby conversation areas have trails ranging from easy to challenging, so you can explore the natural beauty of your surroundings while getting some exercise.

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, kayaking or canoeing might be just what you need.

Look for kayak and canoe rentals from your campground or local outfitters, which make it easy for you to enjoy these activities even if you don’t have your own equipment.

For those who enjoy a bit of adrenaline, rock climbing and mountain biking are great options.

These activities require a bit more skill and equipment, but they can be incredibly rewarding for those who are up for the challenge.

Reason #5: Enjoy delicious meals cooked over a campfire

Another great thing about camping is that you can experiment with cooking all sorts of amazing meals over a campfire.

There’s something special about gathering around the fire and cooking food together.

Plus, everything tastes better when it’s cooked outside!

Campfire cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.

With a few basic ingredients and some simple tools, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Here are some tips to make your campfire cooking experience a success:

• Use a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven for easy cooking over an open flame
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make cooking easier
• Choose quick-cooking pastas like angel hair, orzo, and couscous for easy meals
• Experiment with new recipes to add some excitement to your camping trip

If you’re really feeling your sense of culinary creativity, you can try cooking food in a variety of ways.

For instance, you can grill meats and vegetables over the fire, wrap food in foil and cook it in the coals, or whip up a hearty stew in a Dutch oven.

Some of our favourite campfire meals include:

• Grilled chicken and vegetable skewers
• Foil-wrapped potatoes and onions
• Dutch oven nachos
• Campfire quesadillas
• S’mores, of course!

Just remember to always practice fire safety when cooking over a campfire.

Keep a bucket of water nearby and never leave the fire unattended.

Reason #6: Stargaze and enjoy the beauty of the night sky

Camping at night provides a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of the night sky because it’s far away from the bright city lights.

Watching the night sky is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day of hiking or fishing.

As you gaze up at the stars, you may be surprised at how much you can learn about the universe.

The constellations, planets, and shooting stars all have fascinating stories and scientific explanations behind them.

You don’t have to be an expert astronomer to appreciate the wonders of the solar system and what lies beyond it.

One of the best parts of stargazing while camping is the peace and quiet.

With no distractions from the outside world, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the night sky.

It’s a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the world around you.

Here are some tips to help maximize your stargazing experience:

• Remember to turn off all lights to see more stars and enjoy the experience more fully
• Bring a star chart or download an app to help you identify constellations and planets
• Be respectful of other campers and keep noise to a minimum while stargazing

Reason #7: Disconnect from technology and digitally detox

When was the last time you spent a day without checking your phone or scrolling through social media?

With technology being such a big part of our lives, it can be challenging to disconnect and enjoy the present moment.

Camping provides the perfect opportunity to take a break from technology and try a digital detox.

Disconnecting from electronics and spending time in nature can positively impact your mental health by relieving anxiety and stress.

Research has shown that reducing screen time can have numerous benefits, including improved sleep and overall well-being.

Without the distractions of technology, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

We recommend:

• Turning your phone off or putting it on airplane mode
• Bringing a book or board game to enjoy with your friends and family
• Engaging in activities that involve physical movement and exercise

By disconnecting from technology, you can truly relax and recharge.

You may even find that you enjoy the peace and quiet of being unplugged.

Reason #8: Build a sense of self-sufficiency

Camping provides an opportunity to learn valuable skills that make you feel more self-sufficient and capable of overcoming obstacles.

When setting up a tent, you must consider the terrain, weather conditions, and available resources.

You also have to work collaboratively with others to ensure that the tent is secure and stable.

This requires effective communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Starting a fire is another essential camping skill that promotes self-sufficiency.

You need to gather firewood, kindling, and tinder, and then use a variety of techniques to ignite the fire.

This requires patience, persistence, and problem-solving skills.

And finally, cooking outdoors is another fun and rewarding activity that builds self-sufficient as you experiment with new recipes and cooking techniques.

You’ll need to plan meals, gather ingredients, and then use a variety of cooking methods, such as grilling, roasting, and boiling.

This takes creativity, adaptability, and resourcefulness.

But by mastering some of the most essential camping skills, you’ll develop a sense of self-reliance and independence that can be applied to other areas of your life.

Reason #9: Create memories and bond with loved ones over shared experiences

Spending time together in nature, away from the distractions of everyday life, allows families and friends to connect in new ways, appreciate each other more, and strengthen relationships.

Camping trips create memories that can be cherished for years to come.

In addition to all the amazing sights you saw, you’ll remember the smiles, the laughter, the jokes, and even the silly arguments.

These experiences become part of your family history and create lasting bonds between you and your loved ones.

The simple pleasures of camping can also help put life into perspective and remind you what is truly important.

Whether it’s an adventure in the woods or a beachside bonfire, these experiences are sure to bring loved ones closer together.

Reason #10: Feel a sense of accomplishment and pride after a successful camping trip

Completing a camping trip successfully requires preparation, planning, and execution.

From packing the right gear to setting up camp, cooking meals, and navigating the terrain, each step requires effort and dedication.

The challenges you overcome during a camping trip can leave you with a sense of pride and accomplishment that lasts long after you return home.

Each new skill you learn, task you complete, and obstacle you overcome can increase your self-esteem and confidence.

It isn’t necessarily an easy feat!

You may need to step outside your comfort zone, stretch yourself, and take on new experiences.

But the sense of accomplishment you’ll get from a successful camping trip is worth it in the end.

You’ll look back at your adventure with pride and feel empowered to tackle anything that comes your way!

These are just 10 of the many reasons why camping is an amazing experience.

So grab your tent, some snacks, and a few friends or family members and head outdoors for your own adventure!

You’re sure to have an incredible time that you’ll never forget.

Next up: Why some people absolutely hate camping