Camping is extremely popular and roughly 40 million go camping each year, but some people still wonder why. People leave their homes to either pitch a tent, or take their campers out to enjoy the great outdoors, but for a lot of people, they still wonder what the whole point of it really is. In this article, we want to answer that question, and give you all the reasons why people all over the world are taking time out of their busy schedules to go rough it for a week in the forest, or favorite campground they have.
What is the point of camping? The point of camping is to leave your house, get away from the day-to-day routine, and get in touch with nature. Many people load up their stuff and leave the house to relax, have fun, and forget about their normal routine for a few days to a couple of weeks at their favorite spot. Whether it be to fish, eat, hunt, or just relax, camping is about forgetting your stress and responsibilities, and just having fun with friends, family, or even alone. There are many reasons for each person to want to get away, and each one is completely fine and is respected. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular reasons for camping.
Family Bonding
Going on a camping trip with your family means that you have more time to interact with each other and find things that you can do together. There is no school work, video games, or chores that you have to worry about getting done. You can do things together as a family whether it is playing card games, cooking food on an open grill, or just sitting by the campfire catching up.
Camping with family also brings people together that might not see each other as often as they want, and gives them the perfect time to catch up and find out how they are doing in their everyday lives. Being able to take time to talk with your kids, and significant others makes this the main reason why people want to go.
Time With Friends
While having time with family is important, you can also invite friends that you normally do not see on a regular basis. This is a great way for you to find out what is new in their lives, and share some memories that can last forever. Getting a couple (or more) campsites together can bring friends and family together for a lot more fun.
You can do different games, or have big bbq’s. You might have a friend that has a motorhome, and you have a boat or vice versa, so it can make your camping trip a lot more fun. Maybe you have kids and so do your friends, so they can all hang out together and have way more fun. Camping with friends is one of my favorite things to do.
Fishing, Hiking And More
There is so much to do when you go camping, no matter what you like to do, there is something for everyone. You can go on an all-day hike up trails or mountains, and find new things and places to see. You can go fishing all day to catch dinner, or just go out to relax and catch something.
Some campgrounds have pools or centers that have basketball and ping pong. Taking the family for a swim or a sit in the spa can be the perfect end to a day. One place that I used to go with my family had a miniature golf course and my kids absolutely loved it. Some campgrounds even have horseback riding and can take you on an all-day trot through the trails. No matter what you like to do, there is always something fun to do at a campsite.
Camping Food Is Great
Nothing, and I mean nothing beats the food when you are out camping. Fresh coffee and bacon in the morning when it is still chilly out, or bbq hot dogs and steak for dinner, it is the best. When you camp, you are more likely to make food that you normally wouldn’t, and gives your kids a chance to eat like little monsters without getting in trouble.
Almost everyone makes s’mores at night around the campfire, which is a staple at almost every campsite you see. Food just seems to taste better when you are camping because you are not rushed to make it, and people just take the time to enjoy it. You can try your favorite potato salad recipe, or even make lasagna if you have a camp oven.
A Day On The Lake
If you have the luxury of owning a boat, can rent one, or have family or friends that might have one, nothing beats a day on the lake. You can take people tubing, wakeboarding or skiing, and even just anchor out and float if you want. Normally people camp when it is hot, so you can jump in and cool off in the water whenever you need it. Nothing beats a day out on the lake in July and August when the weather is the hottest. You can get up before sunrise, and get the fish before it gets too hot.
Camping Is Relaxing
Camping first and foremost, is and always should be a relaxing time for you and your family. You should not have a rigid schedule, and should just be out there to relax and enjoy your free time.
Most of our day-to-day lives are run by work and school schedules, and when you go camping, you are the owner of your schedule and do not have to do anything you don’t want to. Read a book, watch your kids play, or just watching nature, in general, will recharge you and keep your stress levels at an all-time low.
Enjoy The Sights
No matter where you go camping, there is always sights to see. It could be near the campground, or at the campground, so you won’t have to go far to see some amazing things. Its always a good idea to do some research ahead of time before you go, so that you know when the best time to go is, and where the most popular sights are. No matter where you want to visit, there is usually a campground within 10 to 20 miles of what you want to see, even Disneyland has RV parking and camping.
Take A Timeout From Your Day To Day
Most people have a very normal routine they do, like get up, go to work, come home and cook dinner, and go to bed. Camping lets you break up your normal day to day routine so that you can do whatever you want. You are not bound by work or family schedules, so you and wake up when you want, eat when you want, and if you feel like it, you can just take a timeout and lounge all day.
Final Thoughts
Not matter what your personal reasons are, the point of camping is fun, relaxation, and stress relief. There are activities for everyone from Seniors to parents and even activities that all kids will want to join in. Use your time camping to recharge, and get back in touch with friends and family. Take time to go fishing, or hiking, or go for a swim at the local pool. Take a day out of your trips to see new places that are offered, and make some memories no matter if it is with all of your family, or just by yourself. The most important reason to go camping is to have fun!