If you were to ask seasoned campers why they love the great outdoors, they could give you various reasons. For some, camping is a family tradition, for others, it’s their only way to decompress from the stress of everyday life.
The Draw of Camping
People have been camping in the U.S. National Parks for over a century. Many people who camp as adults also camped as children. Whether you live in a sprawling city, the suburbs or rural America, everyone has the urge to get out of their cities and towns once in a while. For many people, the draw of camping is in its simplicity. For a moment, you can reconnect to the wilderness. When you own or rent an RV, you can take advantage of the wilderness and many modern amenities.
Full-service parks provide high-wattage power for you to run whatever you want. When you run on battery power, you have to run appliances such as blow dryers and air fryers on a time limit. RV parks tend to be more convenient for long-term vacationers and people with families.
Tips for New Campers
Every camper starts as a beginner. While some campers choose to learn through experience, there are a few tips to get started and ensure you don’t forget anything. With a few smart tips, you’re on your way to becoming a seasoned camper.
Create a Camping Checklist
A checklist should be a must-have on any trip. You should create a checklist before you leave on your trip. This list should include everything that you need. Here is an example of some of the items you should have on the checklist:
- Lantern batteries
- Bug spray
- Fishing rods
- Sunblock
In addition to a checklist for packing, have one for when you pack up the RV. Make sure you leave nothing at your campsite.
Bring the Right Clothing
One of the worst mistakes a camper can make is not bringing adequate clothing, no matter where you vacation. Bring clothes that you know you will need and some pairs of clothes that you’re unsure of. For example, even if you think it’ll be sunny the whole trip, make sure you have a sweater or jacket for colder nights or sudden rainstorms.
If you plan to do a lot of hiking, you need comfortable, durable clothes to trek through the woods. Make sure you have comfortable shoes. Do not buy expensive hiking boots days before your trip. Most boots need to be broken in, and if you aren’t an experienced or avid hiker, you may not need to spend the extra expense.
Learn the Campground’s Rules
Every RV park has its own set of rules to follow. Research the rules in advance to make sure your family will be an appropriate fit for the space. For example, if you choose a park that doesn’t allow many guests but plan to host a birthday party, you may be disappointed by your choice. A part of observing park rules is being courteous of other people.
For example, most parks have quiet hours where you need to keep the noise level down. Remember that the RV in the space next to you may be trying to sleep while you relax next to the campfire.
The Benefits of Camping
When it comes to camping, you’re sure to find a lot of benefits. Not only is camping exciting, but it has real-world benefits on your life.
Lower Stress and Reduced Depression
To be around greenspace can do wonders on your stress and anxiety levels. Having access to nature may increase your happiness and improve your sleep. Not only are you able to reap the benefits of being in nature, but you also have an opportunity to get away from the stressors in your life. If you have a stressful job or school or extra-curricular activities that stress your children, camping is an escape from everyday life. If we envelop ourselves in work all of the time, it can lead to burnout, anxiety and depression.
In addition to experiencing the wilderness, camping allows you to unplug for a while. Sometimes phones and digital devices pull us away from our families and friends and rob us of real-world connections. Research shows that if you unplug now and then, it positively impacts your mental health.
Better Physical Health and More Activity
When you’re camping, you’ll have times where you want to sunbathe on the beach or relax next to the fire, but odds are you’re getting more physical activity than you do in your everyday life. When you’re outside, you are more likely to increase your physical activity. You may hike, swim, go rock climbing or take part in other outdoor activities that allow you to work out and have fun at the same time. When you get more physical activity, you may have higher confidence and more self-esteem.
Increased Energy and Focus
Nature has a lot of restorative properties. When you’re outside, you may feel more energetic because you’re getting a better night’s sleep. If you want to restore your biological clock, camping is one of the best ways to do it. Campers often fall asleep earlier and wake up earlier. Often, your body will sync up with nature’s routine.
If you feel like you’re in a rut at work, for example, spending a weekend at a campsite could help you recharge and return to work with ample creativity and energy.
Take Your Vacation to the Next Level
When you allow yourself to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the great outdoors, there are various benefits to reap. In addition, you carry the memories of your adventure for a lifetime.
If you’re prepared to discover some of the most beautiful RV campgrounds, the Boston Group manages some of the best properties that cater to the RV community. Check out our portfolio to find the best camping spot for you and your family’s next vacation.
Sources:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/camping/why-camp.htm
https://thehealthsessions.com/benefits-of-camping/
https://www.tripsavvy.com/essential-tips-for-first-time-campers-504011