If you're in a camping rut, use these 14 reasons to get yourself to the campsite.
Reconnect With Nature
1 of 15
Living Off the Grid
2 of 15
You love your coffeemaker and blow dryer, but ridding yourself of all appliances, modern comforts and technology gives you a necessary escape from the daily grind of life. "Findings indicate that segmenting work and non-work roles can help employees detach and recover from work demands," according to the research summary from a study conducted at Bowling Green State University.
Go camping: Leave your iPad at home, turn your phone off when you pull into the campground, and allow yourself to decompress without the pressure of electronics.
Exercise
3 of 15
One of the best things about being outside is the exercise you get. Stay active by backpacking, swimming, going for a hike or playing games—there's plenty of ways to get moving when you spend time outside.
Go camping: If your workout is getting tedious, take a camping trip. Prepare to do at least one hike a day and plan to take a swim or go canoeing too.
Quiet Time
4 of 15
You work hard all week; you deserve a break, not to mention some peace and quiet. There are few better places to find silence than at the campsite. Listen to the trickling river, the breeze blowing through the trees or the crickets chirping at night.
Go camping: Choose a small campground with private campsites, which will provide a quiet place for you to unwind.
Family Time
5 of 15
Camping doesn't have an age limit, so you can extend the invitation to everyone. Sit around the campfire or just relax at the campsite for a perfect family bonding experience.
Go camping: Reserve a group campsite at your favorite campground so you have space for everyone.
Travel
6 of 15
Camping is an exciting way to travel: You can see the area from the inside out with daily hikes and adventures. Research the area before you go so you can plan trips to the must-see spots.
Go camping: Take a long weekend, even if you need to dig through your time-off calendar to find free space, and visit somewhere new.
It's Inexpensive
7 of 15
Camping is often cheaper than planning a vacation to a popular theme park or tourist area. Once you have your gear and purchase food, the rest of the weekend is nearly free.
Go camping: Save more money by camping during the week or right after campgrounds stop taking reservations in the fall. Prices go down when campgrounds change to first-come, first-served.
Different and Exciting Meals
8 of 15
Rekindle Relationships
9 of 15
Even in the summer, everyone's schedule is busy. Sitting around the campfire talking is one way to reconnect with friends and family. Good conversation is easily pushed aside, yet we need it so desperately.
Go camping: Whether it's with your family, friends or significant other, use camping as a way to reconnect with one another.
Stargazing
10 of 15
Learn New Outdoor Skills
11 of 15
You can brush up on outdoor skills or learn new ones with just one camping outing. Teach your kids how to pitch a tent, or show your new camping buddy how to fish for dinner.
Go camping: Plan some educational (and fun) outings in advance so you have everything you need, like fishing or navigation gear.
Spend Time With Your Pets
12 of 15
You tend to disconnect from friends and family during busy times, but it's just as easy to do so with your pets too. Most campsites and hiking areas allow pets (although they may have to be leashed).
Go camping: Always ask about pet rules before bringing Sparky along.
Refresh Before the Work Week
13 of 15
A dose of fresh air is one of the best ways to clear your mind before the work week. If you really need to get that business proposal done, take your laptop and dedicate a few hours. With no distractions and some quiet time, this could be the best proposal you've ever written.
Go camping: Even if you can only go for one night, you'll feel the effects of a night under the stars for days after.
Remember: Camping is For Everyone
14 of 15
Whether you're a glamper, camper, or outdoor survivalist, camping is catered toward everyone. Reserve a cabin fully stocked with a bathroom, washer and dryer and enjoy nature in a glamorous way, or pitch a tent at your favorite campsite and roast some marshmallows over the campfire.
Go camping: Decide what kind of camping you want to do—cabin, RVing or tenting—and find a place to go. Your local state parks are a good place to start.
Discuss This Article