My wife does not like camping. As a matter of fact, she hates it or did. It was my fault that she started hating it because as a farm boy I was used to roughing in it. And when we got married, we never had the money nor were there many things to do about camping that would make it comfortable and pleasant for her. But because she loved me, she would let me drag her to every river sandbar, mountain ridge, or lake spot I could find.
Since those days, she actually liked a few of our trips because of tents that didn't leak, sleeping bags that kept her warm, and portable toilets and showers. I believe she's a fan now.
The key to not hating Camping is to make it enjoyable for you. That means bringing things that make you comfortable. Staying at a Campsite with amenities. Planning quick and easy meals, ahead of time and having activities that would make you happy.
I have been camping for years. From when I was young up until now. My wife and I have kids and have taken them all out into the woods as well. If there is anything hard, it's making camping appeal to a wife that hated camping and three kids of various ages and this article may even convince you that you can enjoy Camping as well.
Get Comfortable.
Most people think that Camping is all about sleeping on the hard ground and roughing it for days out in the middle of nowhere. That may be how some people do it, but it doesn't have to be how you do it. Start with some of the suggestions below:
The tent will be the place you escape to when nature gets to be too much. Ensure you have a tent that will make this experience as comfortable for you as possible. Do your homework and find a tent that will be easy to set up.
Setting up a tent is one of the most annoying parts of Camping for experts and neophytes alike. Popup tents are super simple and have various designs, so you can be sure to have one you will love. Many popup tents practically assemble themselves, and a few will even attach to your car, so if sleeping entirely outside is a hard pass, you can spend the night in your car and still get that camping feel.
Make sure the tent you buy fits the kind of trip you will be taking. People who don't like Camping probably do not often go if they have ever gone at all.
There are usually two scenarios in preparedness: under-prepared for the elements or over-prepared. Being over-prepared may not be the worst if you don't like Camping, but under-prepared will make the trip miserable. Have a tent to keep you warm in the cold and cool in the summer. Also, know what to bring if the tent you do own doesn't quite work for the trip you're going on.
Camping does not mean a return to the times of living in caves. Technology has made plenty of advancements to bring home comforts and you to the outdoors.
If you want to get a camping fridge, then do it. There are plenty out there that work great and last days so that you can eat more than beans out of a can. Have a comfortable inflatable cot in your tent instead of a sleeping bag. They are just as comfortable as beds and keep you off the ground. No one would enjoy anything if they didn't get a great night's sleep.
If you want to answer the call of nature without having to go out into the wilderness, there are portable bathrooms and privacy tents you can bring to camp. Cleanup and waste removal are mess-free and straightforward.
Privacy tents are also great for those times you want to find a dark or shady place in the middle of the day to nap or just escape the sun. They work great at keeping the sun out and temperature low on hot days. If there is something about Camping that you don't want to deal with, there is a camping gadget out there to help you out.
Camp at a Site with Amenities
There is a lot to be said for people who load up and head out into the woods and set up at the first clearing that catches their fancy. This is not the kind of Camping you want to do if you are already inclined to hate the activity.
Instead, start your camping trip at a place that is designed to have people camp there. When staying at an actual campsite, amenities are included at the location, making the experience more excellent.
Camping at a designated campsite means civilization is just a short walk away. There is usually a central building, cabin, or office to charge electronics or simply not be outside. The campsite will have places designated for particular purposes like showers and restrooms. One creature comfort we all take for granted but miss the moment we are without a heated shower. At a campsite, you will not have to deal with that.
Staying at a campsite means you will have to pack less as well. Many sites now include power outlets for you to charge electronics. This way, you can stay connected and have entertainment when the outside becomes too much.
Many of these sites even have convenience stores or restaurants located at their main buildings for the times cooking over an open fire doesn't appeal to you.
Campsites are typically located strategically near points of interest like caves or monuments. If you are not looking to do something outdoorsy that day, you can always travel to the most exciting site nearby. Many tourist places have indoor attractions with Air Conditioning and heating. This way, you have a getaway from the getaway.
Go Glamping instead of Camping. Just click here and look it up. It’s a thing.
Plan Your Own Activities
If you do not like Camping but are going, you will probably go with people you love and cherish. With that in mind, they will know you well enough to have at least some of the activities with you in mind. If there isn't anything happening that you particularly enjoy, then plan and make a list for that. Bring things that you enjoy doing.
Camping is a time to relax and re-energize. If you are not doing this, then the trip is a waste. Be sure to have things that will help you relax and have a great time.
Schedule time during the day to have fun in your way. This can be reading a book, taking a nap, or a leisurely stroll on a simple worn path. Life can be stressful and going Camping can be even more so for someone who is not keen on it. Take time for self-care and find times to make the day your own.
Bring your home hobbies with you to the outdoors. It has been proven just being outside in nature improves a person's mental and physical health. So why not bring an activity you enjoy doing at home to relax in the outdoors.
If you like photography, have your camera ready to snap a few shots of the woods and scenery all around you. Even if your hobby is sedentary, like working on puzzles or writing, you can enjoy the hobby while out in the sunshine and fresh breeze.
You may not like Camping but take advantage of the surroundings and breathe in the freshness. If you don't like it, you can always retreat to your tent or the main building at the campsite.
Make your mind up. Remember, you may not like Camping, but don't let that get in the way of enjoying things. Let yourself experience new things with an open mind. You came along Camping, so you might as well give it a try.
People do many things while camping that does not require being in shape. You can go for a simple hike or a relaxing paddleboard ride on a gentle river. If you have never been fishing, this is a great time to give it a try.
It is an activity you can do at leisure, and if you don't catch anything, it is okay. If you are trying something new, you are doing a great job.
The most important part of Camping is spending time with the people you came with. They are the reason you are there in the first place, and they will be where you find the most joy and make the best memories.
Spending time with you is why they asked you along on a camping trip, whether they knew you did not like Camping. They wanted a chance to spend time with you away from the distractions of life. Be sure you don't let the fact that your camping place you in a state of mind that stops you from enjoying anything altogether.
12 Camping essentials for those who hate camping
People who hate Camping may not know what they need to bring with them. Here is a shortlist of necessities to make the trip less inconvenient.
1. Tent. We started off the article talking about tents because they are the most essential thing you will bring with you. A good tent can be the line between a great trip and a miserable one.
2. Sleeping bag. The biggest complaint people make when Camping is sleeping on the ground. If you pack the right sleeping bag or, better yet, a cot, then you take a huge step towards having a bearable camping trip.
3. Water Bottle. This means a reusable one that can be refilled. Staying hydrated is an integral part of being safe while camping. Being out in the sun and moving around all day can lead to severe dehydration, even if you are spending a lot of time in the water. Make sure to have a water bottle handy and drink often.
4. Fire Starter kit. Everyone enjoys a nice campfire. It is an important part of Camping. You use it for cooking, stay warm, and provide light. It can be hard to get a fire started under the right circumstances, so when you are getting ready for the trip, make sure to have a fire starter kit included. It saves on hours of work.
5. First Aid kit. No one ever plans for things to go wrong, but it is best to be prepared. Have a well-stocked and updated First Aid kit packed and ready when camping. Minor injuries can become worse out in nature if they are untreated.
6. Pocket knife. There are a million ways a pocketknife can be handy out in nature. From creating kindling, opening cans, marking trees, and scaling fish, a pocketknife is an indispensable tool to have. It never hurts to keep one nearby.
7. Map and compass or a charged GPS device. Not everyone is a skilled navigator or capable of backtracking to camp when out on a trail. Having a map and compass or a GPS on you is an intelligent way to keep getting lost. These items are beneficial for people not used to hiking or being outside.
8. Proper clothing. Wearing the right clothes for the weather and climate is super important. When it comes to Camping, it is "function over fashion." You want to have clothes that will protect you from the elements and keep you cool or warm, depending on the season. Make sure to look at the forecast when packing for your camping trip.
9. Lamps and flashlights. There are few places as dark as the woods at night. Outside of civilization, ambient light is nonexistent, and when the sun sets, it gets to be very dark. Pack flashlights and lanterns to get around the camp at night and see when it gets to be later in the day. That is the best way to stay safe and avoid injuries from accidents.
10. Toilet paper. Many extreme campers will say you can get along without it, but I am of a different opinion, and I am sure many will agree. Bring plenty of toilet paper with you camping because the alternatives are not pleasant.
11. Whatever makes you happy. Music, board games, guns, fishing gear, knives, walking stick, fluffy pillows, silk sleeping clothes (my favorite), portable fan, cookstove, coffee, chocolate (another favorite), dark out tent (for sleeping during the day, journal, baseball, and glove, kite, ice cream (you’ll need a camping fridge/freezer, they do make them), mac-n-cheese always make me happy, sleeping pills, steaks, incense and burner, your pet, your dad, your kids, your mom, your spouse and maybe a dream board to plan your future.
12. Your own set of car keys. Just encase you've had enough. (smile)
Here and additional list of musts haves from the campers poll.
Like many other activities, Camping gives back what you put into it. It may not be your favorite way to spend a few days but give it a shot. You may not like it by the end, but you can still get some great memories from it.
All the best,
Alex Anderson
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