Camping is beloved by many people in the United States and around the world. In the U.S., it’s one of the most popular outdoor activities, with the revenue for campgrounds and RV parks coming in at around $5 billion in 2013. And in 2010, almost 40 million people went on a combined total of 515 million camping trips. Four years later, American consumers spent over $1.5 billion on camping equipment — primarily backpacks and sleeping bags.
Once you’ve gone camping for the first time, you’ll probably be inclined to try it again. 85% of current campers went on their first camping trip before they were fifteen years old, and over half of camping participants engaged in outdoor activities when they were children. In comparison, just about one quarter of those who don’t go camping as adults spent time consistently outdoors.
And once you get started, it’s hard to resist. 99% of current campers reported that they were “likely” or “very likely” to camp next year. In fact, current campers are working on the plans for an average of 4.9 camping trips, with two-thirds planning at least three more trips. In 2013, the average camper participated in 5.4 camping trips throughout the year.
Whether you use a tent at a campground, campground cabins, a recreational vehicle (RV), or just spend the night in your backyard, camping can be a great way to relax and get back to nature.
If you need some convincing, or camping inspiration, here are six great reasons to take your next (or first!) camping trip to campground cabins, tents, or RVs sooner, rather than later.
- Refresh yourself. Whether you go alone or with a group, there’s no denying that spending a night, or a few nights, outdoors can be a great way to reset yourself and revive lagging energy or motivation.
- Disconnect and Reconnect. Stare up at the stars instead of down at a screen. Everyone needs a break from all their devices once in a while. Revisit hobbies like sketching or writing, and give your brain a few days off from worrying about work.
And all the time you don’t spend with your electronics will be freed up to devote to your camping buddies, whether that’s your spouse or partner, your children, your friends, or your extended family. Use the time to reconnect and strengthen relationships, and even just have nice, long conversations in front of the fire. - Learn new skills. Going camping is a great opportunity to learn all kinds of outdoor survival skills. You might also start to learn to identify different kinds of plants, fungus, and animals — campgrounds are often located in natural areas filled with birds and other creatures you might not see in more developed locations.
You could also learn to grill food and cook your food in new ways, or learn to fish. You can even use the free time to develop a new skill that you just haven’t had time to practice, like sketching or painting. - Save money. Camping can easily be significantly less expensive than a traditional vacation. Even if you book cabins, which are often more expensive than campsites, you can expect to pay way less than you would for a hotel room.
The main things you need for a camping trip are one-time investments: supplies like sleeping bags, tents, camp-friendly cooking utensils, and maybe coolers and thermoses are all important to have, and camping chairs can make your campsite more comfortable. You may also opt to rent or purchase an RV.
You’ll need food and water for your cabins or tents, and maybe bed linens and paper products — but it’s guaranteed to be cheaper than eating out at destination restaurants. - Mix up your health routines. When camping, you have the opportunity to cook simple food in new ways, and shake up your exercise routines with strenuous hikes, swims, and paddling.
- It’s just plain fun! Nearly half of all campers say that their single biggest motivator for going camping is the joy of camping, plain and simple.
There are plenty of great reasons to take a camping trip. Don’t wait – gather your gear and get back to nature!