Why do people love camping
Why do people love camping

Why Do People Like Camping? 19 Reasons Why I Love Camping!

Updated November 9, 2023

Many of us find ourselves stuck in the cycle of our everyday lives, looking for that breath of fresh air. It’s no surprise that a camping trip can serve as the perfect escape. But why do people pack up their gear and head into the wilderness?

Modern life is fast-paced and can often be overwhelming, leaving us craving a pause from the constant buzz of our routines.

Despite the apparent discomforts, the pull towards camping remains strong. What could possibly outweigh the convenience of modern living for a few nights under the canvas?

Here, I explore 19 reasons that highlight why I, along with many others, are drawn to camping. It’s about more than just a change of scenery. From reconnecting with nature to the rewarding challenge of self-sufficiency, a camping trip can refresh our outlook and enrich our relationships.

Why Do People Like Camping?

When you’re out in the wild, the reasons to enjoy camping become as clear as the night sky.

It’s the simplicity that comes into play when camping, where the natural world becomes your living room, and the daily grind is replaced by an open horizon. This simplicity is a huge part of the appeal.

For those who regularly take to the woods, mountains, or lakesides, the act of camping allows them to explore, relax, and operate at a different pace – one that’s more in tune with natural cycles.

It’s not just about setting up a shelter or cooking food outside; it’s the full immersive experience that offers a unique way to engage with the world.

Whether through hiking, sitting by the campfire, or stargazing, people enjoy camping as it provides an essential connection to the outdoors, often leading to personal reflection and a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Disclaimer: If you make a purchase via the links on our site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. You can read my affiliate disclosure in the privacy policy. Thanks for your support!

19 Reasons Why I Love Camping!

Equipping yourself with camping gear and stepping out into the wilderness is a clear sign you’re about to take a break from the modern world.

Every time I go camping, I’m reminded of the many reasons why I enjoy it so much! The headspace that comes with the solitude of wild camping, the early nights tucked up cosy in my sleeping bag, and that warming cup of freshly brewed coffee to sip as I watch the sunrise. The list goes on…

So, before you pack your bags and tie down the tent, let’s walk through the 19 reasons that keep me camping throughout the year.

Sunset and Sunrise

Camping gives you the perfect excuse to witness nature’s most spectacular shows — sunset and sunrise.

Pre-dawn is my favourite part of the day, thanks to the incredible colours that fill the sky before the sun even breaks the horizon. There’s something about the anticipation and the gradual brightening of the world that feels invigorating.

Pro tip: position your tent entrance to face east. This way, you can enjoy the sunrise from the comfort of your tent, watching as the day begins with a display that no other canvas can match.

Closer To Nature

For most people, the allure of a camping trip lies in breathing fresh air and soaking in the calm of the natural surroundings, myself included. I particularly enjoy the soothing sounds of a nearby stream or the gentle lapping of waves to help me drift off to sleep.

It’s an opportunity to enjoy nature, witness the diversity of ecosystems, and simply exist in a space where the pace of life aligns with the natural world.

This proximity to nature is a significant draw for many who look to refresh their senses and find tranquillity away from their daily routine.

Wide Open Spaces

Horses grazing by the sea

There’s something about being in wide open spaces that brings a sense of freedom. In my opinion, the more remote, the better.

Stretching out under a vast sky or gazing across an expansive landscape, you feel a liberating sense of space that’s hard to find elsewhere. This openness is a stark contrast to the often cramped and predictable settings we’re used to.

It’s not just a place to be; it’s a space to breathe, think, and move without confines, which is why I always look forward to setting up camp in the most unbounded places I can find.

Star Gazing

2 men stargazing

Away from the city, the stars become the main attraction. Just imagine sitting by the campfire, looking up as the night sky reveals its wonders. Without the city lights to outshine them, the stars shine in abundance!

Pro tip: If you truly want to bask in this celestial display, plan your camping trip during a new moon. The absence of moonlight unveils the stars at their brightest, transforming the night into a spectacular show, with constellations you might never see at any other time.

Mental Health Benefits

Camping is a great way to hit the reset button on your mental state. Being out there, it’s as if each moment is an invitation to unwind and it feels amazing to let go of the mental clutter.

The simplicity of a campfire chat or the focus needed to pitch a tent allows your mind to drop the complex worries that often occupy it.

I struggle to put it into words exactly, but for me, whenever I go camping, my mind empties, all my worries disappear, and I feel at peace yet alive at the same time.

This return to basic tasks and natural rhythms can act as a mental cleanse, offering clarity and a renewed perspective.

Time to Disconnect

Disconnect and take in the view

Embarking on a camping trip and spending time outdoors can be the perfect opportunity for a digital detox. Stepping away from the screens that dominate everyday life, you start to notice the many benefits of being unplugged.

It’s a chance to recharge your own batteries while letting your devices run out of power for once. In this space, conversations replace scrolling, and the sights and sounds of the natural environment take precedence over notifications.

It’s an intentional pause that allows for a fuller engagement with the here and now.

Appreciate the Little Things

Camping has a unique way of highlighting the simple pleasures in life. Be it in the warmth of a campfire, the morning dew on the grass, or the quiet that comes with a world not yet awake.

These moments stand out vividly against the backdrop of daily routines and remind us to appreciate the subtleties of life.

It’s the small, often overlooked details that enrich our experiences and make camping something special to look forward to.

Kids Love Camping

My boys playing in a den

Camping offers children a holiday unlike any other, where hours are filled with discovery and adventure.

It’s a time for them to learn new skills, from building a tent to identifying wildlife, all while developing a deeper appreciation for the environment.

The camping trips with my mum as a child were always full of fun as we would run around and play all day, go swimming, play card games, and tell stories in our tent before drifting off to sleep.

Camping, I believe, is a pivotal chapter in the story of childhood, and why I am so passionate about all things outdoors today.

Embrace the Inner Child

Camping is the kind of fun that brings out the inner child in everyone. There’s something exciting about the prospect of getting wet and muddy as you explore the outdoors without a care in the world.

Then at the end of the day, nothing beats the simple joy of warming up by a fire, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the crackle of the flames.

These moments, free from the usual adult constraints, remind us that it’s okay to let loose and enjoy the playful side of life.

Slower Pace of Life

When you’re camping, the rush of everyday life takes a backseat. There’s something about being in nature that encourages you to slow down and match its unhurried rhythm.

You’re not chasing deadlines or hustling through crowds. Instead, you’re taking the time to watch the clouds, listen to the birds, or just sit with your thoughts.

This slower pace is a refreshing break from the constant buzz of activity we’re used to and allows us to unwind and recharge.

Meet Like-Minded People

Camping has a way of bringing together individuals who share a common love for the outdoors. In campgrounds or tucked away wild spots, making friends with fellow campers comes naturally.

Whether it’s exchanging stories around a fire or sharing tips on the best local spots to enjoy camping, the bonds formed are genuine and often lasting.

This sense of community, this easy camaraderie amongst those who delight in the simple pleasure of sleeping under the stars, is one of camping’s underrated joys.

Team Work

Camping with friends or family turns into a masterclass in teamwork, especially when you’re in the middle of setting up camp or tackling a tricky trail.

It’s about dividing responsibilities, whether that’s assembling tents or preparing delicious camping meals. These shared tasks aren’t just about efficiency; they’re moments where bonds are strengthened, and new levels of appreciation for one another are discovered.

Create Lasting Memories

Each hike and every camping trip engrave lasting impressions in my memory.

Even those excursions that didn’t unfold as planned, when we found ourselves camping in the rain or when a crucial piece of gear was left behind, are treasured anecdotes now.

It’s the unforeseen challenges and the way we adapted that end up being the most talked-about moments.

These stories, with their quirks and hiccups, are the ones we reminisce and chuckle over as we gather around new campfires, appreciating the good times and the not-so-smooth, all of which are part of the camping adventure.

Sense of Adventure

The moment you decide to go camping, you’re signing up for an adventure.

There’s something about the simplicity of sitting around a campfire, sharing stories and gazing into the flames that sparks the imagination.

Every camp is full of new experiences, whether it’s exploring a hidden trail or waking up to the sounds of the wilderness.

The idea that just beyond the tent flap lies a world of discovery keeps the spirit of adventure alive and well in every camper’s heart.

Learn Something New

Every camping excursion is a chance to learn something new. For me, it’s often a new knot or identifying the constellations overhead.

Often, people feel a sense of achievement when they navigate a trail successfully or manage to light a fire without a match.

These skills, while practical in the wild, can also boost confidence in everyday situations. There’s a certain satisfaction in acquiring knowledge that’s not just book-learned but lived and breathed in the great outdoors.

Cooking Outdoors

Setting up my stove outside my tent

When camping, there’s a unique pleasure in cooking out in the open.

Seated on my camp chair, I’ll sit by the sizzle of bacon and eggs in the morning or boil water for a simple freeze-dried meal in the evening after a long day hiking, all prepared on a compact camping stove.

It’s about more than just the food—it’s the act of preparing and enjoying a meal with nothing but the sky above and nature around. Pouring a steaming cup of coffee as the dawn breaks, or watching the stars emerge as I cook up a feast, turns a simple necessity into a cherished ritual.

Camping is Cheap

For most campers, the joy of camping isn’t contingent on having the latest camping gear. While top-notch equipment can certainly enhance the experience, it’s not essential.

You can relish the great outdoors with just the basics: a dependable sleeping bag and a sturdy tent.

It’s this affordability that makes camping so accessible and enjoyable for friends and families alike. The focus remains on the shared experiences and the memories made, not the price tag of your gear.

Campsites can vary in price around the country but are still generally the cheapest form of accommodation. However, for me, I love wild camping as it doesn’t cost me a penny!

Quick and Easy Microadventure

Sometimes the urge to go camping strikes spontaneously—like those evenings when the kids are tucked in bed, and the wild calls.

I seize the moment, grab my pre-packed backpack, and set out for a night under the stars. It’s the simplest form of camping, yet it’s imbued with the essence of adventure.

Nestling into a spot close to home, I camp out in nature, the woods or on a hillside, only to return early before the workday beckons.

This quick escape is a perfect slice of fun and spontaneity, a refreshing break that doesn’t need an itinerary or a far-off destination.

Test Your Limits

Tom and I wild camping in Wales

Camping offers a prime opportunity to challenge your physical health. For me, there’s a particular thrill in packing up my camping gear and setting out to hike up a mountain, often in the rugged heart of Wales.

The goal is to camp beside a mountain lake, or llyn in Welsh, where the reward for a day’s climb is a secluded evening surrounded by the steep contours of the mountains.

If you’ve really stretched your limits, whether by scaling a mountain’s heights or trekking vast distances, you’ll find rest comes easy as you settle into your sleeping bag for a good night’s sleep.

Final Thoughts

Camping is more than just a hobby—it’s a return to basics, a way to reconnect with the natural world and step back from the frantic pace of the modern lifestyle.

It’s a reminder that happiness doesn’t always come from a screen or a store but often from the simplest experiences.

Whether you’re seasoned in setting up tents or new to the thrill of an open flame under the stars, each trip is a promise of new stories to tell and memories to cherish.

It teaches resilience, instills appreciation, and above all, gives us the breathing room to be present in the moment.

And perhaps, that’s the most precious aspect of venturing out into the wild—it grants us the perspective that life, at its core, is about the adventure, the relationships, and the unexpected joys of the world outside our doorsteps.

Steve Cleverdon

About the Author

Steve Cleverdon is an adventure blogger dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their outdoor experiences. With years of travel and many epic adventures including a 3000-kilometre solo hike across New Zealand, Steve has amassed practical knowledge on outdoor gear. You can learn more about his adventures here. Through expert reviews, recommendations, and guides, he equips his readers with the best gear for their next adventure. If you want to send Steve a quick message, visit his contact page here.

Disclosure: If you make a purchase via the links on our site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. You can read my affiliate disclosure in the privacy policy. Thank you for your support!

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