Top Reasons to Go Camping Now

It might seem obvious to get outside this year. We’ve all been so cooped up due to the pandemic, and now that the weather has turned nice in many areas of the country, a lot of people have the itch to get outdoors and go for a walk, bicycle ride, or just plain sit and enjoy the sunshine. Still, you can and should take this further. That’s where camping in an RV comes in.

Camping is one of those activities that comes with all sorts of benefits, and it’s not just about getting out of the house. To prove it, I wanted to take a closer look at the top reasons to get out there and go camping this season.

Family Fun

First for me is family fun. There’s something special about activities that the whole family can enjoy and camping is definitely one of them. From the moment you pull into the campground to set up camp to the last roasted marshmallow over the campfire, each experience out camping is one that you can do with your entire family, no matter the age of your kids.

A Bonding Experience

Akin to the point about family fun, camping is one of those things that works wonders to bring a family together. When you’re home, it can seem like everyone is off doing their own thing, but at the campsite—whether it’s setting up camp, cooking a meal, or playing an outdoor game—you’re likely to do things as a unit, and that means you’ll grow closer to one another with each and every activity.

A Safe Trip

Outdoor activities can become dangerous in some instances, but in most cases, you’re far safer on a camping trip and doing outdoor activities than you would be traipsing around busy city streets. With COVID-19 still a concern for many travelers, getting away from crowds is a smart move, and there’s no better way to do that than camping in an RV. The more secluded the better. Look for campgrounds that won’t be wildly busy or consider boondocking on some Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.

Nature’s Wonder and Destressing

According to the Yale School for the Environment, various studies have shown that getting out in nature is one of the best natural ways to relieve stress. It can lower blood pressure, reduce nervous system arousal, and enhance your immune system. It’s clear that getting out in nature is good for you, plus you’ll see new plants and landscapes that you wouldn’t otherwise. In certain areas of the country, these sights can be unforgettable experiences that stick with you for decades or longer.

I still remember seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time as a kid, and the image of Devils Tower looming above me will never leave my mind. The wonder of nature has important effects on people of all ages, and it’s a compelling justification for taking the family out to see what nature offers.

Wildlife Viewing

Nature isn’t just about landscapes and plants. RVing provides you with ample opportunity to view all sorts of wildlife. The number of animals you come across while camping or hiking might surprise you. At the state and national parks, you’re bound to see something unique, and those sightings can be educational moments for adults and kids alike. Also, getting in touch with nature and viewing wildlife helps remind you that we’re all part of the same ecosystem, and what we do on a daily basis will impact the wildlife around us.

Disconnecting

We all know that we spend too much time on our phones and computers. That can have an impact on your ability to focus and your level of patience. Going camping is a fantastic way to disconnect from your devices and recenter yourself.

In the past, I’ve made rules on camping trips that once my family or group gets to the campsite you can’t check your phone, or if you can, it has to be during a designated time. This might seem silly, but it’s a great way to still provide your family access to their devices while ensuring they don’t spend too much time on them.

Affordability

I’ll be frank about this: You can spend a lot of money camping. Luxury RVs, tons of gear, and some resort-style campgrounds are pricey. However, you certainly don’t have to go that route. Camping in an RV doesn’t have to be expensive. The used market is full of affordable options and RV insurance is usually quite affordable.

Also, many RV manufacturers are coming out with smaller, less-expensive options you can tow with a regular family SUV. This opens the door for affordable camping. As for campgrounds, if you avoid the resort-style options, you’ll find most are much, much cheaper than the average hotel room, and if you’re in an area with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, the campsite you set up at could be free.

Learning Experience

Camping and RVing are full of learning experiences. Not only will you learn, but your family will, too. There’s plenty to learn about RVs and about camping in general—how to make a fire, how to set up camp, how to read a map, etc. There’s also a lot to learn at the places in which you camp. Every state has a unique history, and each of the parks or areas you visit will have its own unique history. Also, the animals, plants, and landscapes change. Instead of reading about all of this in a book, you’re experiencing it firsthand, and firsthand knowledge always trumps what you’ll pick up from a book or video.

Broaden Your Mind

New experiences open your mind and allow you to live a more accepting life. When you travel you encounter different types of people, new situations, different cultures, and more. As Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.” I’m not saying that everybody is narrow-minded or prejudiced, but I will say that traveling has helped me realize some of my preconceived notions about certain states or areas of the country. That better understanding has helped me become a more open and welcoming person.

It’s opened my eyes and broadened my mind even on trips I thought wouldn’t have that kind of impact. RVing does this better than ever because it lets you slow down and really take things in. In essence, you’ll learn more and broaden your mind more while RVing than you would by flying somewhere. So, this year, don’t just get outside. Go camping!