It can provide an excellent budget option, while also allowing us to feel closer to nature. Some people, however, don’t like the thought of camping holidays.
In fact, it’s interesting how the whole subject of camping can be a real point of disagreement between people.
For those who see the positives of this activity, it’s all about being able to bond in the open air, enjoying the countryside and feeling at one with nature. There’s the thrill of sleeping under canvas and the relatively low costs involved, certainly when compared to staying in a hotel.
Tents are also extremely portable, meaning that you’re not left having to stay in one location for the entirety of your holidays. Fans of the activity would wonder why anyone would not want to spend time camping.
So why do some people disagree? For those in the opposite camp, so to speak, complaints seem to focus on the lack of comfort involved. Sleeping at ground level isn’t for everyone and neither is attempting to crowd into a small tent.
If it’s hot outside then you’re going to have a warm night in the tent too. Then there are the parts of the experience that some people fear to mention.
At the top of the list is a subject that we might refer to as bathroom issues. The cleanliness of the toilets, it seems that there are always likely to be complaints.
Camping is about getting out of your normal routine, and we all know this can be difficult. Best ways to make camping easier.
Keep it Packed
Have dedicated bins that contains all the things you need for camping that you don’t use in your everyday life. For the items you “borrow” from your house, make a list and stick it to the top of the bin. To get you started, check out what we keep in our pre-packed camp kitchen kit.
Make a Meal Schedule
A schedule of meals has many benefits: a) It will be easier to create a shopping list; b) you will know what kitchen supplies to bring; c) at the campsite you won’t spend time digging through the cooler trying to figure out what to make.
Prep Meals at Home
Chop all vegetables, premix pancake batter and store it in zip top freezer bags, and precook meats. Do everything you can to make cooking meals at the campsite effortless.
Make a List of Campsites
Develop a list of all the campgrounds you’d like to check out near you. This way, you don’t have to spend time searching for a campsite once you decide that you want to camp.
Bonus tip: categorize them by amenities (i.e. near a lake, close to a town I want to visit, has hiking trails).
Get a Large Water Container
That way you’ll be prepared in case for some reason the water is off at the campground. Added bonus, you won’t have to walk back and forth to the water spigot each time you need water.
Camp With Friends or Family
You can divide up the packing list and the food shopping. You’ll also be able to split up camp chores, meaning everyone will have more time to relax. Plus, camping is more fun with friends and family around.
Practice Setting Up Your Tent
Do at least three dry runs of setting up your tent in the yard or in the living room. Be sure you know how everything goes together. The frustration you’ll avoid by practicing is worth its weight in s’mores.
Spice Up Your Food
Create tins with your favorites spices. Get a travel spice rack, use empty Tic Tac containers, or add a bottle of your favorite spice blend to your pack list.
Bring Ear Plugs
Not every campground is quiet. Late night campfire parties, snoring, crying babies – these things happen. Hopefully you won’t need them, but there will be times when you wil be glad you packed them.
Load the Car Smartly
When you get to the campsite, the last thing you want to do is take everything out to get to the camp chairs. You’ll set up your tent and camp kitchen first, so pack those on top. After that think about what you’ll want next. I generally pack food and clothes so they are accessible once the kitchen and tent are out.
What makes camping easier for you? Leave your tips in the comments!
