Why do you go camping?
By arkaf61
@arkaf61 (10881)
Canada
April 22, 2007 1:49am CST
Some time ago, people used to go camping because they enjoyed it. They like to be close to the nature and to experience a different kind of life.
Slowly that changed. People discovered that camping was less expensive than staying at an hotel and that they could still afford to go to certain places if they slept in a tent rather than in an hotel room. Campgrounds started opening in areas that were interesting tourist places, close to beaches and special attractions.
People started camping because it was cheaper and it allowed them to have a vacation at a lower price. It doesn't mean that they really enjoyed camping, only that it was a less expensive alternative to a vacation on their favorite spot.
Many of these campers know little about camping and treat their campsite and the nature around them with less respect than what it deserves. The old campers motto " take only pictures, leave only footprints" is something that is overlooked while they litter campsites and hiking trails, cut branches from healthy trees, and feed animals because they think they're cute.
What kind of camper are you? DO you respect the nature and do your best not to disturb it? DO you go camping because you enjoy it or because it's just cheaper than an hotel? Or you don't like camping at all?
What do you do when you're camping? Do you like to go canoing or hiking? Or do you just sit in your RV and watch tv/videos?
12 people like this
20 responses
@kitkat1 (1227)
• Canada
23 Apr 07
I love camping for several reasons. It is great quality time for the family and the kids can learn so much and have fun doing it. Learning how to cook outside and going swimming walking in the woods and watching the animals. We enjoy spending time around the fire talking and telling stories and singing. I like to go camping just to disconnect with all the stresses in life to just get away. I find it so relaxing and worry free. Also the activities involved in camping get the whole family physical and that helps with fitness which is very important to me too.
2 people like this
@kathy77 (7486)
• Australia
23 Apr 07
Yes you are right a lot of people used to go camping due they enjoyed being amoungst nature, yes it is sad to say that it did change. It still is a lot cheaper to rent today than what it does to stay in a hotel. We had camping grounds near where I lived as a child and I do understand that a lot of people did not treat the area respectfully but due to this I learnt a lot and would prefer to go camping and using the facilities in a respect manner. When we go camping we go near the water as we also love to go fishing at the same time.
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
23 Apr 07
A couple of our friends really like to go fishing. We go with them sometimes, but I must confess fisherman we aren't LOL I think I enjoy it more than hubby but I"m not that lucky.
HUbby on the other hand, says he doesn't really like it, but ends up catching fish even when he fell asleep with the fishing rod in his hand hehehe
1 person likes this
@poppoppop111 (5731)
• Canada
22 Apr 07
i go camping just cause i love it. i love sleeping in a tent and sitting around the campfire. i love my food cooked over the fire. it's a fun summer treat to go out camping. and if i stay at a campsite i love the activities they have for kids.
2 people like this
@maildumpster (3815)
• United States
23 Apr 07
Last year we went camping as a family for the first time. My girls had done so as Girl Scouts and hubby had done it as a child and teen. It was my first time.
We went tent camping at a site. To tell the truth it was the first time we were able to afford a vacation and if it wasn't for camping we couldn't have done so.
We are going again this year to a different site. As far as what type we are... we are very respectful of nature and so do our best to take care of it. As far as what we do ... last year we were in New Hampshire so we took in some sites. This year we are going to Kentucky and we may do some canoeing and such in addition to checking out some sites.
2 people like this
@lightningMD (5931)
• United States
22 Apr 07
I've went camping my entire life. When I was kid with my parents To now with mu husband and kids. I've camped in tents campers and motor homes. I love to camp I love being outside. I tell my daughter take only memories leave onlt footprints. I used to be an avid backpacker. Still own the equipment but havent done it in awhile. We always leave our campsight in as good of shape as when we found it or better. I love canoeing. The only time we watch movies at camp is when we let our daughter pop one in so we can stay in bed alone for alittle extra time in the mornings.Helps cover up the bedroom noises.
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
23 Apr 07
I know what you mean. I used to backpack a lot when I was back home more than in here.
My kids love canoing and they don't even complain about portages:)
LOL I like your good use of movies in the campsite :):)
We have a portable dvd that we take on trips. The kids use it in the car so we don't have to hear hours or " are we there yet" and we sometimes watch movies inside the tend all snuggled up:)
1 person likes this
@taymouse (585)
• United States
23 Apr 07
My family is huge on hiking and camping. To be honest, I get sick of going ALL THE TIME (they want to do it at least every other day). My family likes to go because it's good exercise, it's always beautiful hiking on the trails and up the mountains and to the waterfalls, etc.
We always treat nature with respect. When we go camping/hiking, we try to pack appropriately. We mix our meal together in a bag so all we have to do is dump it in our pot when we cook. We never leave trash behind, and of course we don't bother the wildlife animals.
Like I said, I get tired of going all the time, but I still like to go, just not as much as other members in my family. When we go, sometimes we just do dayhikes and hike during the day, but sometimes we'll hike, then camp that night as well.
2 people like this
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
23 Apr 07
I can understand your feelings. I'm back to what I say all the time: balance in everything :)
There was a time where I wouldn't want to hear about anything else other than camping. Nowadays I appreciate a nice quiet hotel too , one where I don't have to do as much as I do when camping.
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
22 Apr 07
I have to be honest with you Sweetie I am not a Camper I am not to keen on it at all
I do like my Comforts lol like the Shower in private and that is not shared, a nice comfortable bed, decent Food not Camp food, warmth in a nice cosy Bed and comfortable Chairs to sit in lol
So I would be no use as a Camper at all
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
23 Apr 07
LOL gabs, a lot of people are not camper material, you're not the only one. And I must admit that as I get older, some comforts seem to appeal to me more and more :)
THe only thing is that I will rarely find the view and the nature living in hotels.
On the other hand, I am very good at making close to "gourmet" food with a camp stove so maybe you would have a good time visiting :):):)
I actually met a few people that - incredibly - never went camping before. A couple in special came with us last summer and they ended up enjoying it too. They didn't realize that nowadays you don't have to completely sacrifice comfort to go camping.
ANyway gabs, what about each one of us goes halfway and we meet in the middle in a nice cabin in the woods? LOL
@tammyr (5946)
• Etowah, Tennessee
22 Apr 07
When we go camping, we go camping. The reason we go is to get out in the woods. I do not go to a camp ground with all the amenities unless we are with the Girl Scouts, and then we are only near enough to walk over to the bathrooms, with showers and coke machines.
I would rather go to the primitive campgrounds and do with out all the skunks at the other one. I have to be more careful of bears, but I know how to do that and The skunks come whether or not you have food.
We camp beside the creek, in a tent. we build a fire and cook on it and then roast marshmallows and sit around the fire. A lot of our time is spent getting stuff ready when we first get there. We bring some big wood but we must collect twigs and small pieces to get it started and keep the big wood going.
When we leave the area, it is cleaner than when we got there. I have cleaned up bags full of trash that others have left and there is a bear proof trash receptacle near every camp area.
I hate to see what people can do to the area with their waste. I wish every one would not litter and do their part to help keep Earth clean.
2 people like this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
22 Apr 07
My partner and I go camping quite frequently, mainly because it gives us the freedom to go where we please on a minimal budget. However, we get very cross with the idiots who litter up the countryside, and pollute the land. When we go camping I always make sure that we take all the rubbish back with us to get rid of in the right way, unlike so many of the "new" campers who simply don't bother.
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
23 Apr 07
That's the idea. It really bothers me to look around to all the garbage that shouldn't be there.
We can visit wonderful places without disturbing them.
Camping is a cheaper alternative but it needs to be respected and it's good to know that most people here in myLOt really understand this.
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
22 Apr 07
I live WITH nature not against it. My whole life's pretty much dedicated to helping our planet and anything on it that needs help. It'd kinda be hypocritical for me to hurt things whilst camping.
I do respect nature as much as I love it..and I wish I could go camping more often.
2 people like this
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
22 Apr 07
I like the concept of living with nature, not against it.
I think the main problem is that a lot of people were drawn to camping because of the cheaper prices and have no idea of what they should be doing. They treat the campground as they would their hotel room, waiting for the cleaning staff to come and clean up behind them.
As someone else pointed out as well, many of them don't respect other campers and make noise invade sites and do a number of things that doesn't really belong in a campground.
My parents used to go camping with me when I was young at a time where camping was not yet fashionable. They did it because they enjoyed it. At that time people weren't called campers but "caminheiros" ( translation can be literal meaning walkers or to use the meaning more than language, it used to mean nature lovers).
Camping equipment was minimal and disturbing the grounds more than needed was frowned upon.
It was with my parents that I learned to love camping and I learned it before it became a highly commercialized thing, at least back home.
Every once in a while I like to go to a nice hotel but I really enjoy camping more than anything.
@easy888 (10405)
• Australia
22 Apr 07
Hello,arkaf,when I was studying high school, I like to go camping in the countryside,there are some camping sites in my country. I like camping because I like the nature, I feel refresh when i see alot of tress and blue sky. WHen I was camping, I would have barbaque party with my friends and stay in the camps and chat for the whole night.
Of course I would respect the nature and not disturb them, I would like the natural environment to exist forever.
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
22 Apr 07
We go camping to get away from the normal routine of things. We love to see the beauty of our own 'backyard'. It's a great inexpensive way to spend a relaxed weekend. We always leave things better, or at least try to, than the way it was when we arrived.
Those who don't don't realize what they are doing to our country.
@palonghorn (5479)
• United States
22 Apr 07
We go camping because we enjoy it, no phones, no tv's, etc. We always check our campsite after packing up (we tent camp) to make sure we have not left anything behind, including any trash. We have camped on trips too, but not because it was cheaper than a hotel, because we like it. We usually have our dog with us, so we love to go hiking with her. We usually spend time at the pool, if there is one, and we always take a book along to just relax and get in some reading. As for your remark about campers that really don't like it and don't treat their campsite or nature with respect.....there are some who don't have a clue about respecting other campers, such as loud radioes, yelling, hello?!!!! we campers like it because it's quiet and away from everyday rush of things.
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
22 Apr 07
Yes, that's exactly how I see camping - although sometimes for longer camping trips I do allow some of the media that I don't in smaller trips.
Like you we always make sure that we live the campsite in the same conditions we found it or even better. The kids job is to go around the campsite and to pick up this and that that doesn't belong there.
We usually take our dogs too, and we make sure that we do exactly the same thing we don in the city - pick up after them - a few years back we were in this beautiful campsite. I was coming back to our tent one morning when I saw this group of people with some dogs coming along. The dogs were not leashed - which I will let pass - and went about their bodily functions just beside my tent. I waited a bit hoping that they would go to pick it up, but they just passed by and behind was left the present from one of their dogs, just beside the place where I was sleeping!
I completely agree with you about loud radios and loud talking, specially after quiet time. Most campgrounds have their rules and quiet time is usually one of them after a certain hour. I don't mind hearing people talking normally , after all we stay up late too most of the times, but excessive noise is not welcome.
Here in Canada we have certain campgrounds that are completely radio free, and I've been in some of them. Quite an interesting concept.
We also use the pool when there's one, but we usually camp beside lakes so we can use them even if there is no pool.
@aristia (79)
• Indonesia
22 Apr 07
Id like "Camping"...
Because i can learn how lo live in wildest and natural area...
So, when we are had any disaster and we can't find any food in "Refigerators, Nearest Store, SuperMarket and any others" we can get food from Nature...
So I think Not "Bad" to go "Camping"...
2 people like this
@dixielol (1579)
• United States
25 Apr 07
We camp 2 times a month during the summer. My 2 yr old niece loves it. We do it because we like too. WE dont camp on the beach or at camp grounds. We camp in the middle of the woods. We camp at Rocky Creek or Mudd River. Either way there is nothin around for miles & miles. To me camping & vacation are 2 completely differant things. When we go on vacation, we go to a populer (that means crowded) place & stay in a hotel. Vacation is about bein comy & haveing fun. Camping, we go to the middler of no were were no one is around for abou 20+ miles in either direction. Campin, for us, is about bein in the middle of the woods & just kickin back with friends. WE camp were we can fish all night long. So we just start our fire, fish all night. Roast marshmellows & hot dogs over our fire & stay up all night just talking. I try not to leave much behind. one of my friends that goes with us is bad about throwing his trash on the ground. He also has ADHD so is pretty hyper at times. If the fish arent biting & whatever the rest of us are chating about is of no interest to him, he gets up & wonders around, braking down trees & things. I always have to clean up after him before we go home.
@kelly60 (4547)
• United States
24 Apr 07
When I was younger, my friends and I went camping for most of the summer. I still make sure I one good weekend camping trip each summer, but that usually ends up being about all I get.
We always take the tent, and always make sure that we double check to make sure that nothing gets left behind when we are done. It really bothers me when I see other campers destroying nature, and I often end up cleaning up after them in addition to cleaning up after us.
@twils2 (1812)
• United States
23 Apr 07
I go camping because I love camping. I dont go as much as I used to because the last time I went camping, I had to drag my wife kicking and screaming. She really dosnt care for camping and said that the next time she goes, We need an rv. She has arthritus so I dont blame her. And when I do go camping, I do respect nature. Personally I wouldnt consider sitting in a rv watching videos camping. Take care!!
@crackhead (1826)
• India
25 Apr 07
I guess i never go out camping, cause of the heavy schedules and busy work i don't get much of the time to go out and enjoy. Once when i was in school i went out camping with my classmates. We enjoyed a lot, it was cheaper as well as fun and we had our own options.
@sudeshna22 (390)
• India
24 Apr 07
I have never went into camping. I liked the way you described the camping. I feel it is really a very enjoyable journey if I stay in camps. I really love the nature and feel comfortable to live in natural environment. I never like to hurt or damage a good natural environemt. I think people who do it should be banned from going into camps, by the concerned authority of that place. Othrwise by these people the nature will suffer a lot and real camp lovers will also miss the serenity of a natural site.
1 person likes this
@rodeotexas (1153)
• United States
25 Apr 07
We go camping because we enjoy it. It is relaxing and fun. We respect the campsite and the nature around it. I don't do it because it's less expensive but instead because it's fun and a different way to bond. I can deal with the hiking but I'm afraid o go canoing.
