Nature And Stuff: 9 Reasons To Prioritize A Camping Trip This Summer
With the arrival of summer comes a growing desire to get away, jump in the car, roll the windows down, turn the music up and drive until we reach the shoreline.
With the beautiful, warm weather and longer, breezy nights, it’s the best time of year to absorb the sunlight or sit under the silver dollar moon.
But, with the rush to get away also comes the visions of beaches and tropical sand.
And, while the salty waves and caramel boardwalk popcorn always make for a pleasant trip, there’s another way to leave your nine-to-five behind and reconnect with yourself and others while enjoying nature’s finest.
Once in a while, instead of reaching for your bathing suit and the sunscreen, grab a tent, a pair of sneakers and a bag of marshmallows.
Camping is the perfect summer getaway you need, and here are nine reasons why:
1. You Feel Far Away From The Rest Of The World
Leave the city lights and honking horns behind. When you hit the woods, whether it’s an hour or five hours away, you’ll get the distance you need from the fast-paced suburban and city life.
The everyday demands of work, cleaning and errands is far, far away, and it’s just you and nature.
Once you immerse yourself in the world of emerald trees and babbling brooks, you’ll be able to take a deep breath, exhaling all your daily worries and sending them far away.
2. The Simplicity And Peacefulness
In the mountains, you get back to the basics. Whether it’s pitching a tent or collecting sticks to start a fire, getting your hands a little dirty is good for you.
You get to enjoy little successes of reaching a mountain’s peak or getting that first spark ignited. There’s also a certain peacefulness that comes along with it.
There are no crowds or lines, and the only noises you’ll hear are the chirping birds and the rustling of tree branches.
3. It Warrants A Break From Electronics
While you might be able to bring that mobile charger along for the trip, finding a cell signal in the mountains is sometimes difficult. And that’s okay!
When you’re forced to put your phone down, it gets your focus off of the screen and on the people and sights around you.
There’s no email checking, Instagram posting or Twitter updating.
It allows you to stop worrying about what others are doing and really getting the most out of your experience.
4. You Can Reconnect With Nature
One of the best parts of camping is all the amazing views around you.
Whether it’s waking up to catch a cool, morning sunrise or watching the red and orange shades fade over the mountain in a sunset, it will take your breath away.
Sometimes, we just have to take a moment to look at the world around us in order to remember how truly amazing and awe-inspiring it is.
5. There Are Endless Outdoor Activities
After you’ve sipped your morning coffee and thrown your sneakers on, you’ll find there are endless trails to explore and mountains to hike.
And, if you’re by the water, canoeing, kayaking and fishing will keep you on the lake all afternoon.
Whether you’re an extreme hiker ready to take on a steep mountain or you just want enjoy a leisurely stroll along a slow-flowing creek, there are always places to explore that will fit your speed and interest.
6. You Bond With People On A Deeper Level
With the electronics put away and only the company of each other to stay entertained, you connect on a deeper level with your companions.
You are able to work together, explore together and relax together. You share breathtaking sights and special moments that will turn into lasting memories.
7. The Snap And Crackle Of A Good Bonfire
When you pull up your chairs around the fire after a long day and feel the warmth of the flames on your face, you can finally unwind and transition into the night.
Not to mention, anything cooked over the fire always tastes better. And then, of course, there are s’mores.
Need I say more? Sitting around, enjoying some fire-cooked food and good conversation beats sitting with your face in your phone any day.
8. The Feeling of Being Physically Tired After A Long Day
There are few feelings better than climbing into bed when your body is physically tired from a hectic day. After a day in the mountains, you’ll have that feeling when you lay down in your sleeping bag or your camper.
With a cool wind blowing and crickets humming outside, you’ll doze off in no time. And with a good night's sleep, you’ll be ready for tomorrow’s adventures.
9. You Gain A New Appreciation For Everything You Have
While it’s nice to rough it for a few days, you’ll definitely miss the necessities of home you normally take for granted: the microwave, your hair dryer, and a comfy couch.
Camping gives you a taste of a different lifestyle — one without many touches of modernity. So, when you return home, you’ll appreciate all the things you have that make everyday life easier.
Camping will renew your perspective on how lucky you are to have roof over your head, a fridge full of food and a big, fluffy bed.
If you’ve never been camping, or you've forgotten the charm of the mountains, make time this summer to get away and enjoy all nature has to offer.
Challenge yourself on a hike, go fishing for the first time, or try making breakfast over the campfire. The more we try new things and challenge our abilities, the more we learn about ourselves.
It’s time to hit the mountains and take on an adventure that will leave you physically, emotionally and spiritually reinvigorated.
