Warmer weather has finally arrived and we’re anxious to get outside and enjoy it. Of all the ways to get out there, from amusement parks to zip lining, camping is our favorite way to experience the season. And it isn’t just fun, it’s good for you, too. Whether you’re spending quality time with others or unplugging from technology for a little while, camping offers several benefits. Here are just a few reasons why you should plan a trip this season.
Explore nature
Make time to take in all the beauty of nature that surrounds us. You’ll be left staring in awe at sights like the gorgeous colors of the Grand Canyon, the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, star-filled skies over Arches National Park, and other natural wonders. There are more than 130 national parks and over 10,000 campsites in the United States, so there will always be somewhere new waiting to be explored. Beaches, deserts, mountains, woods, and hundreds of places in between are yours to explore when you’re camping. Get away for a weekend or plan a longer road trip and make memories along the way.
Improve your health
Numerous studies show that passing time outside can improve overall health. Just breathing in oxygen-rich fresh air can provide relief from daily stress. Activities like biking, hiking, and swimming are all great ways to release those endorphins.
Even walking around the campground and setting up your tent or RV helps burn calories. There’s also proof that sleeping under the stars and waking up to a sunrise can help reset the body’s circadian rhythms so you sleep better and wake up more refreshed.
Connect with others
Making memories together is the foundation for life-long relationships. Use camping trips to get closer to your significant other or family. Take turns telling stories around a campfire. Watch the sunset together. Every moment shared is one to be treasured later.
Pack up the whole family for a spring break camping trip. Or send the kids to visit grandpa and grandma in their RV for a couple weeks in the summer. Whatever your camping style, there are many ways to share the outdoor experience with others.
Unplug from technology
Most of us don’t realize how much time we spend on our phones, tablets, and other digital devices. Camping is the perfect time to take a digital detox.
You might be surprised how much calmer and happier you feel without the constant distraction of technology. Bring along a book to read or a journal to write in for some screen-free relaxation between your outdoor adventures.
Travel more affordably
Camping is one of the most affordable ways to travel. Daily rates for most campsites are a fraction of the cost of a hotel room. It’s easy to find an RV that suits your needs, whether you are in the market to buy or rent. Visit GoRVing.com/where-to-find to search for RV dealers, rentals, and more.
There are numerous lightweight towable units available that can be towed behind compact SUVs, and motorized RVs are becoming more fuel-efficient to help stretch those dollars. Plus, with a kitchen at your disposal, you can make healthy, inexpensive meals wherever you go.
Bring the whole family along
RV camping is one of the best kid- and pet-friendly ways to travel. Lots of campgrounds have playgrounds and amenities just for little ones.
The kids can have their own bunk beds in an RV, and ordinary tasks like making dinner become a family-activity around a campfire. You can even bring your furry best friend along for adventures. Many RV models include features to make traveling with pets easier – like leash hooks, pet beds, and dedicated drawers for food and water dishes.
Create your own tradition
Camping is a tradition that can be passed down from generation to generation. Both my husband and I grew up camping with our families. His grandparents owned a travel trailer RV, and they would spend summers together at the beach. My family had a pop-up camper that we towed behind our mini-van and used for trips to the Ozarks and other Midwest vacation spots.
We fondly recall those childhood memories and that’s one reason we’re planning to purchase an RV when we start a family. We hope to share that tradition with our children.
Pack your sleeping bags and go
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure and experience the benefits of camping for yourself. Start by researching the location of parks you’d like to visit. The National Park Service (www.nps.gov) and GoRVing.com offer plenty of advice for campers. And don’t forget to bookmark www.GeneralRV.com/blog for destination ideas, helpful tips, easy recipes, and more. Happy camping!
The Benefits of Camping
