Destination Nature

A camping vacation is much like any other vacation. The goals are the same, you want to both relax and try something new together, usually at a beautiful destination. So why is it that people are more likely to envision a trip to the beach or a vacation that requires significant travel time and planning over a camping trip? Maybe it is because the vast variety of camping styles and gear create confusion when it comes to trying out a camping vacation? If you could add length and considerable quality to your vacation by trying a camping trip would you give it a try?
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A number of people concede that camping just isn't for them, and maybe it isn't but have they given it a chance? For most people the answer is no and that's okay. For some, there might be a looming shadow from a botched camping experience in the past, but don't let that single experience define your idea of what camping is! I think it's time to give it another try. A lot has changed in the world of camping. It's not all national parks and major campgrounds. More and more private campsites and local campgrounds are opening their doors and expanding their repertoire. That means you don't even have to travel far. You can explore local and learn a plethora of new, interesting things! Camp culture is rapidly expanding as people are seeking experiences and lasting memories that challenge the traditional ideas that once defined a camping trip. Get off the beaten path!

When it comes to camping everyone has their own style. That means companies are competing for your money and attention when it comes to camping gear. This is both great news and bad news. Campers generally benefit when companies compete to make their gear the best. Everyone likes to find some new, useful piece of gear they can add to their pack but first time campers get lost in the confusion. It is hard to decide what you need to start camping, with such a variety of options it is easy to be overwhelmed. A frustrating start. We believe this is where the notion that you need a ton of gear to go camping comes from. The idea you need a ton of brand spanking new specialty gear is a trick! An illusion created by clever marketing. I mean who doesn't want to feel well prepared? The thing is, with just a few basic items you can successfully go camping and have a ton of fun too. It is easy to forget, after a few camping trips, just how unsure you were when you started.
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Some of our first camping trips were pretty basic. Our gear consisted of; tents, sleeping bags, clothes, some toiletries, cooler full of food, cases of water and soda, a first aid kit, a lighter, some fishing gear, phone, a power bank, a book, a flashlight and a lantern. Just the very basics. Once we got out there the first few times we learned pretty quickly. We spend a little extra time preparing food at home and it really pays off. It didn't take long to figure out for us, food is a big part of camping and in that area we splurge on big luxuries, like a propane deep fryer and griddle. One time we brought a smoker along and a generator just to run it, not even joking! Another shocker, we spend ZERO time in the tent aside from sleeping! Who would have thought? Instead we now prefer to hang from the trees in hammocks to nap, the point of being in nature is to break free from the four walls! We have upgraded to keeping a collapsible table in our tent and an air mattress with foam floor tiles underneath it. Seems like we don't compromise on our sleep too much either, but that's just us. We certainly keep the bug spray, flash lights and lanterns around. Although the lanterns now are mostly solar and the flash lights are smaller but brighter! Not too different then stuffing the car for the beach.​

Most of our camping trips now are centered around our favorite activities and hobbies. Now we bring boats, kayaks, paddle boards, specialty fishing gear and outdoor games. We spend the whole trip engulfed in a family adventure. When we aren't on the water, you can find us on the trail. Adventure isn't just at the ocean. Some of our trips are all about relaxing and reconnecting with nature. Since our first camping trips, we have tried quite a few different types of camping and we have splurged on some specialty gear. You have to ask yourself, "What do I want out of my camping trip?" and grow from there. We have gotten some of our favorite gear used or deeply discounted. We like to window shop at the major stores but we are very selective when purchasing brand new gear. That's because less is more. 

The reason we keep on choosing to go on camping vacations over more traditional vacations is what we take away from each camping trip. We go on vacation to relax and recharge. However on most traditional vacations a lot of time is lost in travel and we found we were just doing the same old song and dance in a different location! You know what I mean, come home from vacation feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation. Camping left us feeling fulfilled, that our time was well spent and it kept us wanting more. We explore what's local and we haven't even scratched the surface yet!  We vacation for the destination and people, to us camping is the best of that. Our destination is nature. ​