Why we camp

We started camping as a family many, many moons. We were invited by friends, had not a single item of camping gear, and not a real clue about the whole camping caper.

Safe to say, it was love at first camp, (even if it did involve wet mattresses drying out in front of a smokey fire) and we have been partaking in this most rewarding activity ever since.

The way we camp has evolved over the years, we’ve gone from borrowed tent, to our own tent (make that tents with an s! There's been a few), to a camper trailer, to swags, to now a more ‘glamp’ style set-up in our very own caravan (we still feel a bit fancy in our van and pinch ourselves every time we use it). The swags still get some use when we feel like roughing it a bit…..which is getting less and less now, dare I say it, as we get older.

So what is it about camping that has us going back for more again, and again you ask? Well maybe you weren’t going to ask, but this is my blog and I’m telling you anyway. So whether you’re a seasoned camper in which case some of these may ring true for you too, or maybe you’ve never been and this may just inspire you to do so, this blog is an insight into why camping is our top way to holiday. If you don’t like camping, look away now.

Exploring new places

I’m not sure we’d of discovered the places we have had it not been for camping. More often than not we seek out the more ‘off the beaten track’ camp spots, and there are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered through this exploratory style camping. Pristine beaches (um, hello most Aussie beaches are I’m proud to say!), stunning and abundant river systems, cascading waterfalls, we’ve seen plenty, and plan to see many more. I should mention, most of our camp trips involve water. My husband needs to fish, and I like to dabble in SUP boarding, so it’s a happy compromise. Just don’t mention the last trip we did lugging my SUP board throughout much of Victoria and a little of South Australia and not using it once...it was freaking cold alright!?

Getting up close with nature

(cliché but true)

On our most recent glamp adventure, we stopped in at one of our favourite old school caravan parks right by a lake and a stones throw to the ocean. It was a long weekend so we opted for somewhere relatively close to home. We booked an unpowered site, chucked some provisions in the van and away we went. Waking up, unzipping the canvas on the van and looking directly out at the lake whilst enjoying my morning cuppa seriously gave me all the warm and fuzzies. Being able to throw on some camp clothes (which let’s face it, have probably be worn more than twice) and head out on a bush walk, or grab some rod’s and go for a fish, immersing yourself in nature is the best mood booster that I know of (okay, I can think of one other wink, wink. I can hear my kids cringing). I love finding bush walking tracks with epic look outs, refreshing swim spots or just chilling at camp taking in natures sights and sounds. Even on the shittier days, lighting a camp fire or snuggling up in the van or swag has it’s merits too.

Connections with family and friends

Friends introduced us to camping, now we often (not always) camp with new friends and our families, or friends that are practically family. You get my drift. There’s a certain kind of closeness that occurs when peeps are huddled around a camp fire, sharing a few drinks and bullshitting. Old school games like UNO appear (and newer ones like Cards Against Humanity for when the little kids are in bed), sometimes instruments and voices resurface and much discussion is had about what our next meal will consist of. Cause boy can we eat when we camp! The distraction from everyday life is quietened and that makes connecting with loved ones much easier.

Living with less

When you camp (or glamp) you tend to strip your necessities down to the bare minimum, maybe it has a lot to do with all the camp equipment one needs, but you really do realise you can live without your hair straightener, laptop and dare I say it mobile phone. Unless it doubles as a camera like mine, in which case I retract that controversial statement. I pack minimal clothing, minimal crockery, cutlery, toiletries, all that jazz. You just don’t need the choice, and the less you pack, the less work unpacking when you get home. My point is, we can live with a lot less than we think we can, and camping is a perfect example of that.

The camp bubble

I often feel as though I’m in bubble when I camp, which I’ve aptly named the ‘camp bubble’, clever hey? The outside world somehow ceases to exist and we are just present in this happy, relaxed state for a period of time. Tuckered up at night in the van or swag with nothing but the sound of nature and the odd yahoo from other campers (all part of the fun right?), my worries seem to drop away and I can really tune into the experience and just be. There's not many other activities that can give you the camp bubble feels.

How's the serenity?

And that’s a wrap. Look, camping or glamping aint all sunshine, roses and lollipops (there's dirty feet in beds, melting ice in eskies, sunburn and mozzie bites too), but it sure is my kinda holiday. Near, far, a bit fancy or roughing it, each has it’s benefits and drawbacks. Anyway you look at it, a break that involves nature, human connection, simplifying and forgetting about the day-to-day grind for a little while is priceless in my book. I hope you find time to get out there and camp this coming summer if you’re in the southern hemisphere, for the northerners, start planning now. Happy camping!

Peace out homies.

xx Kara