CAMPING do you love it ... convince me About This Page:

[5SOXFNZ]

I am a total city girl and thought I would NEVER go camping but DH and I have gone tent camping at least once a year with the kids and I love it! We usually camp at a family campground whish has sites with water (nothing more than a spigot) and electricity (I can charge my cell phone!!). They also usually have a camp store and a pool in the common area. We use a blow up mattress now, although for years we had none. We usually camp in an area that has touristy things to do (White Mountains here in New Hampshire)so during the day, i we want, we can go into town or just hang out at the campground. We've never gone for more then 3 nights but I have survived!!
i particually enjoy the evenings around the campfire with nothing to do but talk and watch the logs crackle! It's peaceful!

And, don't get me wrong, I enjoy a nice ole resort with room service too, but if camping was the only vacation I could get, I would go!!

[wyomom]

Originally Posted by 5SOXFNZ

I am a total city girl and thought I would NEVER go camping but DH and I have gone tent camping at least once a year with the kids and I love it! We usually camp at a family campground whish has sites with water (nothing more than a spigot) and electricity (I can charge my cell phone!!). They also usually have a camp store and a pool in the common area. We use a blow up mattress now, although for years we had none. We usually camp in an area that has touristy things to do (White Mountains here in New Hampshire)so during the day, i we want, we can go into town or just hang out at the campground. We've never gone for more then 3 nights but I have survived!!
i particually enjoy the evenings around the campfire with nothing to do but talk and watch the logs crackle! It's peaceful!

And, don't get me wrong, I enjoy a nice ole resort with room service too, but if camping was the only vacation I could get, I would go!!

Man o man, I was beginning to think I'm the only one who likes to camp!
Yes, a resort, soft bed, long hot showers and room service are always on the top of my list, but when there is so much beautiful country to explore, one has to put on their big girl panties and do it!

[HollyH]

Originally Posted by wyomom

Man o man, I was beginning to think I'm the only one who likes to camp!

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I actually like camping, but I see camping as part of a whole outdoor/nature experience not just as a place to stay to save $. I've been tent camping many times, but it isn't for everybody. To the OP, I agree that you should give it a try on a short trip (especially if you already have most of the gear). Who knows, you may love it!

[bcuinohio]

Anything less that a three diamond AAA rated hotel is camping to me, LOL.

[Colexis Mom]

Originally Posted by Gin7274

Sorry, can't help you there, my idea of camping is a Holiday Inn.

[SarahJ]

I love camping! My parents took my brother and I camping a lot when we were kids. We did tent camping then moved up to a tent trailer and then a 26 foot sailboat which was basically camping on the water.

DH and I tent camped when it was just the two of us and the dog. Then we purchased a truck camper which we used for a few years and now we've stepped up to an older motorhome. I liked tent camping a lot, but now that we have the three girls the convenience of the motorhome is great. For the last couple years, camping has been our one big vacation. In fact, we're looking at trading in our old motorhome for a brand new one in the next 1-2 years that will better fit our space needs.

[katydid]

Camping in a zip-up dome type tent with good screens is a great way to get away from the bugs and small animals. A pair of sleeping bags that zip together to make a cozy nest for two can be romantic and comfortable. Cooking outdoors involves minimal clean-up and can be delicious. Give it a chance and see if you don't fall in love with the beauty and tranquility of nature.

If you can't find a place with clean and comfortable showerhouses you are not looking in the right places.

Start with a short trip and see if you can't love roughing it just as much as being pampered. My family loves both! Don't give up on something you have never tried. If you have someone to show you the ropes (and who wants to share his love of the out of doors) one or two trips won't kill you - and you may find something new to love. Low cost is just an added bonus.

[Clare loves Stitch]

Well im going to look at tents today to see what kind of thing we would be looking at.

[KathyL]

Just make sure that your tent is big enough that you have room for yourselves to comfortably spread out (if you use inflatable mattresses, they take up a good amount of room) and for your stuff. A tent with a middle that is big enough to stand in is nice too. Good Luck.

[HollyH]

Originally Posted by KathyL

Just make sure that your tent is big enough that you have room for yourselves to comfortably spread out (if you use inflatable mattresses, they take up a good amount of room) and for your stuff. A tent with a middle that is big enough to stand in is nice too. Good Luck.

The tent can make or break a camping trip. A tent with enough room is very important. Don't be fooled by the "2 man", "4 man" labels. That # just means the number of sleeping bags you can fit on the floor, and they don't allow for much room between the sleeping bags. For 2 people, I wouldn't go with less than a 4 or 6 person tent. And do get one you can stand up in if at all possible. It's hard to get dressed/undressed otherwise.

edited to add: A 6 person tent is still pretty small. If you are going for more than a weekend, I would suggest an 8 or 10 person tent or larger. Also, don't forget to get some type of tarp so you will have a covered area outside your tent. We use a pop up canopy to go over our table and stove area. Then if it rains, you can still cook and eat somewhat out of the weather.

[Tigger71]

I love camping but the closest my kids will get to it is the playing in the backyard with all my gear from my teenage years...DH will NOT ever, ever "do" camping. He would rather not have a vacation at all. My only advice is to research where you are going and if there will be any animals around - I once woke up to wild brumbies outside my tent and have often woken to find our food tent raided by critters of the night. Oh and buy waterproof matches - even if you keep them for spares...you have been warned!
Have a lovely time - you might even find yourself wanting to stay at Fort Wilderness campgrounds next WDW visit.

[Happymommy]

Originally Posted by KathyL

Camping isn't really all that bad. Go to your bookstore (or library) and buy a guide that lists all the campgrounds in your area. Research the campgrounds, look them up online etc. Usually the guides will give the campground a rating. Go with the campgrounds with a higher rating unless they come highly recommended from a friend.

I also suggest a big camping guide. The closest I've come to camping is in a pop-up camper. But, that's the only vacation I had growing up. We camped everywhere, through Canada, all of New England, From Philadelphia to Florida, and from Philly to California (including many national parks). Disney has the absolutely nicest campground. I do remember our trip to California--- my mom had her big campground guide, and it really helped us find places to stay. Definitely get a good guide!!!!!

My first time camping in a real tent was for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life last summer. It poured all night, but we did still manage to have fun!

[joker365]

Oh I tell you what, camping is awesome! You get a break from the rest of the world and you can sit there, fish ride around the campground, sit around the campfire. Oh man its just tops.

[chezp]

How interesting to read such varied thoughts from everyone - and I'm glad I'm not alone. I really have no interest in camping at all, definitely too much like roughing it for me and the insects would no doubt have a field day with me!

[Clare loves Stitch]

we had a look and this one seems like a good option .... what do you think?? SunnCamp Kashmir 400 Tent