How to Be a Happy Camper
During this road trip, we’ve lucked out – so far – with top-notch campsites. While we’re not doing any backcountry camping this time around (that will come later in the summer), We’ve snagged some fantastic car camping sites that have been almost as ideal.
Are you thinking about getting back to nature with a camping adventure this summer? We say do it!
We hear from a lot of people who resist camping because of horrible past experiences. The campground and campsite you select can make a world of difference. Here’s what we look for when making the big “where should we pitch a tent” decision.
View
Few things are better than a campsite with a view. If it’s really good, you’ll even be distracted while you are eating your morning oatmeal. Can you even believe that view?
Space
Being away from other campers is key. Look for sites with room and a sense of space. This is most easily achieved if you stay focused on “primitive” sites that provide fewer amenities. Who needs a shower if it means you don’t have to deal with crazy neighbors 12 feet away?
Trees
Trees are a wonderful addition to any campsite. They provide privacy and block noise from other campers and nearby roads. Plus, trees do a lot to add to the serene vibe.
Fire
Talk about a vibe enhancer. Make sure to secure a site that allows you to build a campfire. This fire kept us from some potential problems in below freezing weather while in Aspen. Too bad we couldn’t have one in the tent!
Water
Getting a site near water is a big bonus. Nothing beats the sound of flowing water when you are trying to sleep. And, since the really great camping areas have no showers, it doesn’t hurt to have some water to splash on.
Oftentimes, you can search out pictures of campsites online. Take the time to do your research. As you can see from the pictures above, it is well worth it.
Get planning!
Is that first photo real?! It looks super-imposed! Just saying guys, don’t take offense haha!
Glad to see you’re still happy campers. There’s a pun in there somewhere.
Yes, it is real! But looking at it, it does look pieced together. How’s the camping over in Korea?
Love this happy camper post! I think avoiding crazies and having peace and quiet are so key to enjoying your time camping. We’ve never done that in the US before…maybe next year!
I think you 2 would enjoy it. And if you can avoid annoying neighbors all the better. We don’t always get so lucky, but we’ve done pretty well this time around.
You must have had such a great time there! Camping is really fun, we used to camp every summer with my family when I was a child. I wish I could do it again instead of hanging out in hotel foyers…
Camping makes us appreciate hotels even more. We like the extremes.
Nice pics! Same tips apply for camping in Europe, should you ever decide on a road trip here..
We would love to camp around Europe one day.
I am so not a camper! It sounds great in theory, but I can’t handle it. If I had to, I could do the wimpy kind of camping where there are bathroom facilities, but pee in the woods camping is not for me. Great tips for those who are more adventurous than me though!
Interestingly, these kinds of campgrounds have a toilet…. but not the kind you’d be inclined to use. Actually, they are typically so bad that campers would rather go in the woods. Scary.
Good tips, especially the one about water. I don’t think I’ve ever camped anywhere that there wasn’t a lake, river or stream nearby. And staying as far away from the crazies as possible is absolutely essential, especially here in the South, where crazy usually involves beer-drinkin’, country music listenin’ and lots of yee-hawin’.
Sounds like you’ve got some good stories!
I’ll admit it, I’m the type of camper who likes to have showers available. I don’t mind hiking a bit to get to them, though, so it’s still best to get that out-of-the-way site on the edge of a campground. Rarely have we gotten a great view before, though – you’re lucky!!
We have an odd relationship with showers and camping. We’ve gone a long time without a proper a shower while camping (4 nights). Truth is that after 2 nights you get so gross that you don’t even realize how bad it is yourself. So we now have a 2 night limit without a shower.
That campsite looks huge! Where is it?
The last 4 pictures are all from our campsite outside of Aspen. Maybe the best site we’ve ever had.
Of COURSE you guys eat oatmeal for breakfast lol. I don’t think I could ever sleep in that cold! But I do sleep best in dense trees, as I learned in (tropical) Costa Rica. Maybe I should give camping another shot.
LOVE that top photo- ps.i miss you guys.
i also like to have a flushing toilet nearby too.
ahhh…the joys of car camping!!!
I love camping, and you’re totally right – who needs a shower if your basic campsite is in the most stunning location, has water access and plenty of space so you still get that feeling of being away from people and civilisation.
If you guys ever go to New Zealand, I think you’d like the campsites run by the Department of Conservation. They’re in the best locations all over the country.
We’ll check them out!