Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Camping—spending nights under the stars and cooking on an open flame—has been popular for generations. In many families, a love of the outdoors is handed down right along with the heirloom china. And in spite of high-tech innovations in camping gear, it's nice to remember that what we practice in our campsites is actually part of an ancient tradition.
It's hard to guess when the first humans set out on a camping trip for pleasure. Our cave-dwelling ancestors probably felt that their lives were rugged enough without the additional strain of packing for a day hike or climbing a mountain to see the view. But as early as the Middle Ages, picnics—the precursor of the camping trip—became popular among the noble classes. In one ancient story of Guinevere and Lancelot, the queen packs an elaborate lunch, dresses her ladies and their horses all in green, and heads out to enjoy a day in the forest.
Centuries later, when exploring new lands was a thriving enterprise, camping became a way of life. Lewis and Clark's famous expedition to find a river-way to the Pacific could certainly be called one of the largest camping trips ever undertaken. The Native American tribes of the plains camped as they followed the buffalo, and, when the land was settled with ranchers, cowboys camped as they followed their herds.
Despite these early forays into the world of sleeping and eating outdoors, the advent of camping for pleasure certainly coincided with the popular use of the automobile. Beginning in 1914, when Henry Ford introduced the assembly line and reduced the price of his Model-T (available in black only) to $550, travel became an American hobby. Sunday drives, family outings, cross-country adventures—all of these arrived with the affordable family car.
Suddenly the thought of visiting the western national parks became an actual possibility even for members of the middle class. Families set out for Yellowstone and Fort Laramie, where women donned their first dungarees. Couples made tours of California, stopping at Pinnacles National Monument and the Muir Woods. With the founding of the Boy Scouts in 1910 and the Girl Scouts in 1912, thousands of children discovered the joys of camping.
From that time to the present, camping has only gained in popularity. The introduction of campers, trailers, and motor homes made camping not only fun but convenient. All the logistical pieces of travel—the transport, the food, and the shelter—combined into one comfortable vehicle. Camping gear has also made great strides with the invention of new fabrics such as fleece and gortex, lightweight shoe and boot materials, and safe, reliable camping stoves. And while the amount of open space has diminished, the number of designated camping areas has only increased with each decade.
Where will our camping adventures lead in the coming years? It's difficult to predict, but there's little doubt that the old standby camping spots will retain their popularity. Parents will continue to pass their favorite fishing holes and hikes along to their children, and children will continue to find new ones for themselves. New inventions will mean that the campers of the future will explore their world in ever-greater comfort, recording what they see with something far advanced of the old Brownie camera or even a Polaroid. And one thing we can say for certain—the urge to "get away from it all” will be as strong in our descendants as it was in our predecessors.
Ocean Camping Crashing surf, the sound of gulls, and that unique salt-and-sand scent are just part of what makes the ocean so magical. With miles of sandy beach and cresting waves, the seaside calls out to visitors of all ages. Whether it's sandcastle building, body surfing, or surf swimming you're after, the ocean offers plenty of activities – for free! And somehow just gazing that distant blue horizon is enough to soothe the most restless of spirits.
Ocean camping has a special allure, drawing in all kinds of campers. Fishing enthusiasts look forward to casting their lines in ocean waters or to deep sea fishing, crabbing, and shrimping. Bird watchers love viewing the birds that flock to the shore, from pelagic cormorants and terns in the north to flamingoes and egrets in the south. And wildlife viewers have the chance to see cresting whales, dolphins, porpoises, and even manatees.
Kids can peer into tide pools, learning about ocean creatures, or dip their toes in the waves. The beach is full of playthings for kids, from sand piles to bull kelp that's washed up from the sea. Families can go beach combing, looking for sand dollars and smooth sea glass.
When you're planning an ocean camping trip, it's useful to keep a few things in mind. First, consider the weather before you go. The coast is often cooler and foggier than inland areas, so it's wise to pack extra jackets, hats, and raingear. You'll also want to plan for sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and sun hats. If you burn easily or have little ones in your group, you may want a sun umbrella or canopy.
On long, flat beaches, the movement of the tide can alter the shoreline by a mile or even more. Invest in a tide chart – available at bait shops and seaside convenience stores – so you know when the tides peak and fall. If you'll be tent camping, be sure to identify the high tide line, a collection of seaweed and other debris high on the beach, before you pitch your tent. There's nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night because your tent is swamped in ocean waves!
Similarly, RV campers should only park in designated campsites where they can be sure the tires won't sink in the sand. And while it might seem like a great idea to sleep out right on the sand, a sandy bed can become very cold. Be sure to use a sleeping pad or small inflatable mattress to keep yourself up off the ground.
Most ocean areas have charming seaside towns nearby that offer gift shops and fresh seafood restaurants. This is a great place to try lobster or crab, steamed clams, or oysters on the half-shell. Many areas have their own distinctive seafood recipes, from chowder to gumbo, so be sure to try the delicacy of the place you're visiting.
You might also find interesting attractions like maritime museums, historic ships, and aquariums. Visiting these sites will give you a better sense of the place you're touring and a new awareness of the creatures that make the sea their home.
The ocean is a perfect summertime destination, with its cooling breezes and luscious waves. So head to the coast this month and dive headfirst into ocean camping!
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Desert Camping Deserts are beautiful, exotic places. They're visually stunning with their red rock canyons, high sandstone walls, and tiny trees shaped by wind and weather. Deserts are full of the unexpected – cool shade beneath stone cliffs, natural springs that send sheets of water across rippling sand beds. But they're also challenging places for humans to explore and live in. That is, unless you take a few smart precautions.
The sun is the first and greatest challenge of desert camping. Even if you can escape to the cool shade of your RV during the hottest parts of the day, you'll still want to equip yourself with sun-shading gear for when you do head out on that hike, horseback ride, or ATV trip. You'll need a hat that shades your eyes, sunglasses, and a powerful sunscreen (SPF 30 or above). Be sure to reapply your sunscreen from time to time throughout the day. You'll also want lip balm with SPF protection and something to cover the back of your neck. It might be tempting for men to go shirtless, but if you hate the idea of constantly stopping to put on more sunscreen, you just might find it more worthwhile to keep your shirt on and enjoy the fabric's sun-blocking power. If you're particularly sensitive to the sun or to sunburn, look for fabrics that are sun-resistant and apply sunscreen underneath your clothes.
Bring everything with you. A good rule in the desert is to expect nothing (then you won't be disappointed!) Bring your own water – all you need, plus some extra – rather than counting on the seasonal spring on your map. Instead of planning to go food shopping at the last little town before your campsite, bring extra supplies with you. If you're camping at an RV park, of course you can call ahead and find out what the amenities are before you arrive. But whenever you head out into the desert on foot, on bike, or on an ATV or four-wheeler, be sure you have plenty of water and some food with you. And sunscreen, of course!
If you're RV or car camping, there are a few more items that might make your stay in the desert more comfortable. Any kind of awning or portable shade will let you enjoy the outdoors in comfort. You may want bandanas that you can get wet and tie on your neck. If you're able to transport them, fresh fruits and cold drinks are heavenly in the desert. Portable shower bags can help you wash the dust off at the end of the day. And you'll certainly want your camera – and maybe even a box of pastels or watercolors – for capturing those dramatic rock formations.
The second great challenge of desert camping is, surprisingly, cold. As hot as the desert gets during the day, it gets equally frigid at night. The dry air above the desert floor doesn't hold any warmth once the sun goes down, so prepare for cold temperatures after sunset. No matter what time of year you head to the desert, take plenty of warm clothing for nighttime. You'll also need very warm sleeping gear, the same sort you would take to the mountains. If you're camping in a canyon or under the shade of a cliff or butte, you should also be prepared for your campsite to stay cold until the sun hits it in the morning. When you get up in the morning, dress in layers so you can shed garments one at a time as the day warms up.
If your schedule allows, you might adjust your sleeping and waking hours to fit with desert time. Try rising early in the morning – the best time to watch for wildlife – and take a rest or a nap in the middle of the afternoon, when the sun is strongest. A nice late afternoon/evening walk will set you up perfectly for a late dinner. Then you can admire the brilliant desert stars, read or chat a little before bed, and wake up the next morning ready to explore the next slot canyon, wooded arroyo, or game trail up a towering butte.
RVs are extremely self-sufficient, letting people camp in places that don't have any facilities. They're also widely available for rent. Challenges include keeping track of gas, water, and other fluid levels, and parking the RV in tight or awkward spaces. When you go RV camping, you may also want to bring along another car for exploring your destination area, or toys like ATVs, bikes, snowmobiles, and small boats.
The Four Camping StylesWhich One Fits You? by Elsa Watson There's a camping style to fit every group, family, and situation. Depending on what you value most—freedom, comfort, flexibility, independence—you can find the perfect camping style for you. Every style has its benefits, and every one will give you a secure home during your upcoming camping adventure.
TENT CAMPING
Tents come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, suitable for one person, two people, or a whole family. Kids usually love tent camping, in part because a tent is such a snug, kid-sized house. Many adults are less thrilled by the hardships of tent camping—sleeping on the ground in a small space without much headroom. But tent camping also offers the ultimate in flexibility, economy, and independence. Tents don't take up much room, they don't require much gear, and they're welcome almost everywhere camping is permitted.
It takes some practice to put up and stow a tent, so it's smart to test your tent out at home before your trip. You'll also want to consider the weather forecast before tent camping. Even with a good rain fly, tent camping can turn into a real challenge if it rains for days on end without giving your tent a chance to dry out. For more tips, see our article on tent camping.
CAMPER, TRAILER, OR POP-UP CAMPING
Campers and pop-ups are generally smaller than RVs, but offer a more substantial camping home than a tent. Trailers come in a range of sizes. Most of these offer special amenities like a gas stove, gas lamps, fold-out beds, collapsible tables, and cupboard storage. Many are roomy enough for whole families to enjoy, with separate sleeping quarters for the parents and the kids.
Because they're more expensive than tents, these are best for people who camp several times a year or who like to go for extended stays of 3 days or more. Unique challenges include hooking up the brake lights and turn-signals, hitching up, and backing up with a trailer. The benefits are many—you get a snug, warm, dry place to stay that's a lot like a small house, right down to the screens on the windows.
RV CAMPING
With an RV, you truly take your home on the road. RVs come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect one to fit your dreams. Most come with a stove, small refrigerator, an over-the-cab bed, a fold-out bed, a table with seating, and a small bathroom. Because the cab is connected to the rest of the RV, it's easy to move back and forth between the two.
RVs are extremely self-sufficient, letting people camp in places that don't have any facilities. They're also widely available for rent. Challenges include keeping track of gas, water, and other fluid levels, and parking the RV in tight or awkward spaces. When you go RV camping, you may also want to bring along another car for exploring your destination area, or toys like ATVs, bikes, snowmobiles, and small boats.
CABIN CAMPING
The closest thing to a home away from home is cabin camping. This gets you near to nature, with the wilderness just beyond your front door, but gives you all the comforts of a hotel or motel room. Cabins often have regular beds, full kitchens, air conditioning, TVs with other electronic equipment, and full bathrooms. Some cabins are far more rustic, so it's important to find out what your situation will be before you head out. Many require that you bring your own bedding, linens, cooking equipment, and food.
Cabin camping is a great way to camp with small children, people who are new to camping, or anyone who appreciates the comforts of home, but wants an outdoors experience. Cabins are a great choice if you think the weather might be bad, since they offer plenty of room, light, and options for things to do.
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