Perhaps one of the more fulfilling pastimes is the act of getting out on the road and visiting the pristine beauty of the great outdoors. And one of the best ways to experience the natural world is to Turn your Road Trip into a Camping Adventure!
How to Turn your Road Trip into a Camping Adventure
In 2020, largely due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports suggest that camping in the United States grew by around 3.9 million households. And this is because the need to reflect, repurpose, and reevaluate our lives was heightened in 2020, reflected by this jump in camping popularity.
Camping is also one of the most cost-effective means for getting outdoors and enjoying what nature has to offer, often costing as little as a full tank of gas plus a small camping fee.
If you’re looking to make a great road trip and make some memories with nature as your backdrop, the following will offer a few helpful tips and ideas.
Getting There
First thing’s first, you’re going to need to pick a destination. And once you’ve decided on the region of the country that you’d like to visit, the next step is to ensure that your car is road-worthy.
A few things you might want to consider are the terrain over which you’ll be traveling, and if you might require a vehicle with off-road capabilities in order to get there. Many campgrounds throughout the country are positioned on rugged terrain, so this is something to consider.
Additionally, review your auto insurance policy to ensure that you have roadside assistance before you get on the road. And if you’re not covered, check out a new auto quote and purchase an adequate policy.
You’ll also want to map out your route, check ahead to be aware of road conditions, and map an alternate route just in case. Moreover, check your campsites. You don’t really need to reserve a spot in a campsite in Iceland, but the season may require it plus some campgrounds may be closed.
But if there’s a way for you to confirm that they’ll be open around the time of your trip, you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Check other helpful tips for a camping trip to Iceland.
Staying Safe at the Campsite
Whether you’ll be camping by yourself or alongside others, you’ll want to stay safe while camping out in the wilderness.
A few things you’ll want to remember to include the local wildlife and the local flora that could present a threat. And though the latter usually doesn’t cause a problem, those with allergies might want to know the nature of the plant life within the region.
Perhaps your biggest concern will be with local wildlife. And as a precaution, it’s important to know what species of animals are present. If this includes mountain lions or bears, you’ll want to take extra precautions when cooking or storing food, as this can attract animals from miles away.
As a rule of thumb, when camping in bear country, always bring a bear bag for storing scented items. And hang this bag from a tree well away from your campsite to ensure your safety.
Additionally, it’s also a good idea to bring items for self-defense such as a bear-mace or a firearm of some sort. Just ensure that you’re within the law if you do choose to bring a firearm.
Get Out of Your Car
All across the country, there are campgrounds that you can drive up to, walk a few steps, and pitch a tent. But the truth is, this isn’t what real camping is, nor is this what real camping is about.
The act of getting out into the wilderness is what camping is all about. So don’t be afraid to park your car and hike for a mile or two until you find a nice quiet place to camp.
Campgrounds across the country often have access to primitive, backcountry campsites. And some of these are quite remote and may require a pass. But you’ll be truly camping once you walk away from the roads of society and find yourself in the embrace of the natural world.
Camping is a great way to get reacquainted with the natural world. And many of us need to do so just to remind ourselves that we are also an integral part of nature, no matter how far we’ve removed ourselves from it.
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