Camping isn’t something I grew up doing. While I wasn’t against it, my experiences were pretty limited. However, after embarking on a 17-day road trip with seasoned camping enthusiasts—complete with nine nights spent in various campgrounds—I’ve gathered enough insight to share why I believe camping might just be one of the wildest activities modern humans indulge in.
1. Pit Toilets
The Internet promised us flushing toilets at our Yosemite campground, but it conveniently left out the detail that the closest ones were a seven-minute trek away. When nature calls urgently, you’re left with the pit toilets in the center of the group sites. For the uninitiated, pit toilets are like upscale outhouses—when they’re just emptied, they’re somewhat tolerable. However, after a few uses? Let’s just say, they become unbearable. With around 80 campers sharing two pit toilets, you can only imagine the aroma. At least hand sanitizer was available—unlike many flush toilets that offered neither soap nor warm water. Always pack soap, folks.
1a. Nighttime Pit Toilets
Now, let’s talk about the horror of navigating pit toilets at night. Armed with just a flashlight, it feels like a scene straight out of a horror film. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
2. Bugs
We were lucky to camp in a relatively bug-free summer, but that didn’t stop my imagination from running wild. On the first night, I dreamt of being devoured by bugs in my sleeping bag, armed only with a spoon for defense. Daytime may have been bug-free, but sleeping outdoors made me feel like I was being swarmed. And don’t get me started on the flies in the pit toilets—yes, flies and no soap. Who would willingly choose that? Clearly, campers are a bit off their rockers.
3. Tents
Let’s examine the absurdity of sleeping in a tent. At home, we lock our doors to fend off potential intruders, yet while camping, we intentionally surround ourselves with strangers in the wilderness, protected only by flimsy nylon and a zipper. The whole time I camped, I was spinning a murder mystery in my head. “The zipper creaked open slowly…” You get the idea.
4. Wildlife Encounters
Those cute raccoons and squirrels? They’re everywhere, raiding your makeshift kitchen at night. In a typical neighborhood, if bears or mountain lions were spotted, there’d be absolute chaos. Yet, in the wild, they roam freely, and we’re left vulnerable in our tents, which are no match for a hungry predator. Insanity at its finest!
5. Neighbors
The thin barrier of your tent allows you to hear every sound from your camping neighbors. The coughing girl at Yosemite and the dog parents yelling for “Max!” and “Bella!” were just a few of the delightful auditory experiences. And while one neighbor strummed a soothing guitar, another blasted an air horn like it was game day. Who brings an air horn camping? Apparently, those who thrive on chaos.
6. Campfire Smoke
In regular life, we avoid second-hand smoke at all costs. But around the campfire? We inhale smoke like it’s the latest trend. No matter where you move, the smoke seems to follow you. They say smoke follows beauty; maybe it’s just drawn to those who dare to camp.
7. Dirt and Grime
Don’t let those perfectly posed families in camping catalogs fool you—camping is messy. Dirt becomes part of your identity, and good luck finding a shower that doesn’t require quarters for three minutes of lukewarm water. Even after returning home, I’m still finding dirt in odd places.
8. S’mores
Let’s add sticky, sugary s’mores into the mix. They’re the messiest treats on the planet, yet we hand them to our dirt-covered kids without a second thought. Then, we attempt to put these sticky, sugar-fueled children to bed in a tent. Madness, I tell you!
9. It’s Actually Fun
Despite my grievances, camping turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable experience. The fresh air and natural beauty were invigorating. Watching deer frolic through our campsite was far more thrilling than spotting them in our backyard. The little inconveniences were overshadowed by the joy of seeing our kids revel in nature, free from modern distractions. It turns out that confronting discomfort can be beneficial for us all.
So, while I cherish my home comforts, perhaps I’ve become one of those adventurous souls who finds joy in camping. Just remember to check the toilet situation and bring your own soap.
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Summary
Camping can be a wild and messy experience filled with quirky challenges, from pit toilets and wildlife to dirt and s’mores. However, the joy of immersing oneself in nature and bonding with family often makes the discomfort worthwhile.
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