What's So Good About Camping?

by Nick Coons
Jan 19, 2005

Anyone who reads here on a regular basis knows that I love camping and the outdoors, and my wife is isn't a big fan of the lack of outdoor amenities. Her and I normally just agree to disagree about this, but every once in a while the subject will come up and we'll debate it back and forth for a minute until we remember that we're not going to change the other person's mind. But she said something very interesting to me today.

She asked, "With all of the advances in technology, indoor plumbing, and overall cleanliness and the ease of modern-day life, why would anyone want to go camping?" And that question made me think for a minute. When I'm at home, I can jump in the shower, was my hands, pick up the phone and order a pizza, or sit back and relax on a nice comfy couch. Why would I want to give that up?

So I thought of all of the advantages of camping, and what might go through someone's head when they're camping. And I'm not talking about camping where you pay for a parking space and there are 100 people within 1/4-mile. I'm talking about a real camping, where all you have is what you can carry with you, and there is no one for miles.

For me, first and foremost, it's complete independence. When you're in the city, you're depending on the electric company for power, the city for water, the grocery stores for food, and the police for protection. Being dependent on so many different people for so many different things means that if any of them screws up, I suffer. Out in the middle of nowhere, I'm dependent mainly on myself, and I feel that the chances of me screwing up are a lot lower than the chances of any one of those other people making a mistake.

The next advantage is being out in the middle of nowhere, away from the city, the noise, and the chaos. It's absolutely quiet. Or at least, if there is any noise, it's probably me playing music. I love quiet; it gives me a chance to think, and I'll take all the quiet I can get.

Of course, there's the obvious; the great outdoors! The scenery, the cool breeze, and fresh air.

And there's one more that many people probably feel, but don't think about -- A sense of accomplishment. Starting a fire without matches, arriving at a destination that can only be reached by foot, or living off of food that you caught (not purchased) yourself can all make you feel like you're on top of the world.

I'll admit there are minor disadvantages, like not having the above-mentioned luxuries. The first time, or even the first few times, there are certain negatives that stick out; like the bugs. Eventually, you learn the very simple tricks to get them to leave you alone, and they aren't an issue anymore. Even when they are, they pale in comparison to the advantages mentioned earlier that you cannot purchase.