Don`t Like Camping? Solutions for Reluctant Campers

Camping shouldn`t be miserable, and doesn`t need to be all roughing it, and being dirty and uncomfortable. If you want to enjoy sleeping outside, and being in nature, you can do so while also holding onto comforts that are most important to you.

In this guide, we bring you solutions to the top reasons people hate camping. Some recommendations do require investment, but others are simply a change in habits. Either way, a few changes can make a huge positive impact on your camping experience. Who knows, maybe after a few alterations you`ll begin to love camping!

1. Being Cold
It`s taken me years to conquer this particular frustration. It`s all about the layers. For clothing, skin close base layers, plus mid layer, puffy, beanie, gloves, and wool socks. Next, invest in a sleeping bag that fits your body (height, width, male/female) and is rated at the correct comfort level for the weather you`ll be in. After countless nights of shivering, I finally bought REI's Women's Magma, and have been cold two nights since, over 100+, even in snow.
Sleeping pads also need to fit one`s body. Too skinny or too short for one`s frame and cold will creep up from the ground. Alternatively, shove extra clothes where cold spots appear – under shoulders, hips, feet. On extra chilly nights, I lay my rain jacket under my ground pad for additional insulation. Even foot high inflatable air mattresses can be very drafty, so insulate with blankets underneath your body, not just on top.
Lastly, add heat! Invest in a rechargeable hand warmer. Or, bring a hot water bottle.

2. Feeling Dirty

I cannot sleep at night if my skin is covered in dirt and sweat, but I`ll also hike, bike or kayak all day. Being uncomfortably dirty is not a requirement of camping. Here`s how to do it.

Hate going to bed with dirty feet? Use wilderness wipes right before you slide into your bag. Worried about your undercarriage? Use bathroom wipes twice daily, especially before putting on clean underwear.

Rivers and lakes are also your friends! If it`s safe, dip your feet, or your whole body, and dry off with your quick dry towel. Need soap to feel clean? Bring a solar shower and biodegradable soap, and rinse 200 feet from water sources. Lacking privacy to get nude? Wear your bathing suit.

3. Pooping

Hate camping because you don`t like squatting over a hole you dug and pooping in it? Easy! Only camp at places with toilets, or, buy a portable toilet. All camping apps and park guides will distinguish if there are toilets at the campground.

To make any pooping experience while camping more enjoyable, always have these supplies.

Trowel/Hand Shovel – Only needed when squatting on the ground. Alternatively, use rocks.

Toilet Paper & Wet Wipes – Wet wipes help with hygiene, and decrease the amount of TP needed, decreasing trash. Don`t put wet wipes in a long drop toilet, or bury your TP, even if it claims to be biodegradable. When in doubt, pack it out!

Bags for Toilet Trash – Reuse empty trail mix or dried fruit ziplock bags! They`re thick and sturdy, mostly opaque, and already have a lovely scent. Or, pack a roll of black doggie waste bags.

4. Setting Up

When I set up my tent, I take my time and feel the coolness and bend of the poles, moving my hands along with my tiny mobile home as if we are dancing a ballet together. Try changing your perspective! For example, setting up camp is a team sport. Once you've built your tent, help your friend. If you`re sharing a tent, split up tasks. Or, have one person set up your home while the other sets up the kitchen.

For cleaning, bring a broom, a welcome mat, and remove shoes before entering. With a smaller tent, after emptying out belongings and before dissembling poles, flip upside down, with one door open, and shake out the dirt. I intentionally use a backpacking tent on all camping trips because it`s easier to set-up, take-down and clean. What is more important to you – ease or space? You and your family get to make these choices together.

Lastly, all your Camping Gear should live in dedicated storage bins when not in use. Then when you have a camping trip, grab the bins, pack a duffel with clothes, put food in the cooler, and you're off!

5. Doing Dishes

Doing dishes while camping can be even easier than at home. First, prioritize [just add hot water" camping meals so you have less dishes to clean. Second, buy super non-stick camping pans that can be cleaned with a swipe of a towel. Lastly, mimic what works at home! Make hot water with your stove, bring a sponge and dish basin (collapsible option), and multi-purpose biodegradable soap.

6. Bugs
A sudden tickle, or surprise swoosh by your face, is never fun. It`s [a bug`s life" out in nature – we are entering their homes. Also, there are ways to reduce the amount of unwanted interactions.

First, keep screens zipped closed on your tent and shelter. Ask your campmate(s), nicely, to do the same. Don`t pitch your tent directly under a tree or next to a bush. If by a lake or stream, choose a spot high above the water and with a strong, continuous, breeze. Invest in a screen house, so you can socialize, eat and still spend time outside.

To keep your skin protected, opt for thick long sleeves, pants, and socks, or netted clothing. Or, use bug spray that smells good and is gentle on your skin. Insects are attracted to lights, so place a lantern away from you, and use a headlamp with red light mode (also handy for middle of the night forays to the toilet).

Remember – Camping is for Everyone!
Like all areas of life, don`t let someone else`s requirements define how you experience the great outdoors. Do your version of camping, whatever that looks like, as long as you follow campground, park, and Leave No Trace regulations.
We hope you`re now encouraged to try some of these camping solutions and they make a positive impact on your experience outdoors and your overall well being. Have fun and we`d love to hear how it goes!