What are some cold-hard truths about public campsites that no one will ever tell you?
There’s a lot of them actually, and I want to show you exactly what you’re getting yourself into FIRST.
You’ve probably been told many myths, misconceptions and downright lies, but I hope I can clear things up for you with these 10 simple truths.
1. It is difficult and gets even more difficult with the family
Camping is not easy and probably never will be.
Yes, you can learn to make it easiER, but in my experience it is never a walk in the park.
I’m an avid camper, and the fact that I now have kids makes for the entire task 100X more difficult and stressful.
However, we keep on doing it don’t we? 😛
2. You’ll probably have annoying/noisy/rude neighbors
Those stories your mom and dad, aunt, cousins, uncles and friends told you about their annoying neighbours, were all true – sadly.
It is rare to find neighbours that you actually like and get along with, so be prepared for a group of party goers (of course I’m just preparing you for the worst here).
3. Your neighbours will be the culprit for your ruined weekend
Furthermore, if someone else is going to ruin your weekend getaway, it’s probably going to be your neighbours.
It’s sad, to say the least.
Basically it all comes down to luck.
One way to avoid this happening though is by camping in the wilderness instead.
4. Finding available spots and booking them eventually becomes daunting
Even though you might only camp 1-5 times per year, eventually this small task because annoying, a pain and downright time-consuming.
You’ll dread this task and it will feel like the weight of the world comes off your shoulder when you EVENTUALLY click “book now”.
5. You spend a small fortune to live like a homeless person
Mind = blown, don’t you think?
You are saving for a few months beforehand to live in the bush exactly like a homeless person would.
Whether you think this is true or not, it is still fun to think about.
6. Public campsites are better for the kids than the wilderness
You want to protect your kids just as much as I want to protect mine.
If you get paranoid easily, a weekend trip at a public campsite might be better for you since it’s much safer.
They have established bathrooms, showers, and sometimes even kitchens!
The wilderness is much more dangerous – as you probably already know – so don’t take unnecessary risks when the little ones are involved.
7. There’s always a catch-22 when pitching your tent
Pitch your tent on the beach…be prepared to sweep out sand frequently.
Want shade? You’ll be pitching your tent near patchy/ugly grass, NOT the fresh green!
A view means you’ll be waking up covered in sweat – the suns going to bake your tent.
Knowing what you really want out of your campsite is key here.
Don’t pitch your tent without knowing the pros/cons and consequences first.
8. Arriving in the dark is a common mistake (more so than you think)
I’ve heard this many times before, and what baffles me the most is that no one seems to learn their lesson.
Arriving at your campsite in the dark is NOT good, and it never ends well.
You cannot see a thing, pitching your tent is a nightmare, and please don’t get me started on the campfire.
9. Most people camp to relax
There’s certainly nothing wrong with that – each to their own I say.
However, if you’re out in the wilderness why not do activities that the city life cannot offer?
Why not explore what you hardly ever get to see?
And why not REALLY spend time with family and friends since that’s the whole point of a camping trip anyway?
[Read: Camping activity list]
10. Every sound in the middle of the night is like a bomb going off
Well…that’s exaggerated to the max but I think you get my point.
It is so quiet, so even unzipping the tent for a midnight pit stop takes 1 minute when it should only be 1 second.
Every leaf crackle echoes throughout the campsite, and there’s really no stopping that echo either.
Life is difficult as a camper, isn’t it? 😛
Final Words
“Roughing it” is not the general term for camping anymore.
Back in the day, camping was all about putting a tent up in the wilderness, sitting around a campfire and eating nice food.
Those days are not gone, as there are still people camping this way – just not AS much.
But my point is; camping has a different meaning than it did 30+ years ago.
Now we have caravans, hammocks, and even tree tents! Plus a lot more.
And that’s why we have established campsites, so we can experience what it’s like to be in the wilderness but in a much safer environment.
It’s more like Glamping (glamorous camping) rather than “roughing it” nowadays.
However, whether you’re a hotel lover or 4-walls type of person, I’m 100% sure you’ll find a way to make camping work for you (and love every second of it).
What do you think? Do you agree with me or am I talking nonsense? I’d love to hear what you have to say!
Leave your answer in the comments below.