To wonder why people enjoy camping

[SirJamesTalbotAndHisSpeculum]

I can't think of anything worse. I know people enjoy it but I can't understand why anyone would want to be nowhere near a bathroom or kitchen. or anywhere comfortable to sit. Not only that, if the weather is awful you get cold. Or wet. Or far too hot. I just don't get it.

Tell me why I'm wrong.

And not having a fridge. Or running water. Or a washing machine.

The list is endless.

Loved it when younger as it was an adventure. Now I am old I like creature comforts so I can't say that you are wrong.

And there's nowhere to have a shower!

I wonder the same, Sir James. I'd never go camping in a milliion years but my husband liked it when he was a youngster and son has done it a few times - not recently. Each to their own.

Ah, thank you GoodCat I am glad I am not alone.

I didn't like it when I was young either.

I’m with you we went a fortnight ago but had a pod, two friends had tents, 3 hours to set up, first night it rained like mad tents leaked, mad dash in the rain to miserable toilet block, sleeping on an air bed, washing your dishes in a communal sink, washing in sandy communal showers, you do have a fridge and blow up sofa not that bad, sleeping on blow up mattress a bit grim.

Taking a wet tent down in the rain is grim when everything is wet. I have friends who camp all over Europe and love it though. It’s not for me I like comfort on holiday.

My DH was born into a Travelling family so his earliest memories are definitely under canvas and he would have enjoyed taking all of us camping.

But no thanks.

That's why we bought a campervan!

Totally hear where you are coming from, my idea of hell for the reasons you’ve listed!

YANBU

Most campsites have showers!

It’s outdoors; everything takes a little bit longer, so you’re forced to slow down; it’s lovely being off grid- playing cards and talking; every meal cooked over a camping stove feels like a triumph!

Beats me!

@Shockers exactly that! I love it!

Agree. I hate the walking to the toilet, the rime on my skin when I wake up.
The tiny rooms.

Can understand that it's cheaper but fun no. One night max for me and that's an ordeal.

I love camping. But camping in England not really camping. Too much radios and music noise. Too big tents. Everyone bringing too much things. No one cook on fire- if you can have one! All stuck in farmer fields not in real forest.

It seems like hard work to me.
I really wouldn't fancy it, but plenty of people seem to love it so there must be something. Just not my sort of holiday.

Campervan here too. We have a fridge, sink, two gas hob burners, a grill, double bed, heating (never used it though) and a toilet. All in a Renault Trafic conversion, not too big to drive most places. We can attach an awning for more space.
There's nothing quite like the freedom of packing up and heading off wherever you fancy knowing you are self sufficient. You can go when the weather is forecast to be good, this year we did 3 nights in the New Forest, came home to sit out the storm, then headed off to Wales for a week. The kids get exercise (out on their bikes all the time at the campsite), they sleep well because they've had so much fresh air, I love it.
Communal showers and toilets do take a bit of getting used to though...

I should say we tried an all inclusive holiday one year, it was soooooo boring!

It is my idea of hell, I’ve done it once, came home after the first night & never considers it again.

People saying Campervan Rules are kind of missing the point - I would definitely have a holiday in a campervan. You can shut out the elements and have electricity.

It's going under canvas that I would have trouble with.

We love camping. But I hate campsites. They are miserable places. Camping around the highlands is completely different. I take the kids, we walk for hours. We have great adventures, amazing scenery. No distractions or technology. It's just really nice family exploring time. And when you get tired, you pitch the tent and I always take a Scottish mythology of folk story book with us and we read stories from that, and I tell them a little story shot a battle or a clan story for wherever we are. It's really really nice. Cooking outdoors, sitting under the stars. All good!

Enjoyed it as a child. Loathe it as an adult.

Last time I camped I caught a glimpse of myself in the car wing mirror as I came out the tent. After the worst night's sleep ever I looked like the witch out of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

That was 3 years ago. For one night. Never. Ever. Again.

I know what you mean but we keep going back. I love the outdoors and the children play outside for hours - no screens. Plus we go with another family or two which makes a difference .

@nancy75

Where did you camp?

I love the fresh morning smell of waking up outdoors, the cheery "hellos" from people as they walk past, chatting to people as I wash up, the smell & taste of food outdoors, sitting in my chair with a glass of wine, watching the sun go down & the fairy lights go on. I never camp without electric hook up and a lot of wine!