What are the joys of camping? For many, it's lying on your back gazing up at more stars in the sky than you could count in a lifetime. It's enjoying the serenity of a silence broken only by branches rustling in an evening breeze. It's toasting marshmallows over an open camp fire and telling ghost stories with the family. It's sharing experiences that will be treasured long after the camping trip ends.
The simple pleasures of camping have engaged campers for generations and still draw families into the great outdoors in every season. According to a report published by Outdoor Foundation, a leading outdoor industry organization, around 15 percent of the American population go on camping trips each year. Today, camping opportunities are expanding to appeal to a wide array of tastes.
The best part is did you know camping in your conversion van is not only a great idea, but easier to do than you would ever guess?
Camping or Glamping?
Although camping in tents remains popular among traditional campers, it's no longer necessary to rough it in order to get close to nature. Many campgrounds have been transformed into "camp resorts," places that offer amenities typically associated with exclusive boutique hotels, such as free Wi-Fi, free grocery delivery and indoor bathroom and laundry facilities. Some campgrounds even boast espresso bars and wide-screen televisions.
Whether camping in an air-conditioned cabin or in a luxurious conversion van, vacations which combine glamorous amenities in a natural environment have earned the nickname "glamping." Experts cite the booming conversoin van business as fueling the desire to enjoy nature's wonders without compromising comfort. Conversion van owners are seeking out campgrounds which are not only equipped with adequate water and electrical hook-ups but that offer the same level of luxury as their well-appointed motor homes as well.
Expanded Opportunities for Fun and Activities
Although the Outdoor Foundations "American Camper Report" lists hiking as the most popular camping activity, the study reports that many campgrounds are offering an array of other activities as well, from heated pools and waterslides for in-camp aquatic fun to canopy tours that combine the thrill of zip-lining with exploring nature's biodiversity. For many people, the ideal camping setting includes a lake or river where they can laze away the trip fishing. Lakes and rivers can offer an array of water sport activities as well, including swimming, boating, water skiing and white-water rafting.
New technologies are also expanding opportunities for camping fun. Equipped with an easy-to-use mobile app, bird watchers and animal enthusiasts can identify birds and wildlife with the touch of a finger. Photography is another popular activity, allowing campers to create a permanent memento of their trip and to share the photos instantaneously with friends and family at home as well.
Today, camping truly has something to offer every individual. From a wilderness backpacking trip to a stay in a luxury air-conditioned cabin, there's something to appeal to every taste. With multiple activities to enjoy and all the wonders of nature to explore, the joy of camping continue to beckon vacationers into the great outdoors.