6 Reasons to go Camping

• 1. Tradition

  Some things are special and get shared from one family to the next, like camping! People have been camping in national parks for a really long time, and lots of people who camped when they were kids now bring their own kids and grandkids to camp too. It’s a fun way to enjoy nature together. Do you think you’ll want to keep camping with your family when you grow up?

  
  Laurel Bed Lake located in Saltville, Virginia USA

• 2. Explore Nature

  Camping is a great way to dive into nature, whether you’re setting up a tent in the woods or parking your RV in a camp spot. When you camp, you get to feel the rain, wind, and snow (and sunshine too!). You might even spot animals in their natural homes. You can see mountains, beaches, or sand dunes at different times of day and enjoy starry skies and the sounds of nature, like coyotes howling or birds singing. People camp mostly to have fun adventures in the great outdoors.

  
  An eft (juvenile newt) discovered while hiking a trail.

• 3. Improve Health

  Camping is great for both your body and mind. Whether you’re hiking in the backcountry or just setting up camp, it’s good exercise. But camping offers even more benefits. Being outside provides fresh air and vitamin D from the sun which helps you feel better mentally, and research shows that spending time outdoors can reduce feelings of sadness. Sleeping under the stars also helps you get better sleep by syncing up with your natural sleep patterns, which is great for your overall health.

  
  A swimming hole called the Devil's Bathtub (located in Fort Blackmore, Virginia USA) is 10-12 feet deep and stays, "Cold enough to squelch the fires of hell," around 60-65°F even on hot summer days.

• 4. Digital Detox

  Sometimes, it’s nice to take a break from technology. It can be tough to get away from screens at home, but some parks and campgrounds don’t have cell service, which is just what you need. These spots are perfect for putting down your digital devices and enjoying the simple things. You can kick back with a good book, doodle in a sketchbook, or write in a journal.

  
  The Great Channels of Virginia, a sandstone maze located 15 miles north of Abingdon, Virginia USA. Geologists believe that the Channels were formed by ice wedging and permafrost during the last ice age.

• 5. Strengthen Relationships

  When you head to parks, nature spots, or even your own backyard for a few days outside, who you bring along is important. Instead of screens and gadgets, you get to enjoy real conversations and create memories together. Camping is a perfect time to focus on the basics, like telling stories, sharing quiet moments, and savoring a simple meal as if it’s a gourmet treat.

  
  Hiking up and looking over at the Clinch Mountain, a mountain ridge in the U.S. states of Tennessee and Virginia, lying in the ridge-and-valley section of the Appalachian Mountains.

• 6. Develop Life Skills

  Camping is all about doing things for yourself and with your friends and/or your familiy, like making sure you have clean water, starting a fire, and staying warm. It helps you feel proud and confident, and these skills can make you feel good in other parts of your life too. With just a bit of practice and help, you'll be setting up tents and building campfires like a pro in no time!

  
  Dad shaving wood with an axe to feed the fire and a boy practicing widdling with a knife.

Source: National Park Services