Seeing my ever-so-perfectly arranged camping gear inside my hatchback brings me no greater thrill. Oh, except when I remove it all, of course, to set up the campsite.

While I never grew up camping, I fell deeply in love with travel and the outdoors. So naturally, camping invited a certain level of adventure that an independent spirit like mine needed to thrive. But to me, camping is so much more than that. Here are some of the many reasons, big and small, why I love camping.

Why I Love Camping

I Get the Best Sleep of My Life

When I’m camping, I never sleep better. Probably due to a combination of factors. For starters, camping generally requires more energy, whether it’s to pitch the tent, hiking or paddling into the site, or whatever fun physical activities I’ve chosen to partake in. And that alone makes my body ready to hit the sack at the end of the night. And, once I’m bundled up inside, like a warm and cozy burrito in a sleeping bag, my body practically goes into hibernation mode. It instantly knows what to do.

Once I nod off, the cool and crisp night air reaches into my lungs, keeping me in a deep sleep. For me, sleeping outdoors and breathing fresh air induces REM, which produces some wild dreams. Then, I slowly wake up to tree branches rustling and birds chirping in the wee hours of the morning. I simply love it! Yes, even this night owl enjoys being an early bird every once in a while. And studies have shown that camping resets circadian rhythms within a few days.

Unplugging Allows Me to Feel Centered

Once I arrive at the site, my phone goes into Airplane mode. Why? Because being unplugged is one of my absolute favorite reasons why I love camping. Disconnecting from all the incessant chimes and pings and notifications on your phone (or any device, for that matter) can seriously make you appreciate the quiet and solitude.

At home, my husband and I are guilty of eating dinner in front of the TV; it’s our easy way to decompress after a stressful day. But at a campsite, we watch the glowing bonfire instead. Instead of reading articles on phones, we read books in hammocks.

Heading out into the wilderness, where the WiFi is weak, shuts my monkey brain off too. It substitutes social media with a heavy dose of serotonin. Instead, camping makes me appreciate the beauty of nature, the wonders of life, and makes me feel centered.

My Camp Chef Skills Take Center Stage

Cooking outdoors, and especially over a bonfire, makes meals taste amazing. We take for granted how easy and convenient it is to prepare meals at home. But cooking at a campsite? Even with a properly set up camp kitchen, it takes preparation to gather all the necessary tools and ingredients, tedious planning to serve it warm and timely, and oftentimes with a heck of a lot of patience. So maybe it’s something about the effort that goes into it, but to me, cooking primitively in the rustic outdoors is very rewarding.

On top of that, cooking is my love language. I'm a cook-from-the-hip foodie, which is one huge reason why I love camping -- it designates me as the camp chef! Whether I grill up satisfying and juicy hamburgers, make bowls of gourmet pasta, or arrange a charcuterie board for campers to nibble on, serving up food at a picnic table is one of my greatest joys.

Affordable Travel Allows Me to Travel More

A huge reason why I love camping so much is that it supports another passion: travel! I love to explore new places and immerse myself in new experiences and travel is the answer to that. But sometimes, destinations are expensive.

That’s where camping comes to the rescue. Pitching a tent in a park campground is a cost-effective way to see the world. Not only does it reduce accommodation costs, but a camp kitchen can ensure healthier meals, prevent you from eating out too much, and all while keeping dining budgets to a minimum.

Now, as to how I roll? With those shaved costs, I treat myself to more excursions, activities, and the occasional splurge on a nice restaurant. Furthermore, camping trips make wonderful quick escapes when I need to cure Fernweh as I wait and save for larger vacations. 

I Get to Test and Break-In New Camp Gear

Another reason why I love camping? I get to test out new gear. While I don’t invest in new camping gear often, when I do, I enjoy analyzing the product design, and deciding if it’s right for my camping style. (Or whose camping style it might be right for instead.)

I found my camp footing as a car camper, graduated to a kayak camper, and even own a beautiful bell tent my husband and I pitch on longer getaways and special occasions. That is to say, I own lots of gear suited for different excursions and various needs. But, as a whole, I tend to appreciate and acquire practical and beautifully designed camping gear, just like what you'll discover here at Life inTents. 

Why Do You Love Camping?

If you’re here, you probably love camping. But if you’ve never thought about why, look inside yourself and ask: What about camping makes you grateful? Is it spending time with family? Or seeing the natural landscapes and great wonders of National Parks?

Everyone has a reason why they love to spend time outdoors camping. So what is yours?