I always enjoyed camping growing up; a chance to be outside, see the stars, and skip showering for a few days. As an adult, it’s become tougher to forgo a soft bed, but this summer has shown me the fun side of it again.
With less money to spend on travel, camping offers a great bargain - especially if you can borrow gear from family and friends! (That tent is older than I am.) As for comfort, they key is throwing out all the catalogs of slick but uncomfortable backpacking gear and embracing the excess of car camping: an Aerobed and extension cord do wonders to change your perspective on sleeping outdoors!
Beyond the money, there’s the experience: being in the park, sunrise to sunset. That means catching great photos, seeing more wildlife, and being able to take advantage of more ranger programs.
