Camping
To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from — Terry Tempest Williams
image by: Hipcamp
HWN Recommends
Nature Therapy Is a Privilege
I am in the mountains and they are healing me. It is like the miracle pool at Lourdes except it’s not a miracle and we’re not at Lourdes. We’re at Maroon Bells, which depending on which website you ask, are the most photographed mountains in Aspen, in Colorado, or in North America. I photograph them some more, to help them hold onto their title.
The mountains, and their attendant plant life and water features, are helping to lower my blood pressure, and my stress hormones, and keeping my heart rate variability normal. These are just some of the health benefits of spending time in nature that studies have found in recent years. But this beautiful, soothing environment is fairly remote—its…
Resources
Dispersed Camping on Public Lands
Between the 193 million acres of public land managed by the US Forest Service (thanks Teddy) and the 247 million acres of public land managed by the BLM, the United States is full of endless forests, snow-capped peaks, crashing waterfalls, peaceful lakes and prime real estate for dispersed camping. Unless otherwise explicitly prohibited, dispersed camping, which is camping anywhere outside of a designated site, is permitted anywhere inside the U.S.’ 154 national forests and BLM-managed lands as long as you follow a few rules.
How camping became the social distancing activity of the summer
After months indoors, people are renting RVs, cabins, and fancy tents to spend time in nature.
This Summer, Consider Camping in Your Own Backyard
The great outdoors can be made a little smaller for a close-to-home adventure.
Why going camping could be the answer to your lockdown holiday woes
Spending time outdoors, can improve your blood pressure and digestion and boost the immune system. Spending time in green space, near trees, also means that we take in more oxygen, which in turn leads to release of the feelgood hormone serotonin.
Why You Should Never Buy Camping Gear Again
Or almost never, that is. With rental options on the rise, not all ‘essential’ equipment deserves a permanent spot in your garage
Why Camping Is Rising in Popularity, Especially Among Millennials
Camping is proven to have an impact on reducing stress and contributes to emotional and physical health (depending on how many s’mores you’re eating, of course).
You'd Be Less Tired If You Took Your Ass Outside
When camping, Wright recommends tracking the times you wake up and go to sleep, and then set your alarm to match those times once you're home. Around sunset, turn off some of the excess lights in your home and dim the rest. And when you find yourself dragging a few Mondays in a row, you'll know that your internal reset button might be just a trailhead away.
Being Outside Has Profound Effects On Your Health, According To Science
The positive effects of being outside impact us on every scale: from individuals, to communities, to the entire planet.
Camping Vacations: Dreamy or Dreadful?
Two writers debate the pros and cons of sleeping outdoors. Plus: 6 of the best campgrounds in the U.S., according to Bear Grylls and other outdoorsy pros.
How to Camp Off-Road: Which Setup is Best for You
Without a doubt, one of the best parts of an off-road adventure in some remote destination is the opportunity to spend a night in nature. Whether you’re in the desert, mountains, forests or along the coast, camping and off-roading go hand in hand.
How to Find Free Campsites and Keep Costs Down on a Road Trip
Don’t let a tight budget hold you back from traveling. Learn the secrets for finding free places to camp and tips for saving money on the road.
New To Camping? Here's How To Get Started
...here's some advice on car camping 101 from folks who know what they're doing in a big way, and also ... me, a camper who probably wouldn't even make JV if it came down to it.
Off-road 4×4 Tips to Arrive at The Best Remote Camping Locations
If hopping on your 4×4 and heading deep into nature is something that appeals to you, you’re going to love checking out these great camping locations across the U.S. that aren’t easily accessible and offer some of the most spectacular views of mother nature that you may ever see. If seclusion sounds good to you, here are a few of the best off-road and well off the beaten path camp spots that you won’t want to miss.
Out of BLM’s 245 Million Acres of Public Land, These Are the 7 Best Places to Camp
Leave the cramped, noisy campgrounds behind and spend a night in the open wilderness. With over 245 million acres to choose from, you can safely pitch your tent almost anywhere on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management without nary a neighbor for miles.
RIP Summer Camp
As the country begins to reopen, some American traditions are still in jeopardy.
Want to fix your sleep schedule? Go camping this weekend.
Research suggests that even a winter week under the stars can help reset sleep.
Waste Coast - Camping Is for Idiots
There is nothing better than gathering up your best friends, a cooler full of fresh salmon, and Pacific Pilsners, then hitting the woods for a few days of fun, sun, and sleeping in a tent, right?
Why Camping Alone Can Make You a Mental Winner
When you venture into the wilderness by yourself, you can restore your focus and well-being. Here’s what to pack for the trip
Nature Therapy Is a Privilege
Science is learning more about the health benefits of going outside—at a time when access to wild spaces is ever-more unequal.
11 Camping Essentials Every Family Needs
Here are some of my favorite family camping essentials to keep you and your family prepped and ready for your next trip to the great outdoors.
The 10 Best Places to Camp for Free in Northern California
It’s hard to think of a more satisfying way to spend a beautiful weekend than camping on one of Northern California’s spectacular array of public lands—except, perhaps, camping there for free. Land managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management is typically home to lots of free "dispersed" camping, meaning folks can drive up to an established primitive site—which don’t typically have the usual campground services like water, garbage pickup, or restrooms—and pitch a tent without the hassle of fees or permits.
The best camping gear to make the Great Outdoors slightly more comfortable
For people who love nature's creatures and creature comforts.
Free Campsites
Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we've got you covered. You can simply use your smart phone's GPS to find camping near you or even use our trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.
Outdoor Project
We believe good things come from people spending time outside. It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. It’s about nourishment and learning. It’s about protecting what sustains us. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other.
The Wanderpreneurs
Family of 4 traveling full time in an RV! We downsized in order to live larger with less. We chase adventure and are loving exploring this great country in our home on wheels.
Total Escape Outside
Total Escape features ONLY local travel in California. Much of it is free or inexpensive, primarily on the back roads – with abundant nature and outdoor activities.
BLM
BLM-managed lands offer numerous opportunities for camping under the stars ranging from staying in an RV at a highly developed campground to simply throwing a sleeping bag on the ground in the backcountry. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, you can find it on BLM-managed public lands.
Escape Campervans
We rent fully-equipped, hand-painted campervans from 12 locations across North America. Functional and comfortable vans for fun, affordable adventures!
American Camp Association
As an organization we value the world, the people who live in it, and the contribution each individual can make. These are not separate values, but concentric circles. The values that are important to us as an organization are the same as those we strive to instill in the children we guide.
CDC
Camping is a fun way to get family and friends together to enjoy the outdoors. Follow these tips to help ensure your camping trip is safe and healthy.
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