We have shared a passion for camping since the early days of our marriage. Together, we’ve instilled a love for the outdoors in our children, teaching them to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with the wonders of nature. For us, the natural world has always been a source of connection and rejuvenation. Now, as empty nesters, we view camping as an opportunity to deepen our bond and spend more quality time together. In this post, we’ll explore the myriad benefits of camping during this new phase of life:
- Reconnection: Camping provides the ideal backdrop for reconnecting with one another and with ourselves. It prompts us to pause, allows our minds to wander, and creates opportunities for heartfelt conversations around a crackling campfire. These moments help us forge lasting memories together.
- Unplugging: Camping offers us a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Tasks like starting a campfire, cooking a Dutch-oven dinner over the coals, or setting up camp in the wilderness take time and patience. This slower pace encourages us to disconnect from the digital world and fully embrace the great outdoors.
- Increased Wellbeing: Immersing ourselves in the fresh, crisp air, slowing our pace, engaging in physical activities, and savoring the beauty of our natural surroundings all contribute to our overall health and wellbeing. Gazing up at a star-studded night sky, listening to the soothing rustle of quaking aspen leaves, inhaling the earthy aroma of evergreen trees while hiking, or running our hands over the weathered sandstone shaped by centuries of natural forces—all of these experiences ground us in the present moment.
- Sense of Independence: Camping fuels our sense of independence and adaptability as we learn new skills. Experimenting with different fire-making techniques, crafting tin-foil dinners, and mastering kindling preparation all empower us to become more self-reliant in the great outdoors.
- Trying New Activities: Camping offers the perfect platform to explore new interests and activities. Whether it’s mountain biking, hiking an unfamiliar trail, or slumbering under the stars in a cozy hammock, the outdoors become our playground of adventure.
- Affordable Travel: Camping in National and State Parks, as well as US Forest Service campgrounds, proves to be an economical way to explore nature’s wonders. Even more budget-friendly is embracing dispersed camping on US Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, where you can camp free of charge.
- Exploring New Places: Camping takes us away from crowded urban centers and sprawling suburbs. Instead, we find ourselves amidst pristine landscapes, with trails to hike, dirt roads to traverse, lakes and rivers to paddle, and hills to ski. The breathtaking beauty of nature beckons us.
- Environmental Connection: Nature serves as a vivid reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship. Camping deepens our appreciation for the environment and underscores our responsibility to protect it for future generations.
Camping can be a transformative experience that reconnects you with yourself or your partner during this exciting new phase of life. If you’re new to camping as empty nesters, start with a simple overnight trip. There are countless ways to make camping comfortable and tailored to your lifestyle. While capturing these moments with a camera is wonderful, etching mental pictures of your experiences is equally powerful. Enjoy your outdoor explorations, and embrace the wonders of the natural world together!
