There are many ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. From adventure explorers to the weekend casual walk around the blockers, it seems if you want to get out, you can find something you enjoy. The same is true for camping. Whether you want to get out and get high in the mountains with the lightest amount of weight possible or if you want hotel-like accommodations, just in the outdoors, there is a way to make camping work for you. Here are a few different styles of camping:
The Glamper
Ahhh, glamping. Those who want to get out, without really getting out. This is the perfect camping set up to get a fresh of breath air without really having to leave your air conditioning. Want to experience the beautiful views and scenic drives, but not have to forfeit a night on your bed in order to do so? Then glamping may be your thing!
Usually seen: in RV, fancy Sprinter van, cabin, or lodge looking clean and well rested
The Car Camper
The car camper is one step below the glamper. Still wanting to experience the joy of camping in the outdoors, but not quite ready to commit to life on the ground. The car camper sets up out of their car with all the necessities (stove, softer sleeping, storage, shelter from the weather) easily accessible, but lacks other luxuries (bed, shower, AC, TV, etc.). Plus, car camping is easy to pack up and go whenever you are ready to move on to your next night’s sleep.
Usually seen: in car, old van, mini van, or truck looking well fed with clean clothes on
The Tent Dweller
The Tent Dweller may be the broadest style of camping. It can range from the family of five, that is basically car camping, but set up a tent to sleep in to the lone backpacker whose tent packs down to 2 lbs and the size of your fist. Tent camping fully immerses you in the outdoors. You sleep on the ground surrounded by sounds of nature (or the RV next to your camping spot depending on where you are). It can be a little more taxing and time consuming (setting the tent up), but if you really want to get out, experience nature, and still have a shelter, a tent is the way to go.
Usually seen: in tent (varying in size) looking a little dirty and a little tired, but happy.
The Cowboy
The Cowboy, or cowboy camping, is the most minimalist style of camping. It is camping under the stars with as much as a sleeping pad, tarp, and bag, to as little as just a small blanket. You’ll feel the wind, you’ll feel the drizzle, and you’ll feel the mouse running over you in the middle of the night. But you’ll also see some of the most amazing stars, feel the cool night breeze, and wake up to a front row seat of spectacular sunrises. Want to have an easy set up and experience the great outdoors like they did in the Wild West? Cowboy camping may be just your thing.
Usually seen: wrapped like a cocoon in some random spot looking dirty, but stoked.
The Hammocker
Lastly, we have the Hammocker. These are the tree dwellers, and the dwellers of anything you can hang from. It starts simple enough; you have a hammock, straps, and two trees. Then slowly, but surely, you begin to develop your hammock style with a bug net, a rain shelter, a hammock quilt, or even a tent that can hang as a hammock. It is amazing all you can do and still manage to hang in your sleep. Some people grab their buddies and stack hammocks on top of each other. The possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for a way to get creative and expand your sleeping opportunities then hammock life may be right up your alley.
Usually seen: in trees, hanging off bridges, tied between two vehicles, etc. always looking comfortable and for a way to amp up their sleeping experience.
p.s. looking for a good hammock? I highly recommend checking out Kammok. They have great hammocks and all the accessories!
So here’s to the nights full of campfires and ghost stories. Here’s to the mornings full of oatmeal and eye goop. Here’s to sleeping under the stars to sleeping with the sunroof open. One way of camping isn’t better than the other; it all depends on what you’re wanting. We suggest trying one or all of them. No matter what style you prefer, I encourage you to plan a trip soon, to get out, and see what camping has to offer.
Written By: Lydia Huelskamp