Is it really camping?

Question

A lot of people bring all sorts of technology with them when they go camping. Do you think sleeping in an RV, having a microwave, laptop, and gas barbacue grill takes away from the "outdoor" experience?

I have been doing wilderness trips for 10+ years, and I have recently led some trips where people brought redicilous things with them.

Answer 1

Oh, hell no!

I want to get away from all that.

No lattes, no laptops, no video games, no deep sea diving bells, OK?

I have no problems with the RV and the stuff that comes with it, but still, me, under the stars with a campfire, listening to the crickets and.....HOLY CRAP! WHERE DID THAT BEAR COME FROM?!!? RUN!!!!!!!

Answer 2

An loud NO!!!!! that is not camping. Camping involves you and nature. Now keep in mind i don't go with a stick a tarp and fire starting kit. I go camping in style.. I bring a lot of things that make the experience more fun. But I bring nothing that plugs in.
here is a small sample of the things i bring that make me look like a god in the woods.
1Tarps lots of them..It ain't camping if it don't rain.
2 Dutch ovens, they rule for baking pies and cookies.
3 Telescope for moon watching
4 Coolers with chessboards colored in marker on the tops for games of chess or checkers.
5 My kids and dogs
6 ropes for putting up the tarps.
7 A very well stocked kitchen case ( knives forks mixing bowls)
8 THE MOST important chainsaw for all the free wood in the woods
9 Copper tubing cut in 1 foot lengths. they go in the fire for the neatness of different colors at night
10 AIR MATTRESSES
And i understand the difference of crossing the country to going camping for a week or two. One you might need all the complex stuff the other is to get away from all that complex stuff. And never bring a phone camping. remember the 80's when sometimes people just couldn't get a hold of you and anything that happened while you were gone waited till you got back.

Answer 3

Well, it depends on what you mean by camping (obviously). People tend to differentiate between RV'ing and camping anyway. Not too many folks who stay in RVs with satellite television and Internet access are going to tell you that they're "roughing it." But it doesn't really take away from the fact that they are doing a lot of stuff outdoors, too.

Some people prefer roughing it, and others prefer being out and about but having some comforts and luxuries. It's all a matter of personal preference.

What are you asking, anyway? Are you just irked that some people's outdoor experiences aren't what you would prefer? Just do what you prefer, and let others do what they prefer. "Live and let live" helps to clear the mind.

Answer 4

yes and no. At some age an RV is the only way to go.
I spent 20+ years roughing it. now I would have to almost go with an RV or be to sore the next day to enjoy anything.
I have friends who live in a RV and travel the US but they have all the Technology also. They still see so much more of the country than most people but their parents can reach them at any time

Answer 5

Some for health reasons can't tolerate sleeping on the ground, or if you are going to an event where everyone camps, it can be more convenient to cook easier and have conveniences of home so you can have more time to enjoy the company you're with. It doesn't exactly give you an "outdoor" experience, but freezing your backside off in the cold, or being wet and sick, or too hot and overheated isn't exactly fun, either.

Answer 6

I love camping, but my partner hates it so we compromise. We have a tent, 8 person tent for 2 people as he suffers in small places, and a big queen size blow up bed as he has back problems. Other than that, everything we do is camping.

We do have to take a gas BBQ with us most times as we camp in national parks during fire restriction times.

You can still get back to nature and enjoy the outdoor experience, and return to your tent with a few luxuries.

Answer 7

That is not camping in the least bit at all. Camping is in a tent the only fancy thing I need is a place to clean up and go potty thats it for me. Having an RV and fancy gadgets is not camping in the least bit.

Answer 8

Yes, it really does take away from the outdoor experience. Camping is all about being outdoors and living by nature...not modern day technology and machines. Camping is the time to get away from this stuff, not taking it with you.

Answer 9

I don't think the chipmunks or birds would feel any differently about the humans in their woods whether they were in a tent or a camper. I spent years roughing it with my ex, and if I go camping again, I'll have a bed and a reading lamp. And it's really irrelevant if other people think I'm "camping" or not! They aren't invited anyway.

Answer 10

to me..that is NOT real camping. it takes away from the real purpose of "getting away from it all" To take in the beauty and quietness of the natural surroundings without all the extra baggage is what it is all about. To take the time and listen to the water as it ripples across the rocks, the chirping of the birds overhead, or the wind as it moves the leaves across the grass, and to listen to the campfire as it makes the wood pop and crackle, to taste hot dogs and roasted marshmellows on the open fire...that's what it is all about. To take the time and listen to your own heart beat and to get in touch with your inner soul and deepest thoughts...now that is camping!! Doesn't mean you can't have a nice comfortable air mattress to sleep on.

Answer 11

Well, I have done both. I have tent camped when the girls were younger. Then we went to a pop up camper, because my back couldn't take the ground or the blow up mattress.
Now we have a motor coach. It is different. But.. I guess that is the price you pay when you get older....You can kick back and enjoy!! I don't feel bad about it. Been there... Done that!!!