Why People Go Camping: Real Stories from Campers

Photo: Friends gather around a campfire, roasting marshmallows for s’mores as dusk settles, capturing the warmth, connection, and simple joy that show why people enjoy camping.

Why do people go camping? For some, it’s about embracing adventure and waking up to fresh air and open skies. For others, it’s about the peace and stillness, reducing stress, reconnecting with yourself and friends or family, or healing through nature. There are countless reasons to go camping. And if it’s your first time camping, don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be picture perfect to be powerful.

At Fridie Outdoors, we believe camping is for everyone. Whether you’re new to camping or got into camping as an adult, these campers share their lived experiences and stories reclaiming space in nature, which is especially powerful for Asian Americans, Latinx, and Black people camping where camp and the outdoors doesn’t always equate to peace and traquility. Many people who have worked hard for all they have are bolding reclaiming rest and relaxation as a necessity. And they’re doing that through camping and getting outside!

These stories show why people of all walks of life, skill levels, and experiences enjoy how camping boosts feeling joy, confidence and freedom.

Wilson

Photo: A group of happy campers huddle close under tall trees, sunlight streaming through the forest canopy, capturing a joyful, healing moment of connection in nature.

Living in a refugee camp as a child, the camp is all I knew, and at times - parents would tell their children that there just in a camp for a short time and will eventually go home. As a child, I listened and waited for the day to go home... but we never did. That place became home.

The trauma you develop as a kid living in the refugee camp in comparison to thousands of other children your age living life, going to the beach with their parents holding pizza in their hands (I saw this on TV at a young age and this image never left me). Do people go on road trips because they are tired of sleeping in the comfort of their home? There has to be other reasons, I thought.

The amount of anger I felt when people left the comfort of their home to go sleep elsewhere is something that I never thought I would ever let go. So when I was asked if I would go camping. It took me back to my childhood, to my experience as a camper that was not necessarily the way of rest, but a way of life that no human being would voluntarily choose.

I said yes to going camping. I questioned myself: have I gone mad?

But I love nature. Do I limit myself from these experiences because I do not like them or could it be because I fear what I do not understand? Am I my own enemy because of the negative experiences I have seen? Could nature be this harsh and ugly or is the experience humanity created for me that makes camping look bad?

Finally, I am on a camping ground and I am loving it so much! In the middle of the night, I am fascinated by the fact that I am in nature, hearing the sounds of nature at best. My emotions begin to cripple in. As a I laid in a tent, I allowed myself to feel all my memories, listening to my heart, and carefully removing the barriers I have placed on myself. I accepted to not hold on to my fear and instead wanted to embrace what is already inside of me; that nature is me and I am nature.

My weekend camping with Fridie Outdoors allowed me to feel, hear, smell and reconnect with myself in a way that I never imagined possible. I was no longer the kid who stood behind the fence in a camp, scarred to look at the world I did not know. I was an adult that decided to re-visit the very nature that hosted my youth in effort to embrace my growth. I was a camper that weekend. Unlike my younger years in a camp. This time - I truly enjoyed my stay. Needless to say, I have my gears ready for outdoors and behold: we outside outside!

Xiaoling

Photo: A smiling camper stands at the edge of a mountain overlook, sunlight on her face, surrounded by endless green peaks, capturing the calm, freedom, and joy that make camping feel like home.

I call the outdoors my home. As a newborn, I was found outside on a wall in China and brought to an orphanage. Six months later, I was adopted. New York was home to me for the first 18 years of my life, Colorado for the next four and a half, and since then, I’ve been traveling consistently. I feel most connected to the world and myself when I’m just outside, in the wilderness.

The beauty of camping is the simplicity in it all. I say I’m an outdoorsy person, not because I’ve done a lot, but because I love the outdoors. I love the sunshine on my face, fresh water running through my fingers when I dip my hands in a cold river or lake, and the wind in my hair.

If you’re interested in camping, go for it! It doesn’t have to be complicated like a multi day backpacking trip and you can bring plenty of things you have in your home when you camp by your car. 

Don’t worry about things not going to plan, they never do, but preparing well will give you the confidence to work through any issue that may arise. This applies beyond the campsite too. The more confident you feel when you’re in one of the most natural and vulnerable states, the more confident you’ll feel in “real life” too. If you’re looking for a change of pace, a new perspective, a sense of peace and joy, in life, I believe camping will provide it.

Sarah

Photo: A camper stands smiling on a rocky mountain trail, her dog by her side, surrounded by rugged peaks, capturing the quiet joy, companionship, and sense of wonder that make camping unforgettable.

There's something truly magical about waking up with the sun in the cozy warmth of your sleeping bag and unzipping your tent to take a deep breath of fresh forest air.

You can read about the outdoors and admire pictures of beautiful places, but fully immersing yourself in the experience provides an unparalleled sense of connection and adventure.

Take your time with preparation using Fridie Outdoors and walk through various scenarios (e.g. what utensils will you use to make dinner?); you'll be able to ease some worries knowing you have all the equipment and information you'll need on hand before you start your trip.  

Why You Should Go Camping

These stories remind us that why people enjoy camping looks different for everyone, but the benefits are real and lasting. Whether you’re healing old wounds, gaining confidence, or simply craving fresh air, the mental health benefits of camping are powerful. If you’ve ever wondered why you should go camping, the answer may lie in the peace you didn’t know you needed.

The outdoors is for all of us, and the growing presence of Black people camping, solo travelers, and curious first-timers is proof that the camping community is becoming more inclusive than ever. With a few camping tips for beginners and an open heart, your first time camping could lead to lifelong memories. So pack up, step out, and discover what’s waiting for you beyond the trail.