Photo by kiattisakch via iStock
Camping is a family-friendly pastime that allows us to unwind, reconnect with nature, create unforgettable memories, and more. However, amidst all the excitement and anticipation, several common camping myths can often mislead or discourage potential campers from heading into the backcountry.
In this article, we’re here to set the record straight and debunk some of the most prevalent camping myths. From concerns about uncomfortable temperatures to fears of wild animal encounters, we’ll address these misconceptions head-on and provide accurate and practical information to help you enjoy a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, it’s time to put these camping myths to rest and embark on your next adventure confidently and fully informed. Now, without further ado, let’s dive in and squash these common camping myths once and for all!
Table of Contents
- Camping Myths: You Will Be Too Hot or Too Cold
- Camping Myths: You Won’t Sleep Well
- Camping Myths: You Can’t Eat Good Food
- Camping Myths: It’s Expensive
- Camping Myths: It’s Dangerous
- Final Thoughts on Misconceptions About Camping
Camping Myths: You Will Be Too Hot or Too Cold
Photo by PeopleImages via iStock
One of the most popular camping myths is that it’s too hot to go camping in the summer, and in the winter, it’s too cold. And while we know you can’t control the seasons, here are a couple of easy solutions to help regulate your temperature when camping.
We recommend investing in the Mark II Plus Extra AC by ZeroBreeze for hot summer camping. It’s an ultra-portable air conditioner that is battery-powered, was specially designed for outdoor use, and will drop the temperature in your immediate surroundings by up to 30°F in only ten minutes. One thing to note is that this unit is rated at 2,300 BTUs, so it won’t cool your whole tent or camper but instead blows cool air around you to keep you cool.
One of the best features of the ZeroBreeze Mark 2 Plus Extra is all the different ways you can power it. You can use a single 24V battery or add a second one to the mix for a longer runtime (about 10 hours with two batteries!). You can also use a 12V to 24V inverter to hard-wire the unit into a 12V system. The unit also runs off of a cigarette lighter plug and 110V power as well!
The portability of the ZeroBreeze is nice, too – at just 20″L x 10″ W x 11″H and 16.5 pounds, it’s easily portable for camping trips of any kind. You can also enjoy the fact that it’s totally self-contained – it comes with all the pieces and parts necessary to operate, including a dual-hose system that brings fresh air into your tent through one hose and exhausts heat out through another.
In other words, you don’t have to camp in the heat and be miserable all summer long. With ZeroBreeze by your side, you can be far more comfortable with a true air conditioner – there’s no need to add water or ice like so many other units that claim to be an AC!
Of course, staying cool is only part of the equation – how do you stay more comfortable in the wither?
During the winter, you will want the Planar Heaters 4kw Portable Diesel Heater. It boasts a silencer so you can actually sleep, an air intake filter to bring fresh air into the unit, and a remote control so you can make adjustments without getting out of your sleeping bag!
What’s more, it can run for up to 8 hours on only 3-4 liters of fuel and is highly portable in a crush-proof, weather-resistant case. It’s the perfect option for heating a tent, van, RV, motorhome, boat, or ice fishing hut!
Get more details about this heater in the video above.
PREVIEW PRODUCT RATING 13 Pcs Camp Kitchen Cooking Utensil Set Cookware Kit RoverTac Multitool Hatchet Camping Tool Vont 4 Pack LED Camping Lantern, LED Lanterns LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness 163 Pieces First Aid Kit Waterproof Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler
Camping Myths: You Won’t Sleep Well
Photo by PeopleImages via iStock
Another myth we hear repeatedly is that camping is uncomfortable and you won’t get a good night of sleep. This could not be more wrong! We have spent hundreds of nights camping in the wilderness in vans, tents, cabins, etc., and our sleep quality is equal to, if not better than, it is in our beds at home.
The most important thing to buy is a good mattress or sleeping pad. If you are car camping and don’t have to carry your equipment far from the car, your best bet is to purchase an inflatable mattress and pump. On the other hand, there are plenty of lightweight, compact, and comfortable sleeping pads for hikers and backpackers.
Other camping gear that will help you sleep better at night include a good quality sleeping bag, camping pillow, blanket, sleeping mask, and earplugs. Lastly, like at home, try to avoid consuming too much caffeine or sugar right before trying to sleep.
Learn More:
Camping Myths: You Can’t Eat Good Food
Photo by Morsa Images via iStock
Something else we often hear is that camping food sucks. That is 100% NOT TRUE! Just because you are sleeping outside under the stars doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat like a king or queen. In fact, with a little creativity and preparation, you can cook all the same foods in the backcountry that you could at home.
Some vans and RVs have built-in kitchens on the inside or outside of their vehicles, but if you don’t, investing in a good portable cooking setup is the simplest way to eat well while camping. Car campers can bring barbecues or multi-burner stovetops, and backpackers should get a compact gas stove. Just remember to always look at local fire regulations before cooking.
Pots/pans, cooking utensils, a cutting board, fuel, etc., are more camp kitchen essentials. We also highly recommend bringing a cooler stocked with cold drinks. There’s nothing better than cracking open an ice-cold beverage after a long day of exploring nature.
Camping Myths: It’s Expensive
Photo by SolStock via iStock
For some strange reason, many people often think camping is expensive. And while there are a handful of luxury campsites or “glamping” resorts out there, most campsites are extremely affordable, if not free. If you are staying at a paid campsite, it’s good practice to always book ahead, especially in busy national parks.
People also tend to think you need a lot of expensive gear to go camping. Professionals, of course, will see better results from high-end equipment, but beginner campers will do just fine with the cheaper alternatives. Buying pre-owned products in good condition is our favorite way to get great deals on the top brands.
And don’t think that having a trailer for your camping adventures has to be expensive, either…
Sure, you can get a big diesel truck to pull a 42-foot fifth wheel, but that kind of setup isn’t just expensive, but it also prohibits you from heading off-road to your favorite wilderness camp spots. To retain your ability to travel far and wide, an off-road trailer like the SportsRig TrailStomper is the ideal mix of form, function, and price.
The TrailStomper has a steel frame with a powder-coated finish to ensure strength and long-term durability. The trailer rides on a standard Fox coil-over independent suspension with heavy-duty trailing arms that can tackle just about any trail your tow vehicle can handle. What’s more, SportsRig incorporates standard 14″ steel wheels with 27″ all-terrain tires that help the trailer navigate difficult trails.
This trailer isn’t just about being rough and ready, though. It’s impeccably designed and beautifully built with tons of storage for your gear. Between the standard 43″ w x 40″ L x 26″ H Chuck Box, front cargo tray, and caro/rooftop tent rack, the base TrailStomper gives you plenty of room for your gear.
Alternatively, you can upgrade to the TS Pro model and get even more storage with dual 37″ x 15 1/2″ x 12″ aluminum side boxes, a 30″ x 20″ x 20″ tongue-mounted gear box, and a 450-pound pull-out slide tray for the chuck box.
Best of all, the base TrailStomper is just $7,995 while the TS Pro is $13,495 – both excellent prices for a trailer like this. But it isn’t just the initial sticker price that indicates savings…
The TrailStomper is compact and lightweight, so you can tow it with a small vehicle – no big ol’ diesel needed! Plus, its small form factor reduces drag and helps your tow vehicle be more efficient when towing. It’s a win-win all around!
Camping Myths: It’s Dangerous
Photo by wildpixel via iStock
One of the most widely accepted camping myths is that it’s dangerous. The fear of bears, in particular, keeps thousands of would-be campers at home on their sofa every year. However, we wanted to shine a light on the truth of the situation. In the US, there are, on average, 11 bear attacks per year. This means your odds of being attacked are only roughly 1 in 2.1 million.
So, the next time you hear someone say they don’t want to go camping because of bears, you can kindly inform them that camping is much safer than common activities like driving, walking up or down the stairs, or taking selfies!
To help keep all wildlife (bears, deer, mice, birds, etc.) away from your campsite, you should always throw away all your trash and never leave food lying around or in your tent.
PREVIEW PRODUCT RATING CLIQ Camping Chair - Most Funded Portable Chair in Crowdfunding History PORTAL Camping Table Foldable Portable with Adjustable Legs 3000 Large Capacity Hand Crank Solar Camping Lantern Odoland 15pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit WANNTS Sleeping Pad Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Pad for Camping MARBERO 88Wh Portable Power Station 24000mAh Camping Solar Generator 
Final Thoughts on Misconceptions About Camping
Photo by MarioGuti via iStock
Now that you know what’s true and what’s not, what are you waiting for?! It’s time to start planning your next camping adventure!
It’s as simple as choosing a place, getting the necessary gear, and hitting the open road, and you can enjoy the spoils of beautiful landscapes and the freedom to explore.