I don’t know about you, but no matter if it’s been one day or a month since my last camping trip, I want to go back. There’s something about connecting with nature and getting away from the daily grind that’s quite energizing…
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t primitive camp, per se. But I also don’t glamp. I’m somewhere in between.
This notion that primitive camping is roughing it just isn’t true, though; it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Instead, you can get that primitive camping experience while still having many of the amenities you enjoy at home.
The question is, how does one do that?
Table of Contents
- Primitive Camping Tips – How to Make it Enjoyable
- Primitive Camping Tips – Choose the Correct Spot
- Primitive Camping Tips – Disconnect from the Outside World
- Primitive Camping Tips – Camp at an Area That Allows Campfires
- Primitive Camping Tips – Have Dependable Navigation
- Primitive Camping Tips – Make It Comfy
- Primitive Camping Tips – Final Thoughts
- Recommended Camping Gear
Primitive Camping Tips – How to Make it Enjoyable
Photo by James Mahan via iStock
One of the most important tips when it comes to making primitive camping enjoyable is to prepare before you leave home.
As an example, pack the correct amount of food, clothes, and camping gear.
If you own a 4-wheel drive vehicle, this is relatively easy as you don’t have to physically carry your gear, like you would if you were backpacking. Just pack up your truck and go!
For some, this may take away from the experience, and for others, it may just make it a little more comfortable.
Personally, I love a good camping trip with a truck and a trailer that makes my trip more enjoyable by providing loads of cargo space and the ability to bring along items that make my trips more fun (like my bike). Space Trailers is just the ticket if you ask me – their trailers are compact, lightweight, easy to tow, and have features that enable you to have a fun primitive camping trip. More on that in a bit!
Primitive Camping Tips – Choose the Correct Spot
 Photo by Tashkavia iStock
For me, primitive camping means staying at a place to which very few people have access. Also, it needs to have a great view and no distractions from the outside world.
Granted, such areas do require some research. However, once you find them, they are worth it.Â
If this is your first try at primitive camping, you may want to stay a bit closer to civilization – especially if you are camping solo.
Such places may be beautiful, but the darkness and silence of the night can sometimes play with your mind. Knowing that you are near civilization is a good way to silence those thoughts and enjoy the trip.
When choosing your spot, also consider factors such as:
- How the rising sun impacts the site – early morning sun rays coming into your tent might not be what you want!
- How near other camping spots are. Even when primitive camping, you might discover other folks out to connect with nature. Try to set up your camp as far from others as possible.
- How near features like rivers or streams are to camp. Is the spot elevated from flood danger? Consider other factors like potential rock slides or dead trees falling into your camp as well.
Primitive Camping Tips – Disconnect from the Outside World
Photo by ArtistGNDphotography via iStock
When going on a primitive camping trip, I like to completely disconnect from the world. My phone is usually switched to silent, and I very rarely check it.Â
The only reason it is not switched off completely is to keep the location services on just in case someone needs to find where I am.Â
This is done for safety purposes.
If you want to take something with you to pass the time, a book is your best bet. Alternatively, you can try your hand at whittling, fire-making, plant identification, and so forth. The whole point of “getting out there” is to get out there! See how you can enhance your interactions with the natural world by leaving your gadgets on silent and in your pocket.
Primitive Camping Tips – Camp at an Area That Allows Campfires
Photo by BrilliantEye via iStock
A campfire has a way of taking us back to our primitive selves. Sitting there and listening to its noise and staring at its glow is quite a relaxing experience!
In any case, a camp without a fire just isn’t the same. Therefore, make sure you get yourself the best camping company by going to an area in which fires are allowed.
Make sure that when you leave, the fire has been put out completely. Avoid using dirt or sand to cover the coals because if someone steps over them thinking it’s just dirt, they may get injured by the hot coals. Cool the fire first with water and ensure it is absolutely, positively, out.Â
Primitive Camping Tips – Have Dependable Navigation
Primitive camping often involves going into areas that we know little about. This can sometimes lead to getting lost. A good off-road navigation device like the Garmin Overlander or an application like GAIA GPS allows you to find your way in and out of these areas.
The Garmin overlander features an SOS button just in case you need it. This can provide peace of mind, knowing that if you happen to need help, you will be able to get it.
Sure, primitive campers decades ago didn’t have GPS. But for me, having that safety net makes me more confident when I go way off-grid for some time unplugged from the world.Â
Primitive Camping Tips – Make It Comfy
I mentioned earlier that I prefer to camp with a trailer. Now, I know what you’re thinking, and it is not a giant fifth wheel!
Instead, I’ve camped with a small off-road trailer for years, and it’s the ideal setup for me. The one drawback is that it’s not especially conducive to bringing a lot of gear and the toys I like to have when I’m camping, such as my mountain bike. That’s where something like Space Trailers comes in…
Space Trailers are extraordinarily unique. They’re made in Minnesota and are purpose-built for adventures of all kinds. Camping? Check. Mountain biking? You bet. Kayaking? Of course!
The trailer can be customized to fit your primitive camping needs, no matter what they are. For example, you can build your Space trailer to have just the right hitch height to match your vehicle. So, if you have a smaller car, a Lowrider configuration is perfect. But, if you roll with a big truck, a Highrider Space Trailer is your best bet.
No matter if you get a Lowrider or Highrider variation, you’ll enjoy a large covered storage tub where you can keep all your primitive camping gear neatly organized and out of the elements. Just pop the lid open to access your gear, and when you’re done, close the lid to keep your gear safe. See how it all works in my video above.
You can add Space Bars on top to accommodate things like a rooftop tent, bike rack, or kayak rack. And with heavy-duty struts, those items can remain on the lid when you open it to access your gear inside.
But perhaps the best trick of this trailer is that it stores vertically. So, when you come back from your camping adventures, simply unload your gear, unhook the trailer from your vehicle, and tilt it on end to store it in a corner of your garage (the tongue folds down to minimize the vertical height of the trailer, too).
In other words, a Space Trailer is the perfect primitive camping companion. It offers the storage space you need for your gear, the ability to customize it to your specific type of outdoor activities, and it’s easy to tow and store. What’s not to like?!
Primitive Camping Tips – Final Thoughts
Photo by ArtistGNDphotographyvia iStock
Primitive camping can be a great experience, especially if you plan and prepare and allow yourself some amenities that make your primitive camping site a little more comfortable. Unplugging for a few days and getting off-grid is an ideal way to rest and recharge – and it’s something we should all do more often!
By following the steps outlined above and considering adding a trailer to the mix, my guess is that you’ll be more inclined to go camping more often. Why not make it easier on yourself, more enjoyable while you’re there, and simpler to have a fun and comfortable time? The choice is yours!
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Hero photo by CasarsaGuru via iStock