Camping trips might not be this summer’s best option

Camping is great! It can be a way to reconnect with yourself, be in awe of a gorgeous sunrising on a great landscape, or just feel in touch with nature. Camping can also be a little difficult and might not be the best option for this summer, as the pandemic is still raging.

To follow up on my latest piece regarding this summer, I wanted to clarify one very specific point with regards to accommodations.

Don’t get me wrong, I think it is great that a lot of people have a renewed interest with nature, camping and want to experience a more simple life. But people seems to think that camping with a tent, a van or a caravan is the answer to all the social distancing problems. That by having your own private space, sanitary restrictions won’t pause much of an issue. That they will be safe in their little bubble.

It might be partially true but I fear it is also partially slightly shortsighted.

So, let me explain why I think camping might not be this summer’s best option and give you a couple points to consider.

Wild camping is illegal in many countries… for good reasons

Let’s first clear out something. All these perfect Insta shots of tents pitched in the most incredible settings, or those vans parked on a beach are not the actual most common setting.

If you go camping this summer, the chances that you will have to pitch your tent in an official campground or at least in a designated campsite is super high. And such sites may not have the Insta perfect view!

Wild camping is illegal in many countries for the perfect reason that the most beautiful environment are also often the most vulnerable and must be protected.

Hefty fines can apply to people who don’t respect such restrictions.

You may think: “But I like wild camping and I’m respectful of the places I go to. I don’t leave any traces.”

OK, but what if 10 other people go to the same place and pitch their tent in the same spot? What if it’s not 10, but 20 or 100? Don’t you think that saplings and other plants will get crushed, young branches broke, myriads of insects will get stepped on and wild life will be disturbed? Plus some of these people might not be as respectful as you. It is easy to forget a tissue that blew in the wind, it is easy to have an urge and go in the woods… If something happens to one of these 100 people, rescue might need to come and they might need to make space for their rescue.

Anyway, even if you are super careful and nothing terrible happens, you can never really leave any traces. Yes, you can pick up your trash, as you should, but your presence will never be 100% trace free.

Plus wild camping isn’t for the faint of heart. Nature awakes at night and it can be frightening!

Campsites might get overcrowded

So now that I’ve hopefully convinced you to cross the idea of wild camping from your mind and that you agree you will use official campsites, you need to realize these might get overcrowded!

You’re not the only one who has been cooped up for way too long and want some fresh air!

It is amazing that nowadays we can usually just make a reservation on the go with our phones. But when a place is full, it just is. It does kill the spontaneity of roaming free to have to book a campsite in advance. Unfortunately, this summer, it might be a requirement, especially since campsite will most likely not operate at full capacity, to respect some social distancing.

Even if you manage to book a spot at the desired campsite, you may soon realize that you’re not the only one there! It sucks, I know! You didn’t escape your little apartment in the city, to be cramped up in a campsite.

Social distancing in nature should be easy! It might not be that easy in campsites. You will look at your neighbor suspiciously if he/she starts to caught or sneeze and they will do the same! Better not have allergies! And why do people walk so close by your tent! Arrghhh!

If you’ve been camping before, you know there can be queues at the bathrooms. Queues at the showers. Queues at the coffee spot, the little restaurants, queues everywhere! Now imagine such queues with the required social distancing measures… It’s going to be weird and stressing if you ask me.

Other types of camping

So you may want to select alternative camping sites? Like camping in a field, at a farm or something like that. Yes, you can ask for the authorization of a land owner to stop for the night on their property. But you have to find the land owner first and it might not be that easy or even safe!

Admittedly, camping in a field, might be a good idea if you are self sufficient. If you have a van or caravan for example, with locks (!), with your own toilet and water supply, if you can cook your meal and have the required food.

If all you have is a tent, it will be harder. Land owners are not generally keen on having people pooping in their fields. They know you will!

With this sort of arrangement, you will most likely have to move often. A farmer might let you stay for a night, it is unlikely he will agree to see you there for a week. And yes, changing site everyday is at the least time consuming, can be slightly annoying and possibly tiring! You never know where you’ll end up next.

Sanitary considerations

This year, sanitary considerations are going to be different that what seasoned campers have been used to.

If you are going to be adventurous and go a little more wild, you need to be extra careful. Access to water might be limited and water is very useful to, you know, wash your hands for example! Of course, you should travel with an ample supply of hand sanitizer. And generally speaking, you should have ample supplies of pretty much anything you will need.

If you are going to camp in official camp sites, you will need to check beforehand, that the sanitary regulations they have implemented are satisfactory to you. Are there mandatory test? How confortable will you be brushing your teeth at the sink, after a couple other people? How much distance do you need to feel safe? Will you be ok to get your breakfast from the campsite restaurant? Or other meals? What about the swimming pool?!

It is really up to you.

Change in Covid related measures

The maybe most important point to consider before organizing a camping trip this year, will be about Covid related restrictions in place and especially their changes.

In Europe for example, things tend to change quite fast and be adapted to the local circumstances. You might be free to roam in one area and restrictions might be different in another one. Restaurants can be open one day, and closed the next one…. As mentioned previously, keep informed! I know, it’s annoying. You and I want to clear our minds, feel free… But the pandemic isn’t over.

Have a plan B if you get sick

Lastly, if you wish to go camping, you should have a plan B. What will you do if you test positive? Being quarantined in a tent or even a van, probably isn’t going to be legally possible and wouldn’t be enviable anyway. Can you get home quickly? Will you be allowed to? Can you book a hotel nearby?

Basically, what’s your plan B if you get sick? It’s kind of always something to think about when traveling, something you may have in the back of your head. That’s why you get travel insurance after all!

But with the quarantine rules in place now, it takes a whole new meaning!

*****

Maybe I crushed your dreams a little with this piece in which case, I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intention. I really do believe it will be possible to go camping this summer but it will just take extra preparations and a bit more care than usual.

In my previous article on this very special summer, I shared with you quite a few tips on how to make travel plans for this summer. I included links there to some additional ressources like my cute camping check list!

Please note that you can also find a lot of ressources under RTatW essentials section or RTatW organisation & planning sections.

Have a glorious summer my fellow road trippers! Don’t forget your masks!