What to sleep on while camping?

[Anonymous]

OP here, before we had a child we used to go camping to places like New York state, Canada, etc. One time we camped for 7 days straight and slept on our pads just fine. Where we went there aren't really any B&Bs and we actually like being in the middle of the woods on a lake somewhere. Plus it costs almost nothing and you get to see so much and breathe fresh air. For this trip, we are going to Assateague. I don't think it takes that long to get the car packed and I think our three year old is really going to enjoy it. I have done both pad sleeping and mattress sleeping and the second is by far more comfortable. I think I'll look into just buying a new one of those since it seems like the most comfortable option. I still think if you are in a camp site, build a fire, cook outside you get to experience the nature without having to be a martyr and sleep on the ground, but that's just me. I'm plenty tough but if there is an option to get some sleep, I'll gladly take it. Thank you everyone who responded with ideas. I really appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

I have done a lot of camping, backcountry, wilderness, and regular car or walk-in camping. I have no need to have my shoulders and hips make indentations in the ground to feel I am connecting to nature. If I am carrying my gear (backpacking style camping) I use a thin self-inflating pad. Not great but sufficient. If I am camping anywhere that my gear is in my car I bring an inflatable air mattress and pump that runs off the car cigarette lighter. I get a much better sleep and still enjoy all the sights and sounds of nature...other than communing with the hard ground. Being uncomfortable and/or sleep deprived is really not a badge of camping honor that one needs to wear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have done a lot of camping, backcountry, wilderness, and regular car or walk-in camping. I have no need to have my shoulders and hips make indentations in the ground to feel I am connecting to nature. If I am carrying my gear (backpacking style camping) I use a thin self-inflating pad. Not great but sufficient. If I am camping anywhere that my gear is in my car I bring an inflatable air mattress and pump that runs off the car cigarette lighter. I get a much better sleep and still enjoy all the sights and sounds of nature...other than communing with the hard ground. Being uncomfortable and/or sleep deprived is really not a badge of camping honor that one needs to wear.

+1! Especially when an inescapable part of camping is chasing after two little kids. I really need to be rested.

On the other hand, if you are going to Assateague, you will be sleeping on sand, which is softer than the gravel we usually encounter in western Maryland. An air mattress is pretty necessary there, not so much at Assateague.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just did the training part of the camping class -- next is the hands-on part (i.e. going camping overnight). I tried to have an open mind and hoped that it would seem more fun once I learned about it... but actually, it's just the opposite. Camping seems like a TON of prep and a lot of work and inconvenience and I still don't understand what the fun part is (if there is one). Why not just do out for a day hike, cook up some hotdogs and go home? All the work/prep/inconvenience -- seems to undermine the idea of fun.

There can be something magical about going from the campfire to the tent, then lying in the darkness and listening to the sounds of the night. Waking in the morning, you're immediately aware of the sounds and smells of nature. Being outside for so long, you can disconnect from the pressures of modern life and taking things a little slower.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just did the training part of the camping class -- next is the hands-on part (i.e. going camping overnight). I tried to have an open mind and hoped that it would seem more fun once I learned about it... but actually, it's just the opposite. Camping seems like a TON of prep and a lot of work and inconvenience and I still don't understand what the fun part is (if there is one). Why not just do out for a day hike, cook up some hotdogs and go home? All the work/prep/inconvenience -- seems to undermine the idea of fun.

Camping is not for wimps

[Anonymous]

We just came back from a weekend at Yogi bear Jellystone Campground in Natural bridge, va. it was great. Of course we got a cabin, because we just arent camping type of family. the things they had to do for the kids there were great, although it was kind of slow because it was the last weekend in August and there were hardly anyone there (we stayed Sun-Tues). The kids were able to do all they wanted to. it was really nice and I look forward to doing it again several times next year. I did look at people around us camping and thought it would be pretty cool too. maybe if it werent so hot and DH was along with. Not sure I want to be out there alone in a tent with the kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just did the training part of the camping class -- next is the hands-on part (i.e. going camping overnight). I tried to have an open mind and hoped that it would seem more fun once I learned about it... but actually, it's just the opposite. Camping seems like a TON of prep and a lot of work and inconvenience and I still don't understand what the fun part is (if there is one). Why not just do out for a day hike, cook up some hotdogs and go home? All the work/prep/inconvenience -- seems to undermine the idea of fun.

It is a lot of work, no doubt. But there is nothing quite like it, in our opinion, when it comes to recharging. Something about being outside all the time in nature and living in the moment. With or without kids, nothing compares. The kids absolutely love it because they can go all over the campground on their bikes or scooters, meet new friends, play with whatever they find around the campsite, or take small hikes on the trails around our campsite. For us, just sitting watching raindrops fall on grass leaves can be so relaxing, though my husband likes to fish and we all like to mountain bike, swim and hike. I guess we could just go home at the end of the day, but that would numb the effect, I think. And we like to go for at least three nights, to make all the work worth it and to really be able decompress.

[Anonymous]

I'm the PP who just took the class. I'm seeing that there are different types of camping. We are going to be sleeping in what I believe are open air glen shelters (no screening on the windows, wood plank floors) and we have to use (and clean) the latrines (i.e. outhouses). We have to cook on a stick, on a skillet, in a box oven, and over an open fire. We have to practice drills for evacuation and wash our dishes in net bags in tubs of soapy or bleached water. I think we have to use a jug of water to wash our hands. All the prep (things you have to bring paperwork you have to keep) and all the primitive conditions are what turn me off. If I could sleep on an air mattress in an enclosed tent or shelter (away from mice/bugs/raccoons/bats), and if there were flushing toilets and sinks available, and if I didn't have to build a fire to eat -- I think I'd find it a lot more "fun." As it is, I'm dreading this.

Seems like there are a lot of variations on camping.

[Anonymous]

I vote air mattress all the way, but I like my comforts. We used to camp with friends that brought a small generator so they could have a tv and heating blankets. Everyone has their own comfort level for camping.

As for the girl scouts. Good luck with that trip. Camping the "girl scout way" is awful. Sorry, I'm a leader, but you have never met a more uptight group of women than the camping trainers. I don't blame you for dreading it! We do a family camp out with my troop so it is not a "girl scout" event. Much more fun and relaxed.