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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The closest I come to camping is a bnb. I've done my time. Otherwise, put kid on ground and invest in a new spiffy air bed. Just be sure to leave a little squish in it for comfort.

Anonymous wrote:I just sleep on the ground- its CAMPING.... not glamping.

I don't get this... Using a camp pad makes it glamorous? And if you don't want to sleep on the ground, you can't enjoy being in the woods, hearing the katydids, being close to great hiking spots, etc, etc?

I just sleep on the ground- its CAMPING.... not glamping.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Inflatable air mattress and batteries to blow them up? For camping? Really?

Why not just go to a motel somewhere, or a bed and breakfast?

I used to think this way. Now that I am older, I still love camping, but I also like getting a good night's sleep, so an air mattress. The OP asked what to sleep on while camping to be comfortable, so we told her. Enjoy sleeping on the ground, if that is what does it for you.

Same here. We had the super expensive camping pads until we realized that the $10 air mattress from Target allowed us to actually sleep at night. OP just go buy a couple of twin camping air mattresses from Target. Mine were really only $10, although that was on sale.

Anonymous wrote:Don't mean to steal the OP's question -- but I'm soon to go camping for getting certified to take Girl Scouts camping.... I'm kind of dreading it. So, two questions: (1) for a "pad" could I use an old yoga mat? and (2) what do people DO when they "camp" (I mean during the daytime hours between making meals... I'm sure I can go for a hike, but what then? We're such a wired/internet generation I seriously don't know how I'm going to spend the time b/t meals).

We usually take our mountain bikes, so that takes a few hours. Swimming with the kids. DH likes to fish, though he usually does that before anyone else gets up. The kids just love hanging out in the campsite, playing with their scooters, rocks, whatever. I would not use a yoga mat--not enough cushioning. Of course, it depends on how you sleep. I am a side sleeper, so my hips get sore without more padding. If you sleep on your back, you might be ok.

Anonymous wrote:Inflatable air mattress and batteries to blow them up? For camping? Really?

Why not just go to a motel somewhere, or a bed and breakfast?

I used to think this way. Now that I am older, I still love camping, but I also like getting a good night's sleep, so an air mattress. The OP asked what to sleep on while camping to be comfortable, so we told her. Enjoy sleeping on the ground, if that is what does it for you.

Anonymous wrote:Don't mean to steal the OP's question -- but I'm soon to go camping for getting certified to take Girl Scouts camping.... I'm kind of dreading it. So, two questions: (1) for a "pad" could I use an old yoga mat? and (2) what do people DO when they "camp" (I mean during the daytime hours between making meals... I'm sure I can go for a hike, but what then? We're such a wired/internet generation I seriously don't know how I'm going to spend the time b/t meals).

Where are you going? I would say mostly hiking and enjoying the natural setting (photographing wildlife, flowers, waterfalls, etc; swimming if there is lake nearby; etc). But you could also relax with a novel, playing cards, or a board game. Bring a portable hammock if you have one.

I think a yoga pad would be a little thin, but with a cushy sleeping bag, it might be fun.

Inflatable air mattress and batteries to blow them up? For camping? Really?

Why not just go to a motel somewhere, or a bed and breakfast?

Don't mean to steal the OP's question -- but I'm soon to go camping for getting certified to take Girl Scouts camping.... I'm kind of dreading it. So, two questions: (1) for a "pad" could I use an old yoga mat? and (2) what do people DO when they "camp" (I mean during the daytime hours between making meals... I'm sure I can go for a hike, but what then? We're such a wired/internet generation I seriously don't know how I'm going to spend the time b/t meals).