Why you should camp close to home

With a country jam-packed full of incredible natural wonders, outdoor adventure playgrounds and superb camp spots, it can be tricky to choose where to spend your next camping holiday. It’s always tempting to head off on a nice long roadtrip to explore faraway places you’ve only seen on social media, especially when you’ve got a week or two of holidays. But what about exploring close to home?

Here’s why exploring your backyard and camping close to home is an underrated but really rewarding way to camp.

1. More camping, less travelling

One of the main benefits of camping close to home is that you get to spend more time doing what you love: camping. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, or simply sitting by the campfire, every moment counts. Especially in the winter months when the daylight hours are short. You’re better off spending them at camp instead of on the road. Plus, it’s nice when you don’t have to set up in the pitch black after a long day driving.

When you stay close by, it also makes it easier to go for just one night, so you’re likely to head out camping more often. And when it comes time to pack up and go home, you can take your time packing up, knowing you only have to travel just down the road and you’re home. No more exhausting road trips to round out a relaxing holiday.  When you don’t have to spend excessive hours on the road, you can truly savour the camping experience.

2. Cheaper

A road trip used to be a budget holiday, but with high fuel prices, that’s not necessarily the case. Keeping your camp trip close to home means less money on fuel and more leftovers for fun holiday adventures or a couple of extra nights in camp. Plus, chances are with a short drive, you won’t fall into the trap of buying heaps of expensive takeaway on your journey and you’ll have plenty of energy left to actually cook meals when you arrive at camp.

3. Avoid the summer traffic jams

Summer is the season of road trips, but that means everyone is on the road and the highways can get pretty congested. The last thing you want to be doing is spending hours stuck in traffic when you could be out enjoying nature. The roads are also pretty dangerous around those peak holiday times, so the less time you have to spend driving the better. Camping near your home minimises the frustration of battling traffic, leaving you with more time to relax and explore.

4. Experience the nearness of faraway

You don’t have to go far to feel far away – that’s the beauty of camping and being in nature! Your local area might surprise you with hidden gems and beautiful landscapes that you’ve never explored. Camp in a nearby forest, by a serene lake, or by your favourite beach, and you’ll soon realise that you can experience a sense of remoteness just minutes from your doorstep.

5. Comfort and safety close to home

Camping close to home in your campervan offers a unique sense of comfort and safety. You’re familiar with the area, you can easily reach help if needed, and chances are you have family and friends nearby who you can call if you get into trouble.  For those new to campervan life, starting close to home is a fantastic stepping stone to help ease into the adventure. You can practice your campervan setup, learn the ropes, and build confidence without the added pressure of being far from home. It’s a great first step for beginner campers, helping them gain experience and become seasoned campervan enthusiasts.

6. Explore your own backyard

Often, we’re so focused on exploring faraway destinations that we overlook the beauty right in our own backyard. Camping close to home in your campervan encourages you to explore your local area, fostering a greater appreciation for your surroundings. You may discover new places, meet new people, and gain a deeper connection with the community. An added bonus is that when friends and family come to visit, you can take them to explore in your own backyard, and showcase your favourite spots and activities. It’s an opportunity to share the beauty of your local area and make wonderful memories with loved ones.

So, this season, consider the beauty and convenience of camping close to home in your campervan. After all, the best adventures are often found in our own backyards!