I don’t like to be cold.

The great thing about camping is being outside all day long, but if the weather is less than pleasant chances are you may be uncomfortable. It can be cold, hot, rainy, and even snowy.

Tips and Advice: Cold weather shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a camping trip in the great outdoors. Always check the weather before you go camping so you can be prepared for the elements. Pack extra layers like warm sweaters, and thermal tops and bottoms, and bring blankets to throw over your legs when hanging out at camp.

 

I hate bugs.

Bugs can be a pain in your camping trip, especially ones that bite. There are all kinds of insects that prefer to mind their own business, but mosquitos, ticks, and no-see-ums can be a nuisance, not to mention disease spreading and ruin a perfectly goo

Tips and Advice: There are lots of ways to keep the bugs away, so you can enjoy camping. Before you go, pick up natural bug spray and the really strong stuff that contains DEET. Consider wearing long sleeves and pants to minimize the opportunity for bugs to bite, and get some citronella candles. Leave the perfume or scented lotions at home and if all that doesn’t help consider investing in a screen room tent. You enjoy the outdoors and the bugs stay out. 

Camping is dirty.

Yes, campgrounds are located outside and sometimes there is dirt.

Tips and Advice: Many campgrounds are paved with asphalt campsites and many have grassy areas, so you really don’t have to sleep in the dirt. If you really are opposed to enjoying Mother Earth be sure to research your destination and consider adding some camping luxuries to your camping kit.

Campground reservations online give great details, and if the information you are looking for is not available online then make a phone call. If dirt is unavoidable, bring a cot, so you don’t sleep on the ground. Pack hand sanitizer and close-toed shoes. Many campers bring a roll of artificial grass rug for the front of their tent or camper to keep the dirt outside. Whatever you do, remember that a little dirt never hurt.

The showers and bathrooms are gross. 

Depending on the campground, sometimes the restrooms can be dirty and stinky. Many campgrounds have pit toilets and some don’t have showers what so ever.

Tips and Advice: If you brought your own air freshener, hand soap or hand sanitizer for the bathroom you might make some camping friends. Always bring a pair of shower shoes to keep your feet clean and a shower caddy to keep your toiletries off the floor. If showers aren’t an option consider investing in a solar shower for your own campsite. And if you still think the showers and bathrooms are gross, it would be in your best interest to camp at a private campground or RV resort, which typically has a higher price tag, but nicer facilities.

I’m scared of wildlife. 

Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! Wildlife does live in the great outdoors and there is good reason to be scared of some animals.

Tips and advice: Different types of wild animals may be aggressive, but others pose little threat to humans. It’s best to educate yourself on the wildlife that lives in the area that you will be camping. Talk to a ranger and ask what you should do if you encounter wild animals. Most wildlife really wants to have nothing to do with you. However, your food may be a temptation that bears, raccoons, and other animals can’t resist. Be sure to follow food storage regulations.