I don’t like camping. At least that’s what I used to tell people.
And it was true. I just couldn’t understand why you would want to pay money to live worse than you live at home during your limited days of holiday time.
Fast forward some years, and I now own a camping blog, have been on countless camping trips and even lived in a campervan or tent for more than a year.
How did I turn around my opinion from I hate camping to I love it?
I’ve written it all down in this article, which contains years of experience from my camping adventures.
Are you someone who dreads the thought of spending a night in a tent, surrounded by bugs and with limited access to a clean bathroom? If so, you’re not alone. Many people (including me once upon a time) find the idea of camping unappealing, yet they feel pressured to enjoy it because it’s a popular pastime.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to spend time in the great outdoors without sacrificing your comfort or sanity. In this blog post, we’ll explore some strategies for dealing with your aversion to camping and finding ways to upgrade your experience and make it easier.
So if you’re ready to say goodbye to uncomfortable sleeping bags and hello to a more enjoyable outdoor experience, keep reading.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep My Australia Trip free and provide high-quality content for you. Please read the full disclaimer for more information.
13 reasons why I don’t like camping (and how I fixed it)
Here are the top reasons why most people don’t like camping (or even claim they hate it) and what you can do about it.
1. Mosquitoes and other annoying insects
Mosquitoes and other insects can be a significant nuisance while being outside, which is why they’re the top reason why most people do not like camping. Insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and flies can be annoying, and especially in Australia you’ll have to deal with spiders too.
Additionally, some people may be allergic to insect bites, which can cause discomfort and may require medical attention. It can be challenging to avoid being bitten, even with insect repellent, as insects can still find ways to get through gaps in clothing or exposed skin. You’re living outside so, unfortunately meeting insects and spider is somewhat unavoidable.
Still, you can make the situation at least slightly better.
Solution: With proper planning and preparation, it is possible to reduce the risk of insect bites and make camping more enjoyable. For example, using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants, and avoiding staying next to near standing water can all help reduce the problem.
I also found that camping in a large van or caravan helps keep unwanted flies and spiders out, and if you’re sleeping in a tent, make sure it has a screen room. It’s also smart to go camping in winter or in colder regions where there will be fewer insects in general. I’d highly recommend these free sites in Tasmania, especially the Bay of Fires.
2. Too much preparation and planning needed
Preparation and planning can be time-consuming and overwhelming and, therefore, the reason why you might hate camping. The entire trip requires a certain amount of preparation, such as selecting a campsite, packing (and possibly buying) appropriate gear and supplies, and planning meals and activities.
Worst of all, loading up the car, then unloading it at the site, setting everything up only to repack and unpack it all again at home. Who could possibly think this is fun?
Especially for people who are new to camping or who do not camp frequently, this can be a daunting task that requires a significant amount of time and effort.
Additionally, planning for unexpected situations, such as severe weather or equipment failure, can add to the stress of camping. Preparing for emergencies requires additional time and resources, such as carrying extra supplies and developing contingency plans.
Solution: Firstly, simplify your equipment and only take what you absolutely need. After your trip, make a list of the things you actually used so that next time you won’t have too much to pack. Once you get home, unpack everything neatly and put it all together, so it’s easy to grab next time.
Split up the tasks among the family or group of people camping together. That way, everyone has a manageable list of things to do. And most importantly, get a tent that’s easy to set up, ideally a blow-up or pop-up tent. Rooftop tents are even better and take all the stress out of your trip.
3. Expensive camping equipment
Many camping enthusiasts are willing to invest in high-quality gear to make their camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable. However, the cost of camping equipment can be a barrier for some people, especially those who are just starting out or who do not camp frequently. Even a basic setup with a tent, sleeping bags, mats, a cooker, esky, chairs and a table can easily cost AUD $500 or more.
So who said camping was cheap?
Some people may not consider it worth investing a lot of money in gear that they will only use occasionally. However, cheap camping equipment rarely lasts and will leave you frustrated when it breaks. Does that sound like the way to set yourself up for success when planning your next trip?
Solution: It is important to note that camping does not necessarily require expensive gear. I was broke on most of my first successful trips and only used equipment that was second-hand or very cheap. Essential camping equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking supplies can be purchased reasonably, and some parks and campsites even offer rental equipment for a nominal fee. Ask around with friends and family if you may be able to borrow some things for a weekend and check local Facebook groups or Gumtree for gear that’s for sale.
Over time, once you’ve developed your love for camping, it may be smart to invest in more high-quality items. You can get a lot for your money though if you know what to buy. Start by checking out our guide to the best 4-person tents, which has a section for the best deals.
4. Lack of comfort
Camping often involves sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag or on a yoga mat, which may not be as comfortable as a bed. There’s nothing I hate more about camping than being uncomfortable at night. Additionally, it may include exposure to the elements, such as rain, wind, and extreme temperatures, which can further contribute to discomfort. No one wants to be wet and cold during their holidays.
You may also have limited access to amenities such as running water, electricity, and plumbing, making daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and using the bathroom more challenging. For people who are used to the comforts of home, these limitations can be uncomfortable and may detract from the overall camping experience.
Again: Why would you want to be more uncomfortable during your trip than you are at home? At least that’s what I always wondered and what sparked my hate for camping.
Solution: There are several ways to approach this. One is to take the uncomfortable part out of camping and put all possible effort into luxury. Try glamping or stay at a more expensive holiday park with private bathrooms for campsites, TV rooms, waterparks and much more.
Many campers bring camping chairs, portable hammocks, or other comfort items to make their experience more enjoyable. Pack your TV from home or camp in a modern caravan, which will make it feel like you’re driving through Australia in your living room.
All of these solutions are expensive, unfortunately. If you don’t want to spend the extra money, you might just have to change your mindset. See it as a big adventure and look forward to all the comforts you can enjoy again when you get home. You’ll appreciate them much more, but that doesn’t mean you have to hate your camping trip.
5. Physically demanding and exhausting
Physical demands can be a reason why some people do not like camping, particularly if they are not accustomed to physical activity or have health issues that make physical activity difficult. Being outside often involves hiking, carrying heavy equipment, and setting up camp, which can be exhausting.
Even just washing the dishes or getting dressed in the morning can turn into a big task when you live in a tent in the middle of nowhere.
Additionally, camping may involve exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, or rain, which can further add to the physical demands. People who are not prepared for the challenges may find themselves exhausted, sore, or even injured, which is a prime reason why they might hate camping.
Solution: For those who are concerned about the physical demands of camping, there are many campsites and parks that offer amenities such as accessible trails, platforms, and other accommodations to make camping more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities.
If you’re not ready to carry things around and worry about everyday tasks on a campsite, consider renting a caravan or a cabin where you’ll have a kitchen and bathroom right there. No need to set up a tent or load up the car with chairs and tables. You’ll have it all right there.
Our tip: Do you struggle to set up your tent? We’ve got the best tips on how to get tent pegs into hard ground.
6. Safety concerns and dangers of nature
Camping involves spending time in nature, which can be unfamiliar and intimidating for people not accustomed to being outdoors. For some people, the fear of wildlife, such as crocodiles, snakes, or spiders, can be a significant barrier to camping and lead to hate. Others may fear getting lost, encountering severe weather, or experiencing other unexpected situations.
Additionally, people with negative experiences in nature, such as getting lost or injured, may hesitate to engage in outdoor activities such as camping.
Sleeping outside can be scary, especially in a country where everything wants to kill you. Let’s see how we can turn this reason why you don’t like camping into being excited about your next trip.
Solution: Nature is dangerous, but luckily no one is asking you to camp in remote parts of the outback. Instead, head to larger holiday parks in popular beach towns along the coast like Bremer Bay, Byron Bay, Coral Bay, Perlubie Beach or the Adelaide Hills. Here, you’ll be surrounded by other campers, so there’s no reason to be afraid.
If you’re craving some nature but are scared of the unknown, the best way to proceed is to educate yourself before your trip. By learning about wildlife and their behaviour and taking appropriate precautions, campers can feel prepared for anything. Similarly, by learning basic navigation skills and carrying proper gear, you can reduce the risk of getting lost or experiencing or feeling overwhelmed in unexpected situations.
7. Bad weather
Camping often involves exposure to the elements, such as rain, wind, extreme temperatures, and other weather conditions that can be uncomfortable or even dangerous.
For example, camping in hot weather without proper shade and hydration can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Camping in cold weather without the right gear and insulation can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related injuries.
Maybe you don’t like camping because you see yourself sitting in a wet tent for a week with no way to stay dry and still go outside. We’ve all been there.
Solution: Firstly, try to go camping when the weather is nice. It’s as simple as that. Pick a destination which has a good chance of sunny days that aren’t too hot.
Another tip that changed my mind when it comes to liking camping is to upgrade your setup. If you have more indoor space, rainy weather won’t affect you as much. Consider renting a caravan or investing in a large tent. If the heat is bothering you, get some high-quality fans or stay at a campsite with a swimming pool where you can cool off.
By preparing for the weather and carrying appropriate gear and clothing, campers can stay safe and comfortable in various weather conditions. Come prepared and nothing will be able to ruin your trip.
8. Sharing bathrooms (if even available)
Many campsites and parks only have shared bathroom and shower facilities, which can be uncomfortable or even unhygienic for some people. The facilities may be crowded, dirty, or lacking in privacy, making it challenging to feel comfortable or clean while using them. I definitely hate going to a dirty bathroom at a public camping site bathroom that hasn’t been cleaned all week.
Even if you have a self-contained camping setup with its own bathroom, you might have an aversion to using composting or chemical toilets.
Solution: There are camping options that offer more privacy and autonomy, such as RVs, backcountry camps, or renting a private cabin or glamping hut. Some caravan parks even offer your own ensuite next to your campground. This takes away the sharing aspect and provides more privacy.
Do research before you go and prioritise campsites with private facilities or good ratings on cleanliness. You can also start with shorter trips to get used to camping and then go longer once you’re a bit more comfortable with the situation.
Portable toilets or showers don’t have to feel unhygienic. Modern caravans actually have very advanced and high-tech setups so if you haven’t been camping in a while you might be surprised at the level of comfort that is now available. Why not give it a try?
9. Lack of privacy
When camping, people often stay close to others, leading to a lack of privacy and exposure to noise, light, and other disturbances. You might be picturing screaming children in the early morning or loud music in the tent next door late at night.
Similarly, the lack of physical barriers or privacy screens can make it challenging to feel comfortable and secure while changing clothes or just relaxing. A crowded campsite simply might not sound very appealing to you.
Solution: Leave the holiday parks behind and head for more secluded campsites with plenty of privacy. Definitely try wild camping or staying in more remote areas, where it will be just you and nature. Another strategy is to camp in the off-season and avoid the school holidays, so you won’t have to worry about crowds.
Plus, being around others isn’t always bad. I’ve found the camping community to be incredibly friendly and supportive and have actually met many lifelong friends along the way. Open yourself to the possibility of meeting others and try to embrace it.
10. No access to technology
Camping often involves disconnecting from technology and spending time in nature, which can be difficult or uncomfortable for people who are used to relying on the internet for entertainment, communication, or work.
Some people may feel anxious or bored without their smartphones, laptops, and other devices or may need more electricity and access to the internet. Similarly, some people may need the help of GPS, weather apps, or other technology to navigate or enjoy the outdoors. Large parts of Australia have spotty cell phone reception, and you’ll most likely leave behind a lot of your electronics when camping.
Solution: There are plenty of campsites and caravan parks with powered sites as well as WiFi connection throughout the campground. Remember to bring at least one extension cord so you can have electricity in your tent or camper. Glamping or renting a caravan or a cabin might also be a good idea if you’re looking for even more comfort.
But even if you’re not planning on staying at expensive campsites, you can enjoy technology along the way. Portable WiFi routers have become very advanced, and cell reception is improving continuously. Get a large data package and use your phone as a hotspot to connect your laptop or tablet to the internet. You can also install a satellite dish so you can watch TV wherever you are. The possibilities are improving every year, and a lot of digital nomads are starting to work from the road.
11. No space or storage
You might not like camping because you’re imagining yourself being stuck in a cramped tent, with no storage or space to put your things. Your clothes are spread all over the place, and everything is full of sand.
Campervans are no better. You’ve got nowhere to sit, and your bed becomes a place where you dump all your belongings, which you have to dig through to find anything.
Does this sound familiar?
Solution: There’s no denying that space is tight when you’re camping unless you’re able to afford a giant RV that comes with two bedrooms and a full kitchen. For me, the best investment was a screen room or awning with side walls, which you can use as an additional room to sit in or store things.
Another recommendation is to get a small shelving system for your kitchen utensils or clothes. If you don’t have room for that, packing cubes can help keep your things organised and out of the way. Use your car as an extra storage space, or if you’re camping in a van, invest in drawers, or boxes to keep everything tidy.
Lastly, my most important tip is to get a tent that’s larger than it has to be. For example, if you’re two people, buy a 4-person tent, which will give you some extra room inside. I promise it’s a game-changer.
12. You have no idea what you’re doing
Camping can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never gone before. You’ll be surrounded by people with expensive gear and elaborate setups, and you might feel as though you have no idea what you’re doing. Luckily camping imposter syndrome is unwarranted and will disappear once you’ve gone on a few trips.
Solution: Don’t overthink it. Grab your tent and sleeping bag and be on your way. You’ll make mistakes, but that’s how you learn and improve. You might forget to close your tent, find yourself with an empty car battery or fail to start a campfire but that’s all part of the adventure and what makes the great outdoors so fun. Don’t let yourself be intimidated by camping and start with a small but manageable trip.
13. Sleeping on the floor and waking up early
This is a big one for me, that caused me to absolutely hate camping for years. I always woke up with back pain and could never get comfortable on those thin yoga mats that let you feel every little stone you’re lying on. Of course, if you have a campervan or caravan, this problem isn’t an issue, but even then, the mattresses are thin and uncomfortable.
On my holidays I’d love to sleep in and wake up relaxed and ready for the day. Instead, I woke up at 5 AM when the sun comes up after a sleepless night.
Solution: Firstly, get a real mattress for your tent. You might think you won’t have the space, but there are now great sleeping mat hybrid options that can be inflated but still have the padding of a decent mattress. You’ll sleep just as well as you do at home. Of course, you can also rent a glamping tent or cabin, where you’ll have a real bed.
If the sun bothers you in the morning and stops you from being able to sleep in I’ve got two solutions for you. The easiest and cheapest is to get a high-quality sleeping mask that won’t fall off in the middle of the night. I’ve been using this one for years, and it now comes with me everywhere I go. I’d highly recommend it to any type of traveller.
Another option is to get a blackout tent that stays dark even when it’s bright outside. We recommend one in this article about 4-person tents, and it’s been a reliable choice if you don’t want to get up at the break of dawn. Of course, you can also get smaller or larger options.
What to do if you don’t like camping FAQ
A lot of people actually hate camping because they don’t know how to make it easier. It’s very normal to not like it.
Be honest and talk about your concerns so you can find a compromise.
Invest in a high-quality sleeping mat, get a tent with a screen room, a comfortable camping chair and a large electric esky.
Yes, camping can be very fun if you come prepared.
Pros include an affordable trip, plenty of nature and freedom to go wherever you want. Cons are having to purchase equipment, needing a car, mosquitos and lack of comfort.
Get a comfortable sleeping mat, an eye mask, packing cubes, and a spacious tent to improve your camping experience.
Make camping easier and convince yourself to like it by going on short trips first and prioritising your own comfort.
Avoid going camping during bad weather or during the school holidays when popular sites are very crowded.
Go camping when it’s not too hot or cold and when there is plenty of sunshine with litte chance of rain.
People love the great outdoors, being close to nature and away from everyday problems.
Most people don’t like camping because it’s uncomfortable, there isn’t a lot of privacy and sleeping can be uncomfortable.
Before you go…
Do you still dislike camping or have we been able to turn hate into love at least a little bit? Now that we hopefully convinced you to give it a shot, we want you to have the best trip possible. You might enjoy these road trips from Perth to Albany or Perth to Kalbarri, which are guaranteed to turn any sceptic into a camping enthusiast. Don’t forget to read this guide on the best camping chairs, which will let you lounge in the sun with a beer in hand all day. Sounds like a plan?
Did we miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post please leave a comment below or contact us.
