Camping mental health benefits: positive impact guide

If you are reading this you are probably familiar with the term “happy campers”. We all know that camping and getting out in nature lets you reconnect with the real world, yourself, your loved ones and spend some quality time with family. Well, The Real Richness study, carried out by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (2017), shows that it’s true; Campers are happier!

Here are 6 of the key facts that came out of the study (CIAA, 2017):

1. 85% of campers felt closer to their spouse/partner compared to 65% of non-campers

2. 96% of campers believe that camping can make you happier

3. 95% of campers believe that camping reduces stress

4. Campers are competitively happier, more satisfied, optimistic and energised than non-campers

5. Campers are less stressed, bored, frustrated and lonely than non-campers

6. 94% thinks that camping teaches children life skills

You may be wondering why this is the case? Well, the study suggests that spending quality time with family can have a huge impact on happiness:

Camping gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with the people who are most important to you. The study showed that Australians who go camping are more satisfied, happy, optimistic and energised than those who do not go camping. They are also less stressed, frustrated, bored and lonely. When the study’s respondents talked about camping, the most common words they used were love, time and family.

We wanted to find out more about the impact of camping on happiness, so we spoke to the family behind @ten_itchy_feet.

The family behind @ten_itchy_feet have been on the road full time for 2 years with three kids and are a true testament for how camping can provide a happier lifestyle:

“Our most memorable and favourite moments were exploring the natural wonders our beautiful country has to offer. There is something about being stripped back to basics, surrounded by your family that simply made us happy”

“Memories like camping on a beach with no phone coverage, constant fishing, swimming and walks was just the best. We also got right into hiking with the kids which always wore them out and gave us plenty of time to have beautiful long chats and discover new places. Those times were pretty stress-free.

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"_Being in the outdoors really got the kids’ imagination flowing too which was always lovely to see. They learn so much from simple play and exploring plus not to mention learning to occupy themselves. There are so many beautiful areas to explore and you really don’t have to look or drive far to find them. You’ll be surprised when you start looking and most are all free!” _

Don’t forget the physical benefits of camping

We all know camping is fun and allows us to connect with loved ones and nature, but do you know what health benefits you can gain from spending a night under the stars?

Since 1979, BIG4 Holiday Parks has been delivering true blue Aussie holidays to families and friends in the best locations this country has to offer. They have put together an interesting list of reasons why camping has positive impacts on physical and mental health for the whole family, and we have picked our favourites:

1. Camping helps with problem-solving

Sometimes camping and its associated activities present you with challenges; some that not even Google can reliably solve!

Often these are challenges not encountered on a daily basis: How to set up a tent or deal with scenarios where you aren’t armed with mod-cons or familiar surroundings. (Don’t even mention parking the caravan)

In addition, camping often introduces you to new experiences, possibly an activity you’ve been meaning to try but have never got around to.

Whatever the case, there is plenty of research that suggests tackling new challenges and experiences can keep our brains healthy, as they force us to think for ourselves. Better yet, they can enhance self-confidence, growth, and happiness, too.

2. Camping is great for children’s education

Following the above point, camping can have direct positive impacts on children’s development. In the age of smartphones and tablets and other technology, this is even more pertinent.

Many kids are likely more confident navigating their way around an iPad searching for Bluey or Peppa Pig videos or watching YouTube than they are navigating the inside of a tent.

Yet camping introduces children to a whole new world and asks of them an ability to overcome new problems and challenges. Having exposure to a different set of challenges not only keeps kids’ brains healthy but leads to increased learning opportunities.

A UK study from the Institute of Education at Plymouth University found an overwhelming majority of parents believed that camping had a positive impact on a child's education. Further social commentary supports this claim.

3. Camping often leads to increased exercise

If your daily routine entails long periods being seated, chances are your opportunities to exercise are limited. The solution? Go camping.

While camping, you will likely explore new surroundings; perhaps wandering through a nearby national park or cycling or kayaking. Or, when staying at a BIG4 park, taking advantage of ample on-site leisure facilities that are generally on offer.

This increased exercise has been well-documented – from the Heart Foundation to the Department of Health – as having myriad physical and mental benefits. These include combatting health problems and disease and improving your mood and energy levels.

Such a point is not limited to camping. Simply hit the road and escape the daily grind or your regular routine.

You can read the full list here .

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your road trip today.

Here are some of our most popular destinations and road trips to give you some inspiration:

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Before you leave, remember to book your wheels:

Get onto Camplify and hire a caravan or motorhome that suits your family’s needs. There’s a home on wheels for everyone, from large families to solo travellers.

Sources: https://www.caravanindustry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Real-Richness-Factsheet.pdfhttps://www.caravanindustry.com.au/urban-myth-settled-happy-campers-really-are-happier https://www.big4.com.au/tips-and-inspiration/tips-advice/camping/6-important-reasons-why-camping-is-good-for-you