Pros & Cons of Wilderness Camping Verses Campground Camping
- BVABC Pro Staffer, Eric Atwell
- Jun 16, 2016
- 4 min read
How does camping at your local campground stack up against the unknown of going camping in the great outdoors of the wild and untamed wilderness of North America?
In this article, we're going to take a deeper look at some of the differences between the two styles of camping and get a better understanding of the ups and downs for each adventure.
Outdoor camping has become a major pass time for most families across the United States. Each year there are more and more people that venture into the great outdoors as a means of cutting the costs of a family vacation but are families truly saving money by visiting local campgrounds?
Most campgrounds would like for you to think so but the truth is that most, if not all campgrounds use posted camping rules and regulations to push paying customers towards spending more money and all without selling you with a grand sales pitch. Here's how it works.
PROS & CONS OF CAMPGROUND CAMPING
Others fees and costs may include:
Pet Fees: Which will most likely will regulate how many pets may be on site.
Water and Sewer: These fees may very and could cost you an extra $5.00 per night.
Visitation Fees: This fee will apply to how many people can be on your site at one time.
Most of the time this fee can range from $2.00 per person upwards of $5.00 per person, per night. With a max limit of (6) people on site.
These are only a few of the fees that you will find yourself paying when you visit a local campground.
CAMPGROUND FACILITIES
Most campgrounds will have their own bath and restroom facilities but are you getting a chance to freshen up or a trip to the nearest Emergency Room?
Although there is a slight advantage to camping at your local campground, you may find that you are really spending your personal moments with bacteria, fungus and yes even a chance to contract a really nice sexually transmitted disease. If you are feeling brave and have to have a shower to feel and smell your best then we recommend that you and your family take precautionary measures while using these facilities. At least the WIFI is free!
Right? ......
TIPS
1. Using the shower: Always wear flip flops or swimming shoes when using the showers. This will help to prevent the spread of swapping nasty foot fungus with your fellow campers.
2. Using the sinks: When washing your hands in the restroom, always wash your hands with antibacterial soap to eliminate germs under your finger nails. ( Sing Happy Birthday to yourself while washing your hands.) This should offer you enough time to clean your hands. Do not turn the sink off with your now clean hands. Grab a paper towel and dry your hands, then while you are still holding your paper towel you may use it to turn the sink off.
3. Using the toilet: Line the seat with a seat liner if they are offered. If they are not offered you should line the seat with a really healthy layer of toilet paper. Don't worry to much about over doing it with using the paper to line the seat. Almost all campgrounds us a type of toilet paper that degrades rapidly. This is because there are campers that prefer to camp in their own RVs and regular toilet paper is a bad idea for the septic systems in these types of vehicles. So the use of tissue paper that dissolves faster in water is a must.
If camping at a local campground is something that interests you and your family, then by all means, go for it! We won't judge you but be warned, you may be in for more than you planned.
PROS AND CONS OF WILDERNESS CAMPING
Wilderness camping for most adventure seekers, that spend a lot of time in the outdoors is considered to be the one and only true way to experience mother natures wonder and beauty at her very best. Almost all backpackers, hikers, hunters and survivalists prefer this style of camping and wouldn't have it any other way.
There are only a few but very serious cons that come with choosing this style of camping and should never be taken lightly.
CONS
1. Food: Starvation is a very real risk when camping in the great outdoors.
(Remember to pack at least 7 days worth of dried goods in your gear.)
2. Don't feed the animals: There will always be a chance to be eaten by a large animal while being out in the wild.
(Humans are not at the top of the food chain.)
3. Follow the yellow brick road: There are no street signs that can help you if you get lost in the wild. Always track your location with GPS or a really good compass.
(Always carry a compass.)
4. Is there a Doctor in the house? : If you get yourself hurt in the wild there may not be a hospital or Doctor for miles around.
(Always remember to bring a well designed first aid kit.)
NEVER GO CAMPING IN THE GREAT UNKNOWN WITHOUT A CAMPING BUDDY.
Two heads are better than one. Unless you are a very well trained wilderness survivalist or specialist.
PROS
Cost of camping in the wild = FREE
Cost of building a campfire in the wild = FREE
Cost of parking in the wild = FREE
Cost of bringing all of the family pets with you = FREE
Camping facilities in the wild are what ever you want them to be. So why not build yourself a campground of your very own in the wild and live it up.
At least you know that the shower house has never been used by anyone else.
No matter what style of camping that you may try. Always remember to stay alert to your surroundings, stay safe an above all else just have fun.
Thank you for reading our BVABC Survivalist Blog.
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