Know Before You Go: 18 Tips for Foolproof Camping by Laura Schwecherl

Every year, more than 30 million Americans leave the comfort of their homes to sleep in a tent, RV, or simply under the stars. There are lots of reasons to rough it on a good-old fashioned camping trip, from physical health benefits to stress relief. (Who needs a Tempur-Pedic mattress when there’s a sleeping bag?) In order for a safe, comfortable, and exciting experience with Mother Nature, learn all the camping dos and don’ts to fully enjoy the Great Outdoors!
Nature-Made — The Need-to-KnowForget stress balls and screaming into pillows: Just being in the presence of plants can be therapeutic. The word’s biophilia, the term for humans’ desire to connect with nature . (Yep, it’s science!) And camping isn't only the perfect way to get outdoors; it can also be great for our health  . (Also Check Out: 11 Life Lessons I Learned from Camping in the Woods) Trekking to a campsite with the sun beating down provides a healthy dose of vitamin D, plus walking is a lower-impact exercise that may help burn off some of those campfire S’mores. Embracing that inner Yogi Bear may help reduce stress, too: Levels of serotonin naturally rise when we’re outdoors, which can help improve mood . Who said only five-star hotels were relaxing? Check out these pro tips before hitting the trail for a comfy, relaxing, and fun outdoor experience.

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