The Evolution of Camping

Human beings are very strange creatures, don’t you agree?

Centuries ago we wandered about the face of the earth seeking shelter in caves as we sought to withstand the cold and hide from wild animals. Then we discovered fire and life became easier because once we had killed something; we could cook it. When the first tools and implements were made, our nomadic existence also came to an end as we started to settle down and plant crops. Our homes were still very small and rough though.

The wheel was the start of great things; soon man had transport. Before two thousand years had passed we were flying. Our homes became more sophisticated and offered real protection from the elements. Man had come to a place where he was comfortable.

The First Campers

But some farmers in the US, who made their living from the raising of cattle, would at times find themselves out of doors at night while they were moving a herd from one place to another. This meant a hasty meal cooked over a campfire and a night under the stars or in a small tent. Was this hardship? Hardly. It stirred in them feelings of really being alive – a romantic notion of being at one with the earth.

We’ve heard many tales of our Pilgrim forefathers making their way across the inhospitable plains; sleeping outside and eating what they could forage or hunt and cook over a makeshift fire. So it was in later years that man (and woman) recognized within himself a yearning to get back to nature; to experience what our forefathers had done.

A Need for the Outdoors

It does seem strange that with all the sophistication and comfort we experience every day, we should want to ‘rough it’, but at some primal level our spirits seek to be in the environment that was created for us. So, camping emerged as a pastime

For some folks camping really means living as simply as possible. A rucksack on your back; a bedroll; at best a small tent and you are set to go off into the wilds. For others – usually those with kids who need the restroom every hour or so – an RV is just the ticket. This is your home on wheels; kids, bedding and restroom included! With an RV you can tour the country or set up closer to home – and Jellystone Parks make this adventurous and affordable.

There are others who love the outdoors and enjoy a good hike, but absolutely need their home comforts like a decent bed, bathroom and kitchen. Camping can still be their thing – if they book themselves in to a Jellystone Park cabin.

The concept of camping as an activity has certainly evolved into quite a luxurious experience over the years. There is no longer any need to ‘suffer’ while you are enjoying the beauty of nature – unless you want to, that is.