Is This Really Camping Or Glamping Gone Crazy?
When I was young boy growing up in Maine, we would go camping every summer for a week in August. The word “glamping” had not yet been thought of because…
Glamping open tent with cozy interior on a sunny day. Luxury camping tent for outdoor summer holiday and vacation. Lifestyle concept
When I was young boy growing up in Maine, we would go camping every summer for a week in August. The word "glamping" had not yet been thought of because nobody ever did it.
Now, I can remember that we used to pack up our tents and sleeping bags, and whatever camping gear we needed. Stuff, like a Coleman stove with propane canisters, a very old coffee percolator and various other tools to make the week in the woods somewhat like home. Now things are getting ridiculous when it comes to camping, it truly has become over the top glamping.
Very few of today's campers are willing to hit the road with just the bare necessities, instead most would prefer to bring practicly all of the comforts of home with them. Everything from a micro-wave oven to a television set and even a vacuum to help keep the campsite tidy.
There are camping places that exist now that give people the feel of camping in the wilderness without all the downsides of communing with nature. You can rent remodeled/refurbished campers that are all decked out with the modern amenities that you didn’t want to leave behind.
You can go to places that rent Airstream campers with their distinctive aluminum shells that boast comfy beds and couches with televisions and air conditioning so that you will camp in comfort.
If that doesn’t sound like your idea of camping, then you of course can do it the old-fashioned way. Go to a campground, pitch a tent load in your sleeping bag and backpacks. May be a good book a cooler filled with all you’ll need for your trip. You can still do that, and if you never have a highly recommend it. You will be much more in tune with your environment. Then you would be in a Glamping site that leaves you feeling like you’re staying at a hotel and not the great outdoors.
Check out this over the top tent set up in the U.K.
Best States For Camping: Two New England States Rank High
The 2023 Best States for Camping report has been released. Two New England states make the Top 20. One comes in next-to-last.
Lawn Love is responsible for this year's rankings. They released their 2023’s Best States for Camping back in March, but we're in New England. March is decidedly not a great camping month. Unless you are among the most hardcore of outdoor enthusiasts. If you're a year-round camper here in New England, I tip my earflapped winter cap to you. You and Christopher Thomas Knight.
Lawn Love's study "compared the 50 states based on 25 metrics, such as campsite access, acreage, and trails. We also considered safety, supplies, camper satisfaction, and affordability." If you want to really dig into the data and sources, you can check out the Behind the Ranking section of their report. It's pretty in-depth and lays out how they ended up with their Top 50.
Best States For Camping: Two New England States Rank High
We'll get into the Top 20 of their Top 50 below, because the Top 20 does boast two states here in New England. Vermont is one, which isn't a surprise. The natural beauty across the Green Mountain State is unrivaled. Surprisingly, Connecticut also made the Top 20. Not an obvious choice, but I suppose it tracks given the criteria take into consideration.
Even more surprising, though, is Rhode Island. The Ocean State landed at No. 49 out of 50, with only lowly South Dakota keeping it out of the bottom spot. Again, you can dig into the full study and see all 50 states here. And while we're on the subject of camping and vacation season here in New England, be sure to check out my latest 12-Inch Poll and vote for your favorite summer vacation destination. In case you haven't heard, Massachusetts is a top spot for summer vacations nation wide.
20) Indiana
Apparently you don't have to be in a costal state to do some dune camping!
19) Vermont
Again, you can't go wrong with the natural beauty of the Green Mountain State.
18) Iowa
Camping is even more fun when you're biking across the Hawkeye State!
17) Pennsylvania
Apparently Greene County is a PA camping hotspot. S'mores, anyone?
16) Missouri
Forget everything you saw on the TV show: the Ozarks are beautiful for camping out.
15) Illinois
The state has but one National Forest, but it's a beaut.
14) Connecticut
Waterfalls? Hiking? Rock climbing? Connecticut has it goin' on for campers!
13) Arizona
Four words: The Grand Friggin' Canyon.
12) Tennessee
Imagine camping on Loretta Lynn's land? It would almost make traveling to TN worth it!
11) Ohio
Lots of activities and amenities for those camping in the Buckeye State.
10) Minnesota
The state that's so popular among campers you might need an app to find a campsite that's free!
9) North Carolina
Just be mindful of those wildfires. Not just in NC but anywhere you plan on camping.
8) Virginia
Virginia is for lovers. And campers. And paddleboat enthusiasts.
7) Michigan
You can camp in a yurt in Michigan? Yes, you can camp in a yurt in Michigan!
6) Colorado
Colorado is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited, so it's no surprise to see it near the top of this list.
5) New York
Taking this opportunity to remind you to respect the local wildlife when camping out, no matter the state.
4) Florida
Don't forget about the Forgotten Coast!
3) Texas
I'd be willing to bet camping in Texas nowadays isn't too far off what camping in Texas was like back in the day.
2) Washington
The state, mind you. Not Washington D.C. Too much concrete. Not great for camping.
1) California
From the redwood forests to the deserts to the coast, it's no surprise California tops this list.
