10 Fascinating Facts About Camping

In this article, you will get 10 enjoyable fun facts about camping. Who knows, maybe they’ll prove useful as well.

How did our modern style of camping come to be? What are some accomplishments that were made thanks to camping? And who is the surprising culprit of the campsite? Get the answers you are looking for in this article. Let’s dive in!

1) Modern camping was “invented” in 1908

Humans have been camping for a very long time. From the nomads who would set up temporary shelters as they moved from place to place – to hunter-gatherer societies even further back.

However, modern recreational camping as we know it can be traced back to 1908.

Thomas Hiram Holding, a British camping enthusiast who is often considered the father of modern camping, wrote the first edition of The Camper’s Handbook (Britannica). He was also a key figure in the founding of the first camping clubs.

2) The Scouting Movement has played a big role in recreational camping

The development of the Scouting movement in the early 20th century, with figures like Robert Baden-Powell, also played a significant role in popularizing recreational camping, especially among young people.

Baden-Powell organized the first experimental scout camp in 1907, with 20 boys at Brownsea Island (Scouts).

And on the subject of scouts…

3) The delightful camping treat s’mores was popularized in a 1927 Girl Scout handbook

The history of the s’mores recipe dates back to the early 20th century, particularly to a 1927 Girl Scout handbook.

This delightful treat, known for its gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers, was first recorded in this handbook as “Some More.”

The recipe was popularized by Loretta Scott Crew, a Girl Scout leader.

S’mores have become an iconic part of American camping culture. They are more than just a sweet treat; they symbolize fun, nostalgia, and the joys of sharing experiences around a campfire (Wikipedia).

4) Military Campaigns involved camping

Throughout history, from the Roman Empire to the modern era, military campaigns have often involved setting up camps. These have ranged from temporary bivouacs to more established base camps, crucial for strategic planning and restocking supplies.

5) Roald Amundsen camped his way to the South Pole

Roald Amundsen’s historic South Pole expedition is a remarkable example of how camping was crucial in achieving one of the greatest milestones in exploration history.

Amundsen’s team established a well-equipped base camp named Framheim in the Bay of Whales, which served as the central hub for preparation and planning. The strategic use of this base, along with additional supply depots laid along their route, allowed for lighter and faster travel.

Their specially designed tents provided essential shelter in the extreme Antarctic conditions, safeguarding the team against severe cold and wind. Moreover, these camps were not just places of rest; they were pivotal for scientific observations and data collection, contributing valuable knowledge about the Antarctic environment.

Amundsen’s effective use of camping techniques, adapted for polar conditions, was key in navigating and ultimately conquering the harsh and uncharted territory of the South Pole (Britannica).

6) The most popular camping accommodations are tents

Tent camping is popular for its simplicity and close connection to nature. It is also a lot more affordable the car camping or RV camping, which makes it more available to the masses (Statista).

7) The traditional Mongolian tent is called a ger

The Mongolian ger, also known as a yurt in other parts of Central Asia, is a traditional, portable dwelling that has been a central element of Mongolian nomadic culture for centuries.

The structure is circular and constructed with a wooden frame covered by felt, which is made from the wool of sheep or goats.

This design provides excellent insulation and is well-suited to Mongolia’s harsh climate, which can range from scorching summers to freezing winters (Discover Mongolia).

8) The most commonly bought camping item is the flashlight

This essential tool is a staple for campers worldwide due to its practicality and necessity in various camping situations.

Whether navigating a campsite after dark, exploring nearby trails, or providing a light source during unexpected power outages, a flashlight is indispensable.

Its popularity stems from its essential role in ensuring safety and convenience in the outdoors. Modern flashlights offer a range of features like LED technology, rechargeability, water resistance, and even solar charging capabilities, making them even more appealing to campers seeking reliability and efficiency in their gear

But hey, I mean you might as well get a headlamp, right?

9) Squirrels are the menace of the campsite

In some parts of the world, especially in North American campgrounds, campers occasionally face an unexpected and furry menace – squirrels!

These seemingly cute and harmless creatures are known to be quite the troublemakers at campsites.

They have a reputation for stealthily infiltrating camps to steal food, often outwitting campers and their food storage methods.

There have been humorous accounts of squirrels running off with entire bags of snacks or causing chaos as they raid supplies, proving that sometimes the biggest challenges in the wilderness come in small, fluffy packages.

10) Campers do not leave their tech behind

Nearly all campers (97%) bring some form of technology with them on camping trips (happyhammockcamper).

Conclusion

As someone who really enjoys what camping has to offer, collecting these fun facts was a treasure trove of fun for me. I hope you enjoyed it as well.

Camping has played pivotal roles in various historical endeavors, from military campaigns to groundbreaking expeditions like Roald Amundsen’s journey to the South Pole.

The humble tent remains a favorite camping accommodation, offering simplicity and a close connection to nature for people everywhere. Not as close as hammock camping of course!

Which fact did you most enjoy? Leave a comment below!