When you think of camping, you likely imagine a picturesque bell tent in the remote wilderness, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and abundant wildlife. While that kind of camping is wonderful in its own right, it’s not the only kind of camping experience there is! In fact, city-dwellers can often go camping right in their own backyards. This style of adventure is known as urban camping, and it has a host of benefits for those willing to try something new. So what exactly does urban camping entail, and what are its advantages over a rural outdoor adventure? Read on to find out!
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What Is Urban Camping?
Urban camping is a style of camping that involves setting up camp directly inside or in very close proximity to a major metropolitan area. While some adventurers take this to the extreme by pitching tents on city sidewalks, rooftops, and parks, it’s also done in a more structured setting at designated campgrounds in or near a city. These are usually fully developed campgrounds, both public and private, with access to amenities like communal restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Campers can either pitch traditional tents, drive up in an RV, or enjoy pre-pitched glamping setups, depending on the location.
When comparing the two styles, the main difference between urban camping and traditional camping is the setting, with urban camping taking place in urban centers, while traditional camping is done in a more rural, natural, outdoor environment. But what are the benefits of this unconventional style of adventure?
Top Urban Camping Benefits
We know and love all of the amazing benefits of traditional camping, but urban camping has a number of enticing advantages, too. Here are the top 4 reasons to try it on your next trip!
Convenience & Affordability
For city-dwellers, it’s hard to get more convenient than camping in your own backyard. While you may not have a literal backyard in the city, urban campgrounds are typically much closer to people living in cities and suburbs than more remote campsites would be. This shorter commute makes it much easier and more convenient to reach, especially for short weekend getaways or staycations. Shorter commutes also make travel more affordable, whether it’s cutting down on the amount of gas you have to put in your car or completely eliminating other expensive modes of travel like trains and planes. Plus, many urban campers will have the luxury of affordable and accessible public transportation to and from camp.
Proximity to Urban Attractions
One of the main perks of urban camping is its close proximity to urban attractions and entertainment. From cultural institutions like art and history museums to farmers’ markets and music festivals, there’s no shortage of activities to do when camping in a concrete jungle. While it may not be the typical activities you’d expect out of a camping trip, it’s a unique experience to be able to access these attractions from your campsite.
At some urban campgrounds, greenery and natural elements can be abundant, offering campers the best of both worlds. Not only do they get access to the awesome attractions discussed above, but they also get to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of being surrounded by nature. One awesome example of this is the glampsite on Governor’s Island in New York City. Campers staying here get to enjoy a peaceful stay among the island’s gorgeous nature, without leaving the hub of some of the greatest cultural institutions in the world.
Better Access Amenities
For urban campers staying at developed campgrounds within their city, you can typically expect to enjoy amenities that would otherwise be a hit or miss at traditional campsites. From electrical hookups and WiFi to access to fully-functional restrooms, urban campers rarely have to sacrifice the conveniences of their daily lives. Because of their proximity to the urban workforce, these amenities are usually better maintained than those you’d find at traditional sites where workers are fewer and farther between.
Glamping is also more prevalent in urban areas, as many city folk tend to gravitate towards more luxurious stays. These sites make urban camping even more convenient, allowing campers to simply show up to a pre-pitched yurt tent complete with all of the essentials they’ll need for their stay.
Like camping anywhere, exact amenities will vary, so it’s important to do your research to ensure you get the experience you’re after on your urban vacation.
Connection to Community
Traditional camping that takes place in more rural areas can often lead campers to feelings of loneliness, especially if they’re traveling in the off-season or on a solo trip. While some campers adventure specifically seeking this solitude, others will miss their connections to their communities. Urban camping bridges that gap, allowing campers to stay local and engaged in what’s going on in their cities and communities.
Tips for Seamless City Camping Experiences
If urban camping sounds like something you might enjoy, you’ll want to keep a few tips in mind to ensure a seamless experience outdoors. First, decide which urban area you want to adventure in. Will you start in your own city, or discover another metropolitan area you’ve yet to explore? Consider what activities and attractions are available at each city, and which of those are most enticing to you.
Next, you’ll want to tweak your packing list to ensure it’s fit for urban adventures. While gear won’t vary much between rural and urban settings, it’s important to bring the right camping tent accessories for your unique adventure. This specifically applies to how you’ll anchor your tent, as some urban locations won’t have the same soft soil you’re used to at rural campsites. Whether you’ll be pitching your tent on rock-hard concrete or a patch of gravel, make sure you know what additional tools you’ll need to properly secure your tent, if any, and how to make your setup as comfortable as possible.
Last but certainly not least, it’s imperative for urban campers to research the laws and regulations of the city they’ll be camping in. This is particularly important for campers setting up camp wherever their hearts take them – instead of in the developed campgrounds nearby. Most cities will have specific laws, and you want to ensure you’re following them to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience outdoors.
Final Thoughts
A style of camping that puts you in the middle of a metropolitan area instead of out in the remote wilderness, urban camping is a unique way to get outside and explore a city for anyone looking for a new adventure. It offers a host of benefits, from its convenience and affordability to its proximity to urban attractions and connection to the community. So whether you aren’t able to commit to traveling to a remote location or simply want to enjoy all the nearest city has to offer, choose your city, tweak your packing list, and get ready to set up camp in the middle of the concrete jungle!
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