Appreciation post: Letting go of fixed camp spots made my hikes better

I quit aiming for specific sites marked on my map each evening. Now I just find a good place when I'm tired, and it takes all the pressure off. My routes feel more natural and way less stressful.

4 comments

4 Comments

ruby6521mo ago

Whoa, I was such a planner with campsites too, always rushing to hit that exact dot. Last month I finally gave up and just stopped when I found a flat spot near a stream. It was so much nicer than the crowded official site a mile ahead. I didn't realize how much that old way was stressing me out until I tried yours. Now my only goal is finding a decent place to sleep.

the_xena1mo ago

No way, that stream spot probably had way better stars without all the camp lights!

the_vera1mo agoMost Upvoted

Exactly. Light pollution ruins everything. I spent years planning trips around dark sky maps only to have some guy with led string lights show up. Now I just hike until my phone dies and camp wherever looks decent. The milky way slapped last time I did that.

zarat3724d ago

Did you ever feel rushed trying to reach a campsite before dark? I was totally like that, always pushing myself too hard. But after a trip where I just stopped at the first good flat spot I saw, I realized how much more I enjoyed the actual hiking. Now I pack a headlamp and don't worry about the map so much.