7 Tips to “Adults-Only” Camping
Getting outside is fun for all ages. No matter what you prefer-camping, hiking, mountaineering, or just a day fishing by the lake-there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy the outdoors. That being said, the outdoors offers ways to connect with yourself, others, and nature that not many other things can. However, if you want to have a little more fun in the outdoors beyond just sitting around the campfire, then practice these fun tips to enjoy the outdoors in ways only adults can!
1. Bringing Beer on the Trail
If you’re going to be hiking in extreme heat in the middle of the desert for five days straight, then we don’t recommend bringing the alcohol, as it can put you at a high risk of dehydration. However, if you’re going for a long weekend at the campsite or even a weekend hike with other adults, there’s nothing wrong with packing along the booze. If you want to bring beer, then consider bringing dark brews, to preserve the taste longer. It’s also a no-brainer that you should bring cans instead of bottles, since they are lighter, easier to open, and leave less of a mess.
2. Bringing Wine on the Trail
Some people prefer beer, and some prefer wine. (And some prefer neither, but I can’t actually promote bringing vodka along). The gear industry caught on pretty quickly when they saw that people still like to have their glass of wine daily, whether or not they’re in the comforts of their home. Wine2Go is the perfect little gadget, a foldable wine bottle that will be your best friend on any hike. You could also buy the boxed wine, take out the bladder, and throw it in your CamelBak. The pros also advise bringing red wine over white.
3. Bringing Any Alcohol on the Trail
A flask. A Nalgene. A canteen. Hell, even a plastic water bottle lying on your kitchen table for days will do the trick. There is a whole business out there designing devices for you to bring your alcohol along with ease. Just don’t get too crazy, okay?
4. Smoking Anything That’s Not Tobacco
If you’re from the good ol’ state of Colorado, then you already know where we’re going with this one. If you choose to engage in activities while high, keep in mind that national laws apply in national parks, so keep it to a state park where it’s allowed. Also, smoking anything in most places is banned, as to not pose a risk of forest fires. Of course, there are alternatives to smoking. Take care of the environment above all, make sure you’re following the rules, and try not to draw too much attention to yourself.
5. Making Your Tent PG-13
Before you do anything that may seem inappropriate in the outdoors, think about why it would be. There’s no need to lecture here, but one thing to remember is that you should always be considerate of others in your camping group or at your campsite. On that note, whatever you do inside your tent is your business, but try to keep it from becoming a scene from a Friday the 13th movie. Find a secluded area that’s still at an approved campsite, make sure you have a cover for the floor of your tent, and maybe invest in a two-person (or a larger one-person), sleeping bag. Whatever you do, just make sure to clean your area before you leave!
6. Camping Parties
A camping party could easily entail everything else on this list, or nothing at all. Adult-only camping parties are a great way to have fun with old pals and make new ones. It’s a wonderful way to connect with people that doesn’t involve just sending messages through online platforms. Your camping party can consist of whatever you feel; playing games, drinking, truth or dare, making jello shots, or just hanging out and having a good time cooking up s’mores together.
7. None of the Above
Adult-only camping doesn’t need to involve drinking or getting crazy in the outdoors. It could simply mean camping for adults only, without the kids involved. There are plenty of hiking trails, campsites, and backcountry destinations that are adult-only. There are also ones that cater to certain age groups of adults, whether you’re a young single looking for a hiking mate, or you’re a retired senior couple looking to relax. There are a lot more of these kind of camping options available in the U.K., but you can find some USA options here.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the outdoors without the kiddies around. Though, make sure whatever you’re doing, you’re being considerate of others. After all, no one wants there backcountry adventure to be ruined by an outdoor frat party.