10 Interesting Facts about Camping — You’ll Be Surprised!
If you’re an avid fan of camping trips, you likely enjoy spending time and exploring the outdoors. I’ve got some interesting facts about camping you should know about.
Either you camp in the woods, near a lake, in the mountains, or just in your backyard, there’s always something new and beautiful to discover. That includes these interesting tips and facts about camping.
It’s also likely that you’re equipped with some camping trivia, ready at your disposal in case someone will ask you a thing or two about camping.
Even veteran or seasoned campers might be surprised that there’s still more to learn about camping or at least things that are related to camping. Let’s see how many of these informative yet strange camping facts you already know or maybe don’t know yet.
An Unusual Fact about Camping; Crickets can calculate weather temperature
You don’t always need a thermometer or any fancy temperature-reading gadget to calculate how cold or hot it is in your campsite. If you camp during the spring and summer seasons, you can gauge the temperature by listening to chirping crickets.
Yes, it’s possible! You just count the number of chirps the crickets make within 14 seconds, then add 40 to that number. The result will be the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. Amazing, isn’t it?
A Mind-blowing Fact about Camping; Tents have existed since the Iron Age
Tents have been used as shelters out in the wild since the dawn of humanity. There has been archaeological evidence showing that tents have been around as early as the Iron Age.
The use of tents was even mentioned in the Bible’s passage about an individual named Jabal. It was stated that he was the first man to live in tents while raising goats and sheep.
Another interesting camping fact was that the Roman army was also seen to have lived in leather tents — the versions that modern reenactors use today.
Although all these historical tent dwellers may happily get rid of these primitive dwellings in exchange for a more comfortable house that we have today. Many people, especially campers, continue to look for opportunities. Places where they can camp under the stars reminiscent to simpler times.
The S’ mores: The ubiquitous camping treat
A camping event is never complete without roasting marshmallows over a campfire to make that familiar, tasty treat to all campers: s’ mores!
If you’re wondering who and when the s’ mores were invented —none knows for sure. However, there’s a published “some mores” recipe way back in 1927 in the Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts publication. It was Loretta Scott Crew who was given credit for that recipe. She made it for Girl Scouts by the campfire.
We don’t know for sure if it was really the Girl Scouts who made “some mores.” However, no one claimed to have invented it first. No one also knows when the name was shortened to “s’ more” since the recipe for “some mores” was published until at least 1971.
A Scary Fact about Camping; Canada is home to more than 50,000 species of insects
This country is famous for housing the best camping destinations in the world. But did you know that Canada is also the safe haven of 56,000 species of insects?
Most of these insects are harmless, but it’s still best to protect yourself while camping. Wear light-colored clothing in order to spot ticks and mosquitos, and use eco-friendly insect repellent.
Raccoons may look like adorable cats, but they’re not ideal for cuddling
If you think that raccoons look like cats, you may be right. In fact, they can purr too! Raccoons do it when they feel safe or content. But beware, as they are quite capable of causing harm to your campsite. In rare cases, fuzzy creatures with bushy tails could potentially carry infectious diseases.
It’s important to steer clear of them when you’re at a campsite. Don’t leave food and any edible items outside your tent or camping van. Make sure to keep your garbage in a tightly-closed container. You can also use cayenne pepper or repellents to keep raccoons at bay.
A Well-known Camping Fact; Small Campfires can be Hazardous
A campfire may help in keeping you warm during the cold nights, but it can be a safety hazard if you’re not careful.
Take note that a fire that’s been left burning for a few hours may exceed 900 degrees Fahrenheit! Hence, make sure you have easy access to the water station or to any fire extinguisher equipment in case the fire gets out of control.
“The Wave” is the most dangerous campsite in the US
The Wave is a striped, bright orange, sandstone formation like something out of an M.C. Escher drawing, located along the northern Arizona border.
This jaw-dropping landscape is nicknamed “The Devil’s Playground” for good measure.
Only twenty visitors are allowed to camp on the site per day. Campers are given maps and directions and then set out without a guide. Due to the dizzying terrain, unmarked trails, temperatures that could rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and spotty cell service, it’s crucial that campers know what they’re getting themselves into.
Camping can Relieve Stress and Depression
It’s common knowledge that camping activity is beneficial to your physical health. But, unbeknownst to many, it’s also good for your emotional and mental well-being.
The levels of oxygen, melatonin, and serotonin rise when you engage in any outdoor physical activities. It will automatically decrease your stress level. Plus, it’s hard to feel upset when you’re doing an enjoyable activity. It’s one of the things we can do for our body, mind, and spirit.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s about time to make use of that tent you kept in your garage for ages.
Lyme disease takes effect longer than what you may think
Campers are known to be vulnerable to Lyme disease, especially in bushy eco-parks and campgrounds. This disease is considered a mild threat but can get serious if left untreated.
You don’t have to worry that much, though, as you could be in the clear if you find the tick early. These insects will need to connect to their host for at least 36 hours to pass the disease.
For this reason, it’s crucial to carefully monitor the person who is suspected of having been bitten by infected ticks to prevent the disease from spreading.
Australia has the Most Number of National Parks in the World
Not all countries have a single national park to their name or put value to their open spaces. Some national parks allow wild camping and let travelers camp without hordes of tourists and be one with nature.
Australia tops the list with more than 500 national parks under its belt. For instance, Kakadu, Australia’s largest national park is 20,000 square kilometers in size, which is bigger than Fiji’s entirety.
Author
Zada Ingar is a content writer and editor by profession and a self-confessed bookworm based in Davao City, Philippines. She likes to write just about anything related to travel, lifestyle, arts and crafts, and finance. When not busy making ends meet, Zada spends her time lounging at the beach or binge-reading her favorite novels.
