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  • I spent 73 days camping in a tent outdoors and in national parks. The unexpected perks made me never want to book a hotel again.

I spent 73 days camping in a tent outdoors and in national parks. The unexpected perks made me never want to book a hotel again.

Ryan BieberMar 25, 2023, 17:37 IST

Camping for the first time in the Adirondacks.Ryan Bieber

  • Before my trip, I had only been camping once before and I wasn't sure what to expect.
  • Getting adjusted was rough at first, but I ultimately felt more connected to nature.
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In summer 2022, I spent 10 weeks living out of a tent in Oregon as a crew member for AmeriCorps. Before, I'd only been camping once.

The author's first camping trip, in the Adirondacks.Ryan Bieber

My first week was spent training in the Willamette National Forest, and it was hard to adjust to my sleeping bag and tent.

The author's first night in his tent.Ryan Bieber
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Switching to a new campsite showed me that camping could be more fun than staying in a hotel room.

The river close to Shady Cove campsite in Oregon.Ryan Bieber

After two weeks, I liked my tent. I forgot what a normal bed felt like, and was happy for the privacy the tent gave me in the evenings.

The author plays guitars in front of his tent.Ryan Bieber
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On weekends off, my crew drove to national parks. I was surprised to find overnight camping for less than $25, although we often camped for free.

Camping in Crater Lake National Park.Ryan Bieber

In the past I've spent hundreds on hotels, but by camping I was able to stay in or just outside national parks for free.

Camping on the beach near Redwood National Park.Ryan Bieber
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A highlight of camping for me was seeing the sunrise and sunset almost every day, especially as I'm not typically an early riser.

The sunset at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.Ryan Bieber

Camping instead of staying in a hotel meant I was often the first person on the hiking trails each morning.

Watching the sunrise at Crater Lake.Ryan Bieber
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Camping for over 70 days made me feel totally immersed in nature, and much more connected to my surroundings than past hiking experiences.

The author hangs from a sign at Crater Lake.Ryan Bieber

I knew I loved camping when I chose it over a hotel even after the program ended.

The author at Olympic National Park.Ryan Bieber
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Camping isn't feasible everywhere, but when it comes to vacationing in the great outdoors, I would choose my tent over a hotel every time.

The author on the first and last day of his journey.Ryan Bieber
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