Why I Love Outdoor Living—But Hate Camping
Hi, I’m Jon Robertson, one of the founders of YourHomeEscape.com. I have a bit of a confession to make: while I absolutely adore outdoor living, patio lounging, and backyard bliss, I cannot stand camping. Yes, you read that right. I hate camping. And trust me, it’s a fervent kind of hatred. I find camping stressful, too hot to sleep, plagued with bugs, and, quite frankly, boring. But here’s the paradox: I love being outside. Fresh air is fantastic, but only on my terms.
Let me paint you a picture. In my ideal world, I’m sitting comfortably on my patio, the scent of freshly mowed grass and blooming flowers wafting around me. If I want to enjoy a fire, I can light up my fire pit. If the mood strikes to cook outside, my grill is ready and waiting. I have the soothing sound of running water from my water feature, and a hot tub for those nights when a soak under the stars feels just right. And the best part? When I need a bathroom, it’s just a few steps away inside my house. No traipsing through the woods with a flashlight for me, thank you very much.
Now, some people might find this perspective a bit narrow. They think that loving the outdoors means embracing all aspects of it, including camping and hiking. But I say, why endure the discomfort of a tent and a sleeping bag when you can enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your own backyard? I’ve got everything I need right here.
I know my aversion to camping perplexes many. Every summer, my entire family goes camping for a week. They love it—the tents, the campfires, the whole shebang. I went once overnight, and that was enough. Never again. I remember lying in that hot, sticky tent, listening to every rustle in the bushes, and thinking, “What’s the appeal?” The bugs, the lack of proper facilities, the discomfort—none of it made sense to me.
What people don't understand is that you can be an outdoor enthusiast without loving all the traditional outdoor activities. I adore the fresh air and the beauty of nature, but I also love my creature comforts. I’m the guy who can have a cookout in my backyard and then sleep in my air-conditioned house. I can listen to the crickets and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of lemonade on my patio without worrying about mosquitoes or where the nearest restroom is. If I want to stargaze, I can do it from my comfortable lawn chair.
Borrowing the words of comedian Jim Gaffigan, "I'm what you call indoorsy." Except not totally. Being outside rejuvenates me, but only when I have control over my environment. And that’s perfectly okay. It’s about finding what works for you and embracing it. My backyard is my sanctuary. It’s where I can relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without the hassles of camping.
So here’s to all the paradoxical outdoor lovers like me. We may not love camping, but we’ve found our own slice of outdoor heaven right at home. If you’re like me and prefer your own bed over a sleeping bag, your own bathroom over the great outdoors, and your patio over a campsite, then you understand the beauty of creating an outdoor escape that’s uniquely yours. And isn’t that what loving the outdoors is all about?
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