July 2025

A Commonsense Guide To Camping for Seniors

Camping is an affordable way to see the country and offers numerous benefits for older adults, but you need to know what you're doing. Get expert tips from a survival expert, sportsman, outdoorsman and Grandpa here.

Camping is an opportunity to escape daily activities and immerse yourself in nature.

Being classified a "senior citizen" or "older adult" does not mean you can't enjoy its delights, especially with proper research and planning.

There are many different types of camping you can enjoy at any age, and surely there is one that's right for you.

The Best Types of Camping For Seniors

As we mature, we may choose less strenuous types of camping.

This may evolve into camping in an RV and camping in a commercial campground. You can combine the luxury of comfort with the enjoyment of an open fire pit and other traditional activities.

For those who prefer to rough it, it may involve a tent, sleeping bags and a simpler approach to camping.

Camping trips may be combined with other activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, bird watching or nature photography. The choices are numerous.

Camping can be a solitary experience or a way to escape with family members or friends for a fun time together away from screens and everyday stressors.

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Essential Gear For Senior Camping

If you're new to camping or haven't camped in a while, here are a few key considerations.

This list should be flexible, depending on the level of primitiveness or luxury of your planned trip.

Air mattresses or sleeping pads: If you plan on roughing it, don’t forget these essential items for a good night’s sleep. And if you're using an air mattress, make sure you have a way to blow it up (electrical or otherwise).
First aid kit and any special medications normally needed.
Tools: A light tool kit or a multi-tool such as a Leatherman to meet the demands of an emergency repair.
Flashlights and lanterns: These are essential for lighting up your tent and lighting your way at night to prevent falls.

Related reading: How To Go Primitive Camping

Tips On Choosing The Best Camping Destinations

Rather than striking out blindly, do some research about camping sites.

A brief search online will reveal directories about campgrounds in state parks, national parks and various commercial locations that welcome campers.

Some campgrounds even have special sites that are wheelchair accessible or more appropriate for people who have trouble walking.

There are some hiking trails that have campsites along the trail, but these require packing light and being able to transport all your equipment and food to the location.

These are enjoyable, but may exceed the capabilities of some seniors.

If you're new to camping or unsure of your fitness level, start out in a campground and read our article on Hiking For Seniors: How To Hike Safely In Your Later Years for tips to get your conditioned for backpacking.

Camping Safety Considerations

One of the primary concerns when camping is safety. This is especially true in a campground, but even more so if you plan to hike and camp in a wilderness area.

Here are some tips to help make your camping trip as safe as possible.

Always carry a first aid kit.
Be aware of the “Rule of Threes”. A person can live 3 minutes without air, 3 hours in a harsh environment, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food.
It is good to memorize the word “STOP”. It is an abbreviation for Stop, Think, Observe and Plan.
Another good slogan is to “use your head before your legs.”
If you are planning to camp or hike in an area with dangerous wildlife, plan to include bear spray and all campers should be aware of the need for preparation. Don’t leave food unattended that might attract predators.
Consider taking an outdoor first aid course, which will prepare you to handle common accidents and mishaps while camping or hiking.

See: Wilderness First Aid Resources for Rural Life and Outdoor Adventures for more details.

How To Cook While Camping

Preparing meals while camping requires some planning.

There are many methods of cooking, ranging from modern LP gas ranges in motorhomes to small propane stoves for backpacking and even campfire cooking.

®Coleman stoves that use white gasoline have been a longtime favorite, but are too heavy for remote campsites.

If weight is not a concern, cooking with cast iron over an open fire can be quite an experience. Some truly delicious meals can be prepared.

Check out J. Wayne Fears online for some tips on cast iron cooking. He is a popular outdoor writer from Alabama and cooks at numerous outdoor events using multiple cast-iron Dutch ovens.

My friend and fellow writer, Jim Mize, and I have also written on the subject in:

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It is a good idea to pre-plan the menu.

Depending on the nature of the outing, it may be as simple as desired; however, primitive camping has special requirements for compactness and lightweight gear. The menu can be expanded if the trip involves an RV or cabin.

Pre-planning each meal will help reduce any unnecessary items and make the process much more efficient.

Additionally, it is advisable to create a list of necessary utensils for cooking and cleaning. Don’t forget items such as a big pan or basin for washing dishes as well as oven mits and reusable or disposable plates, bowls, mugs and cutlery.

Include high-energy snacks like granola, energy bars, or fruit for hikes or to satisfy mid-morning hunger pangs.

A good cooler is a must for keeping perishables safe for consumption. Plan ahead where and when you will secure ice for the outing.

Final Thoughts On Camping For Seniors

Our forefathers made the trek westward in covered wagons, and cooking over a campfire was a daily chore. Today, we have many more modern conveniences, but camping brings us back to the basics and is one of the best ways to enjoy time with family and friends.

We can make it as easy or challenging as possible, but don’t mark it off your list of activities just because you are fortunate enough to be considered a senior citizen.