Camping has long been a valued way to relax in the outdoors. Whether it means pitching a tent in the forest, parking an RV beside a quiet lake, or hanging a hammock between mountain trees, the purpose is the same. It is about stepping into nature, slowing down, and enjoying life’s simple moments.

Popular methods of camping

Tent camping

Tent camping is a rewarding way to step away from daily routines and reconnect with nature. Waking up to crisp air, quiet surroundings, and soft morning light brings a unique sense of freedom. Whether you are on a forest trail or looking out over mountain views, setting up camp outdoors creates space for simple pleasures and fresh perspective. It offers a break from screens, schedules, and everyday distractions.

You don’t need advanced skills or fancy gear to enjoy it. A good tent, warm sleeping gear, and practical food are enough to get started. With lightweight meals that are easy to pack and prepare, you can spend less time on logistics and more time enjoying the moment. Tent camping makes room for calm, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world outside.

RV and Camper Van camping

RV and camper van camping opens the door to spontaneous travel with all the comforts of home. You can wake up beside a quiet fjord, drive mountain roads, or stop at scenic campsites without relying on hotels or tight schedules. With your bed, shelter, and gear always with you, the journey becomes as enjoyable as the destination. The flexibility to change plans on the go turns every trip into a personal adventure.

Life on the road also means practical choices. With compact storage and no need for a full kitchen, REAL Meals simplify food preparation so you can eat well wherever you park. Just add hot water, no extra gear, no long cleanup.

Hammock camping

Hammock camping offers a unique sense of freedom during outdoor adventures. It lets you travel light, move easily, and camp in places where tents may not fit. Hanging between trees, you become part of the forest around you. You wake to birdsong, fall asleep to the sound of leaves, and feel the ground drop away beneath you. The setup is quick, the load stays light, and each night feels connected to the landscape.

This style of camping is especially well suited to forested areas, winding trails, and rugged terrain where flat ground is hard to find. It’s a way to simplify your gear, sharpen your connection with the environment, and make the most of the journey. Hammock camping invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience nature in a new, elevated way.

Backpacking

Backpacking invites you into landscapes that reward every step with something new—alpine ridges, quiet forests, windswept plateaus, or hidden lakes. With your gear on your back, you’re free to move at your own rhythm, navigating trails that stretch far from roads and routines. It’s a way of traveling that builds focus and clarity, where each day is shaped by the land, the weather, and the path ahead.

This simplicity brings its own kind of joy. You learn to read the terrain, rest where the light is soft, and find satisfaction in setting camp, making food, and sharing the trail. There’s a rhythm to it—steady, grounding, and deeply personal. You carry only what matters, leave behind what doesn’t, and come home with stories shaped by silence, effort, and the wild beauty of the journey.

Glamping

Glamping combines the beauty of nature with the comfort of a well-prepared retreat. Instead of pitching a tent or sleeping on uneven ground, you settle into a space that is ready for you. This might be a treehouse with sweeping views, a dome with a wood stove, or a cabin nestled between forests and fjords. The outdoors remains close, but now it comes with soft bedding, warmth, and room to relax.

This kind of getaway lets you slow down without giving up comfort. You might wake to birdsong and fall asleep under starlight, with plenty of time in between to read, rest, explore, or simply pause. There is no need to plan every detail or carry heavy gear. You arrive and enjoy what surrounds you. From quiet coastlines to wooded hillsides, glamping turns a night outside into something restful and inspiring.

What campers in general love to do

• Hiking and exploring: Trails beckon, leading to hidden waterfalls, sweeping vistas, and peaceful lakes.
• Fishing: Many campers enjoy casting a line in rivers and lakes, combining recreation with a chance for a fresh-caught dinner.
• Stargazing: Without the glare of city lights, the night sky reveals an astonishing canvas of stars, planets, and constellations.
• Campfire cooking and storytelling: The campfire becomes the evening’s gathering spot for food, warmth, and the sharing of tales and laughter.
• Wildlife watching: Observing animals in their natural habitat adds a sense of wonder to any camping trip.
• Photography and painting: The beauty of nature inspires creativity, with many campers bringing along cameras, sketchbooks, or paints.

The heart of camping: Camp food

Nothing tastes better than food cooked and enjoyed in the fresh outdoor air. Campers traditionally prepare simple, hearty meals that satisfy after a day of physical activity. Popular camping foods include:

Food often feels more flavorful when it is prepared and enjoyed outdoors. Campers usually turn to simple and satisfying meals that work well over a fire or on a portable stove. Foil packs filled with meat, vegetables, and spices can cook directly in the coals, bringing together smoky taste and ease. Grilled fish or meat, sometimes caught that same day, offers a straightforward reward after time spent outside. A pot of soup or stew simmering over the fire adds comfort as daylight fades.

In the morning, few things compare to the sound and smell of pancakes and bacon cooking in a cast-iron skillet. Throughout the day, quick snacks like dried fruit, jerky, or a handful of nuts help keep energy up and the adventure going.

What food to take camping without fridge? The rise of convenient outdoor meals

In recent years, freeze-dried and ready-to-eat meals have grown in popularity among campers who want a tasty and convenient option without the burden of heavy ingredients. Among these choices, REAL Meals stands out as a trusted name. The meals are hearty, nutritious, and very easy to prepare. All you need is hot water.

From flavorful stews and pasta dishes to breakfast options, REAL Meals cater to adventurers who value both convenience and quality. They are particularly loved by hikers, backpackers, and expedition campers who need lightweight, reliable food without compromising on taste.

Meal options for every dietary need

Today’s outdoor adventurers bring a variety of dietary needs, and REAL Meals helps ensure that every camper can enjoy satisfying food in the wild. The selection includes meals that are:

• Gluten free
• Milk free
• Lactose free
• Vegan friendly
• Vegetarian friendly

Each meal is carefully prepared to support different dietary preferences without losing flavor or nutritional value.

For example, the vegan and vegetarian options are filled with plant-based proteins and hearty vegetables. The gluten free and lactose free choices are designed for those with specific dietary needs, while still delivering comfort and energy outdoors.

Freeze-dried camping food

Both dehydration and freeze-drying extend shelf life by removing water from food, but the methods, and results, are different. Traditional dehydration uses heat to evaporate moisture, which can impact flavor, texture, and nutrients. Freeze-drying, like we use in REAL Meals, starts by freezing the food and then removing the ice through a vacuum process. This gentle method better preserves taste, structure, and nutritional quality. Over time, dehydrated food tends to degrade more noticeably, while freeze-dried meals maintain their original quality much longer.

Checklist for camping food with REAL Meals

1. Gas Stove or thermos with hot water.
2. Gas.
3. Kindling sources.
4. Cutlery (mainly sporks for REAL Meals).

Final thoughts

Camping brings things back to basics. It gives you space to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and focus on what matters. Cooking over a fire, hiking rough trails, or resting under the stars is all part of the experience. With easy and dependable food like REAL Meals, even mealtimes are simple, satisfying, and something to look forward to.

Pack your gear, choose your route, and enjoy your next trip into nature with less hassle and more to enjoy.