Camping makes you happy

Camping helps to make people happier, more satisfied with life and less stressed, according to research conducted on behalf of the Camping and Caravan Club in the UK.

The findings were compiled from more than 60 research papers reviewed by Liverpool John Moores University and an online survey of 1000 adults and 500 children aged seven to 11 who camp and the same number who have never camped.

'Campers' were defined as anyone who regularly camps in a tent, caravan, motorhome or a tent trailer.

According to HealthNews, the findings of the ‘Real Richness’ report include:

• 93 per cent of campers said camping can make you happier

• 77 per cent of campers are satisfied with their quality of life compared to 59 per cent of non-campers

• 21 per cent of campers feel stressed on an average day compared to 33 per cent of non-campers

• 80 per cent of child campers feel their parents are less stressed when they go camping and many mums and dads shout less and hug them more

• 91 per cent of kids said that spending time exploring the outdoors with their mum and dad would make them feel happy

• 84 per cent of campers think camping can make you healthier

Dr Kaye Richards, an outdoor educator from the Liverpool John Moores University, admitted that while "camping might not be for everybody," the survey  results suggest outdoor recreational activities like camping have "an impact on health and wellbeing".

However, camping isn't without its own stresses and difficulties, like putting up tents in bad weather. "There's a hands on approach," Dr Richards said. "It teaches you new skills. It makes you more adaptable, it makes you more resilient.

"By being adaptable and being able to manage yourself, you change your behaviour.  You probably interact with people you're with and communicate differently. You find yourself more flexible, appreciating the simple things in life," she said.

"I've been in camping situations where it's been awful weather, but on reflection on those experiences, they actually have a positive impact.”

The findings also support the ethos of the Camping and Caravan Club’s founder, Thomas Hiram Holding, who wrote over 100 years ago:

"Personally, I like the camp so much better than the hotel which I could afford. Apart from the economy of camping, it is a real luxury in its freedom, and with one or two campers, incontestably jollier."

However, camping is not without its risks ord dangers, with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, reporting that in one year more than 1500 people had to go to hospital in the UK after an accident involving a tent, tent pole or peg.

Common accidents involved campers tripping over guide ropes or treading on tent pegs.