A psychologist says camping can make it easier for people to have meaningful conversations because distractions such as phones, work and daily routines are stripped away. Dr Sophie Mort suggests one of the biggest benefits may come from moments when people are not trying to talk at all.
Why Camping Encourages Connection
“When we’re away from screens, work pressures and daily routines, we’re more likely to have meaningful conversations, share experiences and form deeper connections with those around us,” she said.
“So many of us are burned out, stressed out and even talked out right now. Camping gives everyone a task, putting up the tent, unrolling the sleeping bags or getting the stove going for tea, so people can be together without the pressure of more talking and dissecting. It’s often in those low-stakes, side-by-side moments that conversation starts to flow naturally.”
Research Shows Campers Switch Off
Her comments come as research suggests people are using camping to switch off from everyday life. A poll commissioned by The Camping and Caravanning Club for its 125th anniversary found nine in ten campers spend more than two hours less on their phones when staying outdoors.
Almost half believe camping helps them switch off more effectively than other holidays, while 35% said it helps them feel more connected to nature. More than a third believe camping unites people more than any other type of holiday, while 32% think it encourages better conversations than staying in a hotel.
What Campers Value Most
Fresh air was named the best thing about camping, followed by beautiful scenery and stargazing or watching the night sky.
Sabina Voysey, Director General of The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “Whether it is waking up to birdsong, cooking breakfast outside, stargazing at night or simply having proper conversations without the distractions of everyday life, camping offers something many people are clearly craving. It is simple, sociable and memorable, and this research shows why so many people continue to see camping as one of the best ways to spend quality time with the people who matter most.”
