12 Things Brits Would Find Surprisingly Different About Going Camping in America

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When Brits pack up their gear and head over to camp in America, they’re in for some surprises! The camping experience in the US can be massively different from back home, from the sheer size of camping spaces to the kinds of wildlife precautions needed. So, if you’re planning a trip, here’s what you should look out for.

1. Campsites can sit inside enormous national parks

In the UK, national parks are lovely, but American national parks are gigantic! Imagine camping in vast landscapes like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon where nature stretches for miles and miles. American parks can feel like whole worlds, with diverse ecosystems and huge areas just waiting for you to explore. This makes the camping experience more adventurous, as you get to be in the midst of expansive natural beauty.

2. Campers may drive hours from the entrance before reaching their pitch

Think about this: in some US parks, you might drive for several hours after entering the park gates before you even get to your campsite. Unlike smaller UK sites, where amenities and pitches are relatively close, in the US, the journey to your pitch can be part of the adventure itself, letting you soak in the views and possibly spot some wildlife along the way.

3. Bear-proof food storage can be essential in some areas

If you’re camping in areas like Yosemite or other bear habitats, you’ll need to store your food in bear-proof containers. This is a safety measure to prevent attracting bears into your camp. It’s a different ball game compared to the UK, where the most you’ll usually worry about is a fox. Always check local guidelines to keep your camp safe.

4. Wildlife precautions can become a serious part of the trip

Camping in the US often means taking serious precautions to deal with local wildlife. From bears to coyotes, you might need to take additional steps like carrying bear spray, securing your site, and understanding how to respond if you encounter wildlife. This level of precaution is generally not needed in UK campsites.

5. RVs can be bigger than some British flats

In America, RV camping is a whole other level of luxury. Some RVs are so large and well-equipped; they’re bigger than many flats in the UK! With amenities like air conditioning, full-sized kitchens, and even satellite TV, these mobile homes bring a new meaning to camping in style.

6. Campgrounds may have dedicated spaces for enormous motorhomes

Because of the popularity of RVs, many American campgrounds have dedicated spots specially designed for these massive vehicles. These spots usually come with hook-ups for electricity, water, and sewage that cater to all the needs of a motorhome, unlike much simpler UK sites.

7. Campers can travel hundreds of miles for a weekend outdoors

In America, it’s not uncommon for families or groups of friends to drive hundreds of miles just for a quick weekend getaway in the wild. The country’s vast size and varied landscapes make it a norm to travel long distances for your favorite camping spots.

8. Fire restrictions can determine whether you’re allowed a campfire

Depending on where you camp in the US, there might be strict fire restrictions. This is quite different from the UK, where small campfires are often part of the camping charm. In the US, the risk of wildfires means that these rules are taken very seriously, and you’ll need to check the current restrictions before you light a campfire.

9. Temperatures can change dramatically depending on elevation

When you’re camping in the US, especially in mountainous areas, be ready for temperature swings. Elevation can drastically change the weather conditions. You might be sweating during a hike at lower altitudes and need a winter jacket by nightfall as you camp higher up. This makes packing a challenge but also adds to the fun!

10. Some campsites are so remote that phone signal disappears completely

Imagine being completely off the grid! Some US campsites are so remote that you can forget about having a phone signal. This is perfect for truly getting away from it all, but make sure you’re prepared with maps and emergency plans since you can’t rely on your phone.

11. Families may bring huge amounts of equipment in pickup trucks

In the US, it’s not unusual to see families pack up their pickup trucks with loads of camping gear from grills to kayaks. The camping culture here involves bringing along everything you might need to make the outdoors feel like home.

12. Camping in Arizona can require completely different preparation from camping in Montana

Camping in the US means preparing differently depending on the state and even the time of year. The dry, desert conditions of Arizona create a stark contrast to the cooler, mountainous regions of Montana. Each area has its specific challenges like heat and cold, requiring distinct gear and preparation.