When thinking about camping, things that can come to one’s mind might be nature, tents, and, of course, the outdoors. However, there is something that most people probably do when camping that they do not even realize: listening to music. Of course, some camp without any electricity and refuse to do or partake in anything other than nature, but for others, music can be a big part of their camping trip. Today, we want to find out what type of camping matches with a certain style of music.
Tent camping is one of the most popular and most thought-of ways to camp. Being such a traditional way to camp means that tent camping may not be all that exciting or unique to some. However, tent camping still has some tricks up its sleeve. When camping with a tent, you are able to pitch up a tent pretty much anywhere you would like. Even though this gives you a lot of freedom in the world of camping, it is best to pitch the tent on flat ground so as not to risk the tent falling over or being blown over by the wind. Since tent camping is pretty much the norm for what people consider to be “camping,” music that would fit this type of camping seems to be top 40 hits from any year. For example, the greatest hits from any point in time, mostly the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. However, some of the younger generations have taken up camping themselves and, thus, most likely listen to music from the 2000s up to modern music from today. Overall, tent camping is a pretty safe bet when it comes to what type of music would match to it, as there are so many different styles that could be present.
In between tent camping and glamping is RV camping. With this camping style, you have more of a protective shelter than a tent but don’t have access to as many utilities as you would in a traditional house. RV camping requires a lot of planning and setup in advance of your camping trip. You have to find a spot where you can legally park your RV. It is also good to make sure there are necessities such as a dump station, and a water hookup for your RV, depending on if your RV has faucets and/or a bathroom. Even though RV camping may seem like a lot of work, the benefits can outweigh the faults. If you choose to go RV camping, you can customize the trip based on what you want from your trip and could also potentially rent a permanent spot if you find somewhere you really love. Due to RV camping having the best of both tent camping and glamping, the music that best matches is classic rock and country. Alycia Hawthorne, a full-time RV camper, stated how “during the day or being with family, country music is the way to go.” Looking at the style and more down-to-earth feel of RV camping, country music provides more carefree and happy tunes for an RV camping trip, whereas classic rock gives off that “laid back” attitude that RV camping resembles.
Glamping is the perfect way to camp if you love nature but want to be comfortable. When glamping, you can access electricity, beds, and indoor bathrooms. Most people who “glamp” tend to reside in cabins where they can be close to nature yet still have access to more traditional shelter and utilities. Music for glamping, as always, is based on personal preference, however, certain types of music connect better with the style and luxury of glamping rather than other types of camping. Soft corporate types of music like Kenny G, George Benson, Al Jarreau, and any easy-listening style of music will fit perfectly with the image of glamping as these types of music are usually seen as high-up and more proper. Other genres that could fit the glamping lifestyle are smooth rock, pop, jazz, and any music that gives off a relaxed or chill tone. After all, glamping is glamorous, so why not listen to music that sounds like you are living in glamour?
One of the more bizarre and unknown types of camping is bivy sack camping. Considering the name, this type of camping involves a bivy sack. The bivy sack itself is sort of a cross between a tent and a sleeping bag. With the bivy sack, you have basic protection and minimal privacy, which is why most would resort to bivy sack camping for shorter camping trips. Since bivy sack camping is somewhat obscure, it requires music all of its own, both in mood and style. Looking at the way bivy sack camping is done, music within the genres of alternative, goth, rock, and dark pop come to mind. Artists such as The Cure, The Smiths, Joy Division, and The Doors all fit within the feel and style of bivy sack camping. “The Sound of Silence,” by Simon & Garfunkel, is a notable song regarding the bivy sack method of camping, as the song has a mellow and rainy feel that resembles the tight and dark area of the bivy sack.
In hindsight, camping is a great activity for those who like the outdoors or simply want to travel without all the expense and hassle of planes or hotels. Whatever type of camping you choose, music will likely accompany it. Rick Oertel, another avid RV camper said how “if you’re listening to something that’s more chill, you might want to have a campfire, while if you’re listening to something upbeat you may want to play cornhole and dance around.” Whether you are tent camping, RV camping, or glamping, the music you listen to is purely based on your own taste and style. So when you go camping next time, or for the first time, make sure you have some tunes ready for your closer connection to the nature around you.
Sources:
https://dutchwaregear.com/2023/01/09/different-types-of-camping/
https://shopeverbeam.com/blogs/news/why-is-camping-so-expensive-understanding-the-costs-of-outdoor-recreation#:~:text=One%20major%20factor%20that%20contributes,gear%20can%20add%20up%20quickly.
https://www.flypgs.com/en/extreme-sports/camping#:~:text=Camping%20is%20an%20outdoor%20activity,environment%20for%20a%20limited%20time.
https://www.michiganrvandcampgrounds.org/music-while-camping/
https://www.spiritune.com/post/why-you-should-listen-to-music-when-you-travel
https://rijocampers.is/why-you-should-listen-to-chill-music-when-camping/#:~:text=Listening%20to%20chill%20music%20when,and%20bustle%20of%20everyday%20life.
