Camping Buddies

[Scott_85]

How did you meet your camping buddies, the Wife and I are both 29 and it seems that every campground we go its filled with older people (no offense to anybody). We would like to meet people to hang out thats our age and have kids that close to our sons age (8). It just seems difficult, my in-laws camp but they will only travel within an hour of their home and don't go that often.

[bigred1cav]

There are also clubs, if you belong to FMCA look up clubs in your area.

[toedtoes]

As a solo camper, I understand the desire to have others join in on your camping fun. But, it can be hard trying to find someone interested in camping with you. I would start with your existing friends and your son's existing friends. Rather than trying to commit them into a full camping trip, tell them your plans and say "we'd love it if you could come out for a day or two". This makes it less intimidating.

For me, I did this with one friend who I knew camped, then started inviting a couple clipper club folks to join me, and then inviting another friend out for a day when I'm in her neck of the woods. It has resulted in most of my trips having someone drop by for a full day or overnight at least. With the exception of the one "day-trip friend", there is no commitment - just a "we might try to stop by". The day-trip friend, we normally pick a day in advance and I make sure I have meals planned that she will like since she just drives out in a car.

[bigred1cav]

Scott_85 wrote:

bigred1cav wrote:
Try weekends with places that have beach's and kids places. Now, don't give us old people a short shrift. We know things and may not like your music and noise but we do like people, even young people. Give us a try sometime, walk up say hello and offer a cup of coffee as we walk by. You can tell the old grouch asses, we don't like .

We like bluegrass so a lot of people don't like our music.

Just keep the volume down so others don't have to listen. Same for all music. Music is personal. Same as religion and politics.

[1L243]

We don't like Bluegrass but we go to a Bluegrass festival just to campout with our friends who do...

I just stay in the RV and turn up the light rock!

[Scott_85]

bigred1cav wrote:
Try weekends with places that have beach's and kids places. Now, don't give us old people a short shrift. We know things and may not like your music and noise but we do like people, even young people. Give us a try sometime, walk up say hello and offer a cup of coffee as we walk by. You can tell the old grouch asses, we don't like .

We like bluegrass so a lot of people don't like our music.

[bigred1cav]

Try weekends with places that have beach's and kids places. Now, don't give us old people a short shrift. We know things and may not like your music and noise but we do like people, even young people. Give us a try sometime, walk up say hello and offer a cup of coffee as we walk by. You can tell the old grouch asses, we don't like them either.

Scott_85 wrote:
How did you meet your camping buddies, the Wife and I are both 29 and it seems that every campground we go its filled with older people (no offense to anybody). We would like to meet people to hang out thats our age and have kids that close to our sons age (8). It just seems difficult, my in-laws camp but they will only travel within an hour of their home and don't go that often.

[allen8106]

We don't have camping buddies. We are each others camping buddies. I don't go camping to hang out with others (no offense). I go camping to chill and mind my own business.

[1L243]

29! You are ahead of the curve...At 29 the wife and I were camping on a motorcycle and sleeping in a tent....

I have traveled a lot and find younger crowds at National Parks, State Parks with attractions. Family's with Toy Haulers headed for the Dunes.... Parents showing their kids what it's all about and maybe reliving great times from when they were kids..

If your looking to camp with a circle of friends I would show your friends what a great time your having camping and RVing... Invite them along. Encourage them to get an RV....

[shadows4]

I didn't read all the comments but did see a mention of RV clubs. Does the dealer you bought your Coachmen from sponsor a local club? We are about 20 years older than you but have met several younger families with kids through our Coachmen club. There are monthly campout, State rallies and of course the International Coachmen rally.
Might be worth checking out. Good luck, John

[minn_camping_fa]

I don't think anyone's mentioned this yet, have you thought of trying a seasonal site? You'd be in the same cg with the same people all season and it would be much easier to get to know them and make friends. Many CG's have regular events like potlucks, etc. to make getting to know others easier.

Just a thought, I realize seasonal sites aren't everyone's cup of tea.

[Geocritter]

You might try going to the local REI store and checking the bulletin board. That's how I found the Chicago Mountaineering Club about 18 years ago when I was going through a middle-age-crazy stage. The club had lots of people who enjoyed camping and the outdoors. You might find something similar in your area.

Steve

[davosfam]

Muddydogs wrote:
Guess this is why I got married. Kind of sad that a family can't go camping on there own or need to have others around to have fun. I stay away from camp grounds since I don't enjoy leaving the city for another city.

Everyone camps differently. You feel the need to be alone and others want to be social. Neither of these are "kind of sad", just different strokes for different folks.

OP - I think you got some great advice here. Thank you for your service. Are you stationed at Fort Lee? That is where our son went to school after BT. He is in Germany now.

[pitch]

Let your kids supply the friends. Our kids invariably brought a couple of them back to the camp fire and their parents soon followed.
We enjoy meeting new folks and sharing a meal or a drink, possibly a short outing. We never have made a long term relationship with anyone we met while camping and while not likely I won't say it will never happen.
We have camped with our family group and even then we are the oddballs. Call it selfish, self centered whatever,but we are just to independent to play well with others.

[IND_navyvet]

Scott_85 wrote:
I'm active duty so it hard enough to keep friends close due to moving all the time.

Thank you for your service.
While walking the campground watch for service flags and license plates and strike up a conversation. Lot of older veterans have grand kids that they take camping. There might be someone for your son to hang with for the weekend.