Listen, I want to preface this by saying that I have NEVER liked camping. When I was a kid, it was just something that was expected of me because the rest of the family was going. I am obviously an adult now and have only willingly gone camping once. I DO NOT LIKE CAMPING. Notice how the word "I" is used here. I am not speaking for the masses, as I am more than aware that I have an unpopular opinion of a popular bonding experience. This is purely my own take and opinion on the experience, and if you do in fact LOVE camping I tip my hat to you. I hope you enjoy all of your camping endevors during this Summer!

1. Sleeping In A Tent

The roof is not real. I hope you packed the rain guard/shield thing.

2. Sleeping On The Ground/Air Mattress

I could literally feel the ridges in the dirt when I was a kid. waking up in the morning was literally awful because my back and side were sore from trying to get comfortable. When I got older, I used an air mattress, and it was not super great trying to maneuver one of those if they start to lose some of their air during the night.

3. May Or May Not Be A Real Bathroom

Could I use the bathroom outside if I had no other choice? Yes. Do I want to? Absolutely NOT. There's a higher chance of there being a bathroom if you go camping at a campground or at someone's up north cottage, but there are still those moments where you may not have one. No thank you.

4. May Or May Not Be A Real Shower

I am literally the grouchiest person I know when I wake up. Coffee is definitely a must, but my morning shower is the one thing that gets me up and running for the day. If there is not a shower option, I will not be going.

5. Fire Smell

What I mean by fire smell is smoke. I love the way fire dances, the way he moves and gracefully entices, but gawd does he leave his mark. I am always left smelling like an ashtray. I do not like the smell of smoke in my hair or in my clothes, so it's best if I just didn't.

6. Bugs

Mosquitos will be your best friend unless you remember to soak your skin in insect repellent. I would rather not be eaten by blood-sucking bugs, thank you.

7. Dirt EVERYWHERE

I have no idea how a pile of dirt can end up in your tent or even your shoes. I swear it multiplied when the sun set because everywhere you went, the dirt followed times three.

8. Waking Up With The Sun

Did you go to bed at 4 am? Too Damn Bad. The sun is out, and now you're awake.

9. Trying To Sleep Longer Results In Sweat

Oh? Decided to try and fight the sun and attempt to sleep longer? Ok. No Problem. Oh wait, now you're hot as hell and covered in sweat. Rise and Shine Smelly!

10. The Allergies Are Here

I have horrible allergies when I am at home, so when outside for extended periods of time... can you say, take me out of my misery?

Not all of my experiences and memories of camping were unfavorable. I do have some excellent moments of time that I cherish to this day, but the thing is, I loved the moments with the people I was with, not where we were - I will never forget them, I only ask that people respect that I don't like it, and I will respect that you do. It's plain and simple.