I spend a lot of time backpacking and canoeing. But I generally find it pretty boring to just set up a tent and hang around for an entire day. In the past, that has meant that most of my trips are pretty hardcore, the whole day working hard and covering ground, making camp at the end of the day, then setting off again the next morning. There's definitely some satisfaction to that, and nothing beats the feeling of sitting around a campfire in the middle of nowhere with some friends after a long and intense day, with all the work done and dishes washed and so on.
That said, in recent years I've been trying to set aside a little more time to enjoy the places I go, instead of just constantly being on the go. I'm getting more fond of making camp at, say, 3 or 4pm and having an hour or two to go for a swim, maybe explore in the woods near where I'm camping or bushwhack to the top of a nearby peak, chill in the hammock, or whatever. The other posters are right that there's something valuable and rare about being alone with your thoughts and no distractions.
But yeah, sounds like you should be backpacking or canoeing. Car camping, to me, is the worst option of all: no physical challenge, other yahoos around, generally uncomfortable.
What are some things to do while camping? Do you just sit in the woods?
People with ADHD would probably benefit from camping and hiking without a smart phone. It relaxes, forces focus on surroundings, makes people think their own thoughts.
Putting up a tent and setting up other gear is a process. Making food on a camp stove is also, but a purposeful and rewarding process. Being outside as the sun goes down and everything goes dark and quiet is calming. Sleeping in that same quiet is disconcerting for some. But can become so calming that it is the best nights sleep available.
The sun breaks earlier than most people normally wake. Again, calm and quiet. I usually get up & boil some water for coffee and oatmeal and watch the sun break the horizon and feel its first warmth.
Usually, I am somewhere spectacularly beautiful and a short walk or run reveals a landscape most people only see in calendars or postcards. The Sierra Nevada, Grand Canyon, Shenandoah, The Outer Banks, Glacier NP, Dordogne Valley, Zermatt, desert red rocks, etc. Sometimes just a local cool spot. Every time is seemingly more spectacular than the last even after decades of doing this.
All that said, stay home. Play a mindless video game. You don't have the proper attitude or temperament. You'll just suck up space at a campground that someone else would actually enjoy using.
What are some things to do while camping? Do you just sit in the woods?
Ha ha ha hah, yeah, it’s overrated and as boring as it seems, as is hiking. I can only do these things in the company of fun, intelligent people with whom I can at least have engaging conversations while they take in all the supposed bliss of being in the midst of serene nature. To me, most woods and hills look the same unless they are actually truly special, which is quite rare.
What are some things to do while camping? Do you just sit in the woods?
People with ADHD would probably benefit from camping and hiking without a smart phone. It relaxes, forces focus on surroundings, makes people think their own thoughts.
Putting up a tent and setting up other gear is a process. Making food on a camp stove is also, but a purposeful and rewarding process. Being outside as the sun goes down and everything goes dark and quiet is calming. Sleeping in that same quiet is disconcerting for some. But can become so calming that it is the best nights sleep available.
The sun breaks earlier than most people normally wake. Again, calm and quiet. I usually get up & boil some water for coffee and oatmeal and watch the sun break the horizon and feel its first warmth.
Usually, I am somewhere spectacularly beautiful and a short walk or run reveals a landscape most people only see in calendars or postcards. The Sierra Nevada, Grand Canyon, Shenandoah, The Outer Banks, Glacier NP, Dordogne Valley, Zermatt, desert red rocks, etc. Sometimes just a local cool spot. Every time is seemingly more spectacular than the last even after decades of doing this.
All that said, stay home. Play a mindless video game. You don't have the proper attitude or temperament. You'll just suck up space at a campground that someone else would actually enjoy using.
You go with friends. Go fishing. Maybe hunting if it’s legal where you’re going. Plus sit around the fire with your friends drinking and having fun. If someone can play some tunes on guitar even better. Go swimming. Kayaking. So many fun things to do. But if you’re that bored then it’s not for you.