WhIch Camper Are You?

At LCRA Parks, we say “the outdoors are open.” Well, what does that mean? The outdoors can be interpreted in many ways, and that’s the beauty of our tagline. Some think that time outside is best spent on a peaceful stroll through the park. Meanwhile, others need to hear, taste and smell nature’s elements for the full experience. As a camper, where do you fall? We’ve identified four personalities of campers who enjoy the outdoors very differently, and we love that for them.

The Adventurer

This camper is the one to jump head-first (sometimes literally) into any new adventure. They’re all about chasing their next great experience, whether it’s diving into a new swimming hole, scaling a cliffside or tearing up dirt on a mountain bike. For adventurers, a stay in the outdoors isn’t just sleeping under the stars – it’s about embracing the recreation with unbridled enthusiasm. These campers wake up early at the McKinney Roughs Nature Park bunkhouse to catch the sunrise from a hilltop or go zip lining through the canopies. If the activity is fast and exhilarating, you can be sure the adventurer is going to be first in line.

The Glamper

The official definition from Merriam-Webster defines glamping as, “outdoor camping with amenities and comforts.” That’s exactly what this camper prefers! They are the luxury seekers of the camping world, blending glamour with the great outdoors. They find their home at Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, where they can enjoy plush bedding with heat and A/C, while still being able to step outside and ground themselves in nature each morning (coffee cup in hand). The glampers want a unique camping experience that they can capture and share in beautiful photos. Their stays come in different shapes and sizes such as safari tents, Airstreams and cabins. Regardless of where you stay, you can commune with nature without sacrificing your necessities.

The Survivalist

The survivalist prefers to camp where the elements are raw and the challenges are real. They wake up at Turkey Bend Recreation Area in their perfectly-pitched tent to the sounds of nature, greeted by the promise of exploration. They rely on wits to conquer the outdoors and skip creature comforts like matches and insect repellant. Survivalists can navigate through their surroundings with no technology and utilize their environment as a resource. As stewards of the land, they are deeply connected to the Earth and all creatures that roam it – they can even create their own animal calls! Food for them is not just sustenance but a conquest; they fish and forage with skills comparable to outdoor masters like Bear Grylls. Whatever the challenge, survivalists thrive on facing and conquering nature head-on.

The Wanderer

It’s not about the campsite, it’s about the journey. This is true for the wanderer – the camper who cherishes every outdoor moment. This camper notices everything from the smallest pollinators to the largest sunsets. For them, camping is a means of discovery. You can find them leisurely hiking or paddling at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area to view native plants and animals. They explore at a slower pace to not miss subtle details, which even comes in handy when campfire cooking. Wanderers arrive with the basics but thrive on uncovering nature’s hidden ingredients (like wild berries and nuts) to enhance their meals. This type of camper has no problem getting lost because that’s just part of the journey.

There is an outdoorsy spirit in all of us (some stronger than others). If it’s digging in the dirt for worms or enjoying a beverage around a firepit, LCRA Parks has a place for you to explore your inner camper.