Running While Camping

Camping Destination:

Stanley, Idaho

Camping is probably my favorite summertime activity. I am grateful to have been camping since I was baby. Getting outside into nature is deeply and innately ingrained in all of us.

Baby of the Eighties

Providing this for my children is always at the top of the parental and summer list. Watching my children connect with nature not only brings me happiness, but also recognizing their inherent fascinations with nature allows their world to be validated. There are many lessons to be learned in the wilderness–the school of the wild.

Camping is also an excellent opportunity to find new trails. Some of my fondest runs and hikes have started near a campsite. There really isn’t too much to running while camping, but I put together the logistical planning and process I go through.

–Pack plastic bags to put your sweaty running clothes in. One for the clothes. One for the shoes.

–Pack your running clothes in a bundle for each day you plan to run.

-If you are short on space or just want to bring less stuff, instead of packing separate shoes for your day hikes, use your running shoes. They can have duel purpose.

They looked so clean before spending two days in the mountains.

-I never plan out routes before I leave, but I do pay attention to my surroundings as I get closer to camp. Idaho offers a lot of trails though, so I don’t have to work too hard to find a place to run.

Trails for MILES

–Start early. The days get hot.

-When I start running, I nearly always stumble upon a trail that would be cool to show the family for our day hike. I call it trail scouting.

–Clean up after your run…you could two things here. One, find a cold lake or river to clean up in, going full into the water. Two, and my preferred choice, find a body of water and bring a handkerchief or hand towel. Clean up without freezing. But, I am a wimp when it comes to cold water. Up to you, but bring a bar of soap.

Happy camper, happy trails!