Camping with Neighbors
“The first rule of camping is: We are in it together.”
Practice
Start small. See if you have compatible styles of camping. Start with an overnight stay nearby before venturing far away for multiple days.
Prep together. Plan and prepare meals beforehand to help the time camping be focused on relaxing and enjoying outdoor activities.
Explore Colorado. There is a spectrum of locations to camp in Colorado. Some favorites include: Red Feathers, Lake Isabel, and Paonia State Park.
Camping together is how two neighbors in southeast Denver became trusted friends. Rachelle Miller recalls the initial connection, “My neighbor, Becca, and I met each other because I moved in two doors down, and through getting to know each other, we realized we both enjoyed camping.” Rachelle was cautiously optimistic. “We both shared what we like and the gear we have; we both had tents, we both had stoves. Together we had everything we needed, so we decided to go camping together.” The outcome was more than she had hoped. “We had a blast! We discovered we have compatible camping styles. And that’s how our friendship began.”
The newfound friendship from camping together encouraged new adventures. “Both of us had lived in Colorado for years, but hadn't explored Colorado. So, we decided that we would go camping in all the Colorado State Parks. We got to know our state a bit better, learned a lot, and had the best time together!” More than learning about the state, they learned about each other. “We discovered what we like. We both started kayaking as a process of camping together. We are both foodies. So, we explored trying new foods and new ways of cooking while camping.” Camping together has been the context for an incredible amount of joy. “We found ways to make it easy and comfortable. And…” Rachelleadds with delight, “we have flamingo lights and all the little glamping things that make it more fun!”
After 6 years of tent camping together, the two neighbors made their first shared investment by purchasing a pop-up camper. Rachelle describes it comically, “It was an old, broken-down pop-up.” But it provided increased sleeping comfort and affirmed the compatibility of sharing space together. Four years later, they upgraded the camper to “a big fancy camper,” converting the front dining area into a second queen-size bed.
After years of camping together, the two neighbors have become friends who deeply trust each other. Rachelle offers with sincerity and vulnerability how camping has formed their friendship: “When camping, there are times we have truly had to rely on each other and partner together to have a safe outcome. It has increased our relationship and given us both a level of responsibility for it. We feel responsible for the other person. As a single woman, I don't often feel responsible for other people, or that they are responsible for me. Our relationship has evolved to a deep level of commitment.” The care and commitment for each is reiterated in their two rules of camping. “The first rule is: We are in it together. And the second rule is: The first thing we do after we set up camp is open a beer.” Rachelle shares the second rule with an infectious smile and laughter. For Rachelle and Becca, camping with a neighbor has led to relational connection, learning, exploration, and shared celebration.
Thank you to Rachelle Miller for her joy in sharing the story of camping with her neighbor and for her contribution to this article.
