I’m new to camping as in the UK, I only went a few times as an adult, always with alcohol. However, since moving to Australia five years ago, camping has become a beloved family activity. This is surprising, as I wasn’t known for loving the outdoors!
We assumed no one in Australia camped due to dangerous wildlife, but the camping community here is huge. We bought our first camper within six months of arriving in Brisbane. Our first trip to Scarborough had a few setup hiccups, but friendly neighbors helped. We noticed a trend of campers enjoying alcohol at every site.
This made me question my sobriety. I wondered if it was okay to drink on holiday, like we did in Europe or the Caribbean. On one trip to Yeppoon, a neighboring family’s kids started playing with our son. When offered a beer, I declined, explaining I don’t drink. They soon distanced themselves, finding other friends who drank. The next day, their unsupervised kids got into a fight while the parents were partying with others. This reminded me of my past struggles with alcohol.
We’ve continued to see this drinking culture at campsites, even witnessing a dad carrying his child while skateboarding and holding a beer. This inspired me to share tips for sober camping:
So I guess the biggest reason for this blog is to help tackle camping sober.
- Prepare and plan: The urge to drink can resurface, so be ready.
- As a rule, I do not suggest nonalcoholic beers, but you can use them in times like these if it’s your first trip and you’re nervous. They’re just enough to keep the craving away because it takes care of the need for the taste without getting me drunk or the comfort of holding the bottle. BUT make sure they are zeros and not 0.05% and ONLY drink them if you feel the need.
- Inform your companions: Let them know you’re sober.
- Avoid drinking-focused trips: Don’t put yourself in tempting situations.
- Remember your reasons: Why did you quit drinking? Why are you camping?
- Remember what your reasons for going camping are—exploring somewhere new?
- I bet you have at least one camping trip disaster that was alcohol-fueled; think about that.
- Stay busy: Plan activities to avoid idle time.
- Keep a list of numbers for support, but be prepared that you may have limited telephone service.
- Be realistic: Sober camping won’t be the same as before, but it can be even better.
I sincerely hope that you all love sober camping as much as I do.