IT’S OFFICIAL! Camping makes you happy.

Of course we’ve been saying this for years here at Cool Camping HQ, but now there’s actual STATISTICS to back up our delirious ramblings. Our friends at the Camping and Caravanning Club (CCC) have gone all Watchdog on us and come up with some cold hard evidence that camping is good for your health.

Now, it’s not news that simply being outdoors on a walk, a bike ride or day out can really get those endorphins buzzing. However, did you know that something much more transformative happens when you camp? The theory suggests that a good old camping trip can have hugely beneficial effects on your psychological wellbeing. Here comes the science bit…

The CCC asked 1,000 adults who camp regularly, and 1,000 who have never camped before how they feel on an average day. The campers were generally more satisfied, happy, optimistic and energised. Whereas the non-campers were more stressed, frustrated, bored and lonely. We’re not sure if it’s the freedom, the change of routine, or the composting toilets, but a tent peg a day does seem to keep the doctor away.

It doesn’t take a scientist to see that being in the great outdoors, spending quality time with your family and friends and creating lifelong memories is going to make you happier. And with growing numbers of campsites boasting green credentials that would satisfy Al Gore, camping can be good for the soul too.

So grab your roll mat, and get away for a long weekend – just tell your boss it’s doctor’s orders...