Why YOU Should Go Cowboy Camping

It's not secret that Cowboy Camping co-founder Whitney 'Allgood" La Ruffa is a big fan of cowboy camping - it's his ideal way to spend a night outside. If you have been nervous to give sleeping under the stars a try, Whitney wrote up some of his motivations to cowboy camping, as well as a few tips and tricks to get you started.

Reasons To Cowboy Camp

by Whitney "Allgood" La Ruffa

I often get asked why I would ever want to cowboy camp instead of using my shelter. The reasons are many, but the biggest one is that after a long day of hiking 20-30 miles, I am exhausted and lazy in camp.  If the bugs aren’t around and the weather is going to be dry, why bother setting up a shelter that will have to be taken down in the morning, only to deal with it later in the day to dry out the inevitable interior condensation?  More so, though, I feel more alive and connected to nature when the stars are my ceiling and I am lying on the ground feeling Earth's energy flow through me.  Cowboy camping brings out a primordial feeling within and links us to our ancestors, who also enjoyed sleeping out under the stars.

My top reasons for cowboy camping are:

• Easier set up and take down of camp, saving valuable time to hike more

• Enjoy the astronomical wonders of the sky

• Greater connection to nature and the greater universe

• Can camp in a smaller space than a tent's footprint

• Enjoy the sunset and sunrise in bed

• Dinner, morning coffee, and breakfast enjoyed from the comfort of bed

Things to consider when cowboy camping:

• Site location is key

• Just like a tent, avoid areas by water - this will help to reduce condensation, minimize impact on wildlife coming to drink at night, and reduce insect attraction to hatch in the water.

• Generally, I cowboy camp under a tree, which helps reduce condensation overnight if that is a concern.

• If possible, find a spot with a slight breeze - this breeze will help move the air and reduce condensation.

• Insects, snakes, and other creepy crawlies.  While biting flies have been my biggest foe when cowboy camping, the others have never been an issue in 25+ years.  

• Again, avoiding areas by water helps here. Also, look for snake holes and avoid camping next to them.

• Keep a headnet handy in case you get some skeeters at night

• On a full moon, you may be awakened by the bright moonlight.  I often handle this by either tucking my head under my umbrella at night or keeping my buff handy to use as an eye mask.

• Lack of privacy: if you’re camping around other people, you need to be comfortable without the privacy of a tent wall.  When out in the middle of the wilderness, this generally is not an issue.

• If inclement weather pops up, make sure you know where your shelter is in case you need to set it up in a sudden storm or roll yourself up in a burrito to stay dry.