I Camped in an Airstream and Now I'm Convinced You Have To

The average American spends 93 percent of their life indoors. In fact, we're more susceptible to wintertime colds and flus because of it. Cold weather doesn't trigger illness, we're just more susceptible to germs when we're cooped up inside together. So if getting outside boosts your mood and actually keeps us healthier, what's stopping us?

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If you haven't been camping in the last six months, consider this your sign to book your trip to your nearest park and get away from it all. If you're in the stunning Lost Pines Region. check out Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, about an hour east of Austin. I recently spent the night in their brand new Airstream trailers. That camping trip convinced me that there is no perfect time for camping. Waiting for the stars to align means you'll never get outside. So here are my three best reasons you should book a camping trip soon, and why, if you live in Texas, Lake Bastrop North Shore Park should be the first place you check.

1. The Airstream experience keeps you cozy when the weather doesn't. 

I've backpacked and hiked into primitive campsites more often than I've car-camped. Staying in an iconic Airstream, though, was the most glamorous experience I've had yet. It's called glamping for a reason, right? The Airstream travel trailers sleep up to four guests and include heat and A/C, a decent-sized shower, and a separate restroom. All of the conveniences of a luxury RV are packed into the lightweight Airstream motorhomes.

We stayed in the Blue Lacy, and when we opened the door, the heat was on and the trailer was pristine. It was warm and enveloping, especially considering the temperature outside was only creeping up to 45.

There was hot water in the pipes and I knew immediately that I'd want my own travel trailer like this one day. This was camping as founder Wally Byam intended.

We hit the park for the afternoon and when we retired to the Airstream at dusk, we set up a campfire at the site right outside the door. The campsite comes with four comfortable Adirondack chairs so you can cozy up to the campfire while the grillmaster in the group cooks dinner on the full-size grill a few feet away.

2. The change of seasons is best experienced far from the city.

Sure, you see the leaves changing colors each year and when spring rolls around, you pack the family into the van and hit the road looking for Texas bluebonnets. How often, though, do you really get outside and look at nature? At Lake Bastrop North Shore Park, the Airstream and tent camping layouts are designed to put nature front of center. Watch the moon rise over the lake as you toast a marshmallow in the fire next to your family. Grab the fishing rods and hit one of the best bass fisheries in Texas. That's the kind of outdoor experience you can have.

And as for the folks who say that camping in an Airstream Classic, Airstream Basecamp model, or an Airstream Bambi isn't real camping, let me put it to you this way. Who defines what's 'real camping' and what isn't?

We hiked about four miles total on the trails surrounding the lake and cast a few lines. Sure, we caught more cattails than bass, but we were outside with no phones in our hands and we were together. Isn't that all you can ask for from a camping trip?

3. Fresh air is good for the soul.

It's a cliche, but they exist for a dang good reason. I'd been feeling frazzled in my day-to-day life the last month or so. It was hard to get a handle on my changing schedule and with the holidays around the corner, travel plans were fast approaching. One night in the park reset my entire outlook.

As soon as we settled into the Airstream and scoped out the huge floor plan, we sat in the Adirondack chairs around the fire ring and felt the stress of the everyday melt away. It was a reminder just how much a change of scenery can do your outlook on life. My boyfriend joked that this was the Airstream effect, but I know this to be true whether you're camping out in an Airstream Flying Cloud, Airstream Interstate, Airstream Globetrotter, or you're plunging your own tent poles into the ground.

Whether you live in Texas, California, or Ohio, use this as your sign to get outside this weekend! Even if it's snowing, even it's scorching hot out. Just five minutes in the fresh air will get you out of your own head and away from the endless loop of responsibilities. You don't need Airstream RVs or a fancy Airstream International Serenity to take a walk around your neighborhood. If you're looking for a place to stay in Texas, though, give Lake Bastrop North Shore Park a call. The Airstream experience will make you feel like a prized guest. Don't we all deserve to feel that way?

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