Camping in the forest. Which one to choose, how to set up camp?

Camping in the forest is a great opportunity to quickly recuperate and relax in the lap of nature. Why? Because it's just health. Just 20 minutes in the forest is enough to significantly reduce the level of cortisol, known as the stress hormone. Did you know that spending time in the forest also increases your problem-solving abilities and creativity by almost 50%? This is because in such a pleasant environment we use the so-called involuntary attention, which does not require any effort from us, so at this time our mind rests. And the last interesting fact from the world of “forest medicine” is that the negative ions contained in forest air have a refreshing and stimulating effect, thereby ensuring good health.

Such theories about the health hazards of staying in the forest are provided by State Forests with reference to scientific reports. And this should not surprise anyone - it’s just nice in the forest. Just like that, objectively. Because of the silence, because of nature, because of the birds singing. That's why we encourage you to live in the forest. Even for a few days! 

Camping or wild camping? 

What is better: staying at a campsite or spending the night outdoors in the forest? It's a matter of individual needs. Both solutions are possible. 

Two years ago, the already mentioned State Forests prepared special forest areas in each of the 429 forest districts where you can stay overnight. A maximum of nine people can stay in one place, but not more than two nights in a row. If it is more or longer, the forester must be informed about this. Of course, this applies to camping in tents and hammocks, not campers or trailers.

Camping in the forest in Poland

Do you want to hide in the forest far from civilization? There are many places in Poland where this wish will come true. 

For example: 

1. Under the pines. Camping at Lake Gim (Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship) – the site is located among 160-year-old pine trees. The owners assure that the surrounding forest will greet guests with the smell of resin and generously supply mushrooms and berries.

2. Camping “Królowa Water” on Lake Saino in Augustów (Podlaskie Voivodeship) – the smell of the forest, clean air and equally clean water, i.e. relaxation in harmony with nature. The campsite is located on the western wooded shore of Lake Saino, approximately 3 km from the center of Augustow. 

3. Camping Pod Lasem in Bolkow (Lower Silesia) – Camping Pod Lasem is located between the historical castle in Bolkow and the ruins of the Świński Castle, in a picturesque valley on the edge of the forest. The quiet family campsite is surrounded by trees and has a stream running through it.

Other forest campsites: 

• Camping AMBER BAY Augustow (Podlaskie Voivodeship)
• Camper Camping in Czaplinek (West Pomeranian Voivodeship)
• Szelongowka (Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship)
• Dvor Kolesin (Lubusz Voivodeship)
• Camping Castle Podevils (West Pomeranian Voivodeship)
• Camping Pod Czarnym Bocianem (Silesia) 
• Camping Giewartow (Greater Poland Voivodeship)
• Scout camp Poznań – Strzeszynek (Greater Poland Voivodeship)
• Camping Lednica (Greater Poland Voivodeship)
• Camping "Dembno" (Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship) 

Hiking in the forest - preparation

If we are going to a campsite with full infrastructure for tents or campers, then our preparation will be practically no different from preparation for any other trips. However, if we go to forested places in nature, it is worth remembering a few basic elements of our equipment. First of all, let's think about the trash we create. Let's think about the bags that we, of course, will take with us. You won't find a basket in truly wild places.

Moreover, you should carefully check the weather before leaving. The forest is a fantastic place regardless of the weather or time of year, but not everyone, at least for the first time, will find a trip in the rain a pleasant experience. 

Grill, campfire or maybe a gas stove? This is not impossible in the forest, but let’s check on the forestry website to see if it is legal and safe. In many cases, it is possible to use gas stoves. There are also designated areas for lighting fires. Vehicles with internal combustion engines are prohibited in state forests. The vehicle must be left in the parking lot. 

Campgrounds in national parks 

Let us remind you that in accordance with Art. 15 of the Nature Conservation Act, camping is not permitted in national parks, where you must only follow designated trails and leave them before dusk. The exception is areas designated by the park management for camping or overnight stays. Detailed information on this can be found on park websites and local tourist information points. Placing tents “wildly and wherever you want” on the territory of a national park is punishable by a large fine. In extreme cases, where a pseudo-tourist has caused a fire or caused serious damage, this may even result in criminal liability. Tent sites are marked with appropriate signs or information boards with rules. 

Camping in the forest - entertainment

What can you do in the forest? All! In such a natural environment, blissful laziness, during which, as we have already said, the mind rests, will do us good, but physical activity in the fresh air brings much more health benefits than in the gym or in an urban environment, since About this reports the International Journal of Medical Research.

If the time of year is right, we can go look for mushrooms or berries (if this is not prohibited in the area). We can also just go for a walk and, together with the children, recognize trees and flowers or look for animal tracks. The forest is also a very safe place for cycling, even for the little ones. 

To summarize, going to the forest is a great idea for spending time with family or a group of friends, or alone. Close contact with nature promotes mental and physical health. 

Let's go to the forest. Just remember to leave them in the same condition we found them in. Or maybe even a little better, because cleaning up the forest is also a great way to spend time and educate our children.

The following graphics are used in the article: 1. Photo. Michal Vrba, Unsplash License. 2. Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Royal Oak Trail. Photo by Robert Wielgorski, aka Barry Kent, Wiki Commons, GNU Free Documentation License. 3. Chulmin Park, Pixabay. 4. National parks of Poland. WikiCommons. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International License.