Being Outdoors
camping is great. Air, sun, trees. Fresh air. According to certain studies, nature is a magical thing and can have strong healing powers, like better mood, increased immune systems, and increased proteins for cancers.
Outdoor activities can improve your health and well-being in five ways:
- Reduces blood pressure and reduces stress — Time spent walking through or simply looking at the trees decreases blood pressure and reduces cortisol and adrenaline stress hormones.
- Mood booster — Researchers found that nature makes us glad. After spending time outdoors, anxiety, depression, and anger are significantly reduced.
- Improves focus—Studies show that adults or children who find it difficult to focus or control impulses can concentrate better after being in the wild.
- Helps heal faster—Disease and surgery can be painful and scary, increasing stress and slow cure. However, researchers found that patients who spent time outside their rehabilitation needed fewer painkillers, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays.
- Supports graceful aging—A study in the Journal of Health and Aging showed that adults over 70 years of age who spent time in the open air experienced more minor sleeping difficulties, fewer pain and mobility, and better ability to do their daily work.
An urge for nature
Many people feel the urge to simplify and return to nature in today’s world of powerful technologies. It is necessary to unplug and recharge in the wilderness to experience the health benefits of outdoor recreation. Those who can absorb everything nature has to offer to find out why it is important to be outside is a matter of health.
Japan considered “forest bathing” a crucial part of its national health program long before smartphones and self-driving cars. The soaking is not literal with forest bathing. Bathing has a new meaning—taking yourself into nature.
Welcome the summer camping
Your levels of vitamin D are rising. A process leading to the development and activation of vitamin D starts when the sun lights up the skin. Studies suggest the vitamin contributes to combating certain conditions, from osteoporosis and cancer to depression and cardiac attacks. A good regimen is limited sun exposure (do not overdo it), supplemented, if need be, by vitamin D pills.
Where to go camping?
Louisiana offers a lot of diverse natural beauty, but you need to be one with nature to take full advantage of that beauty. And the best way to do that is via camping.
If you stay at a state park in Louisiana, you might be surprised to find that it’s closer to glamping than camping, but a lot depends on the park and the site. The overall consensus is that its sort of a hybrid experience between camping and glamping. Perhaps someone will create a word for that one day. In the meantime, let’s look at three very different state parks and what they offer regarding camping and activities.
Fontainebleau State Park
Fontainebleau State Park is located in St. Tammany Parish. It’s 280 acres on the north side of Lake Pontchartrain. This park is best known for its wildlife, plant life, boardwalk throughout the park, beach, kayaking, peer, hiking and bicycle trails, and sugar mill history. Showers and bathrooms are also available.
As far as camping goes, the campsites are set apart far from one another, which is a big plus. This isn’t the case at all Louisiana State Park campsites. There are also many different sites here. For all of them, you’re going to find a fully-equipped canvas tent, five gallons of water, a heater, a mattress, and a firepit.
Regardless of the campsite, you’re going to appreciate your seclusion. This allows you to decompress while enjoying scenic views and spotting wildlife. You might spot owls and wild boars. One important note is that a few of the sites here are canoe-in only. If you choose one of these sites, be sure to pack light. Another important note is that Site B is the least secluded. Therefore, avoid that site if you desire seclusion or choose that site closer to other people.
Chicot State Park
Chicot State Park is located in a wildlife reserve in South Central Louisiana. It’s 6,400 acres with a 2,000-acre artificial lake. The lake is ideal for fishing because it has been stocked with red-ear sunfish, bass, crappie, and bluegill. On land, you’re very likely to see wildlife, including pigs and raccoons.
This is a popular park. Therefore, if you searched for Louisiana State Park campsites and desire quiet, your best bet is to book during the week. The park changes a lot during the week and is a much different and more peaceful experience.
Whether you’re here on the weekend or during the week, you can take advantage of the well-maintained hiking trails, rent boats or canoes, or take in the beautiful lake views. If you’re here with kids, there is a splash park and a playground. You can also fish off the pier. Overall, this is a clean, family-oriented park with bathrooms and showers.
The camping sites are similar to those at Fontainebleau State Park. However, it’s easier to find larger tents here.
Lake Claiborne State Park
Lake Claiborne State Park is a 643-acre park in Northwest Louisiana. In addition to the lake itself–which offers nice beach areas and plenty of fishing as well as boating opportunities–, you have access to hiking trails and a disc golf course. For a special treat, check out Claiborne Dam for impressive views over the hill.
The camping sites here are similar to the other two parks. Since this is Northwest Louisiana, it will be a dryer and more traditional in-the-woods kind of experience. In other words, no swamps or bayous. One important note for camping sites in this park is that your site might be on a hill, making for a difficult entrance and exit for some people. If you don’t want this type of experience, be sure to evaluate all sites before making a reservation.
The three Louisiana state parks mentioned above all offer very different types of camping experiences. That being the case, if you’re a real adventurer and want to make the most out of life, make plans to camp at all of them. This will allow you to experience different parts of this beautiful and wild state, leading you to form more memories. And that’s what life is about: creating memories.
