TPW MAGAZINE—SCARED TO CAMP:  Apprehensive about 
tent camping? We have tips to quell your fears…next on 
Passport to Texas.

This is Passport to Texas

Does the thought of tent camping at a state park give 
you anxiety? An article in the October issue of Texas 
Parks and Wildlife magazine may help quell your fears.

Writer and avid tent camper, Wendel Withrow, addresses 
ten of the most common anxieties people have when it 
comes to overnight tent camping and how to overcome 
them.

Anxiety about the unknown is something a we all face. 
Address it by getting to know the park. Start with one 
that’s close to home, and spend the day, exploring—
particularly the camping loops. Get a feel for where you 
and fellow campers will pitch your tents and spend the 
night.

Willingly trading in your pillow-top mattress for a 
sleeping bag on the floor of a tent may seem mad. Tent 
camping doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Gear like ultra-
plush sleeping pads and bags stuffed with soft down or 
synthetic insulation will keep you off the ground and 
comfy. 

If you’re concerned you won’t sleep because of worry 
about wildlife roaming the park in the dead of night, 
know that they’re not interested in you. Although, 
keeping your provisions and waste away from your 
tents and securely stowed will ensure they’ll give you a 
wide berth. Although, mosquitoes are another story.

The Oct. issue of TPW magazine on overcoming tent 
camping fear is on newsstands now.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti. 



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