Phyllis Brown
The 1960s and 70s were a golden era for outdoor adventures as families, friends, and nature enthusiasts packed up their gear and headed to the great outdoors.
Camping in those days was about simplicity, connection with nature, and creating lasting memories without the technological conveniences we rely on today.
Through the lens of vintage photos, we can take a nostalgic journey into what camping looked like during these two decades. The gear may have been heavier, but the experience was rich and unforgettable.
Let’s explore the world of 60s and 70s camping.
Family Camping: A New Tradition in the 60s and 70s
Camping in the 60s and 70s became a favorite activity for families. After WWII, more people had time off, and camping was an affordable way to take a vacation.
National parks became crowded with families enjoying the outdoors. Large families loved it because it was cheap and fun for kids to explore.
One camper said, “We didn’t need much; just a tent and a campfire, and we had everything.”
Camper Vans and Tents: The Gear of the Time
Back then, camping gear was heavier and bulkier, but people made do with less. Camper vans became a symbol of freedom and adventure, while tents were thick and tough to set up.
Campers used steel cook sets, but there were no fancy lightweight stoves or water filters. Meals were cooked over wood fires using simple tools, and the joy came from cooking together around the fire.
As one camper recalled, “We carried what we needed, but the real treat was cooking over the flames and being outdoors.”
Backpacking Meals: Simple but Delicious
Food on the trail was basic but satisfying. Breakfast often included eggs, bacon, and pancakes. Lunches were simple—cheddar cheese, dried beef, raisins, and GORP (nuts and dried fruit). For dinner, fresh fish cooked with onions and bacon was a special treat.
Some campers even baked bread and made frosting for cakes using melted Hershey bars. People learned to get creative with what they had.
Camping in the 60s and 70s meant connecting deeply with nature. There were no distractions, just time spent hiking, swimming, and exploring the woods.
Stunning Vintage Photos Of 60-70s Camping
1. Vintage camping, photo by Mark Susina
2. Preparing food while camping
3. A group of campers are lounging in front of the trailer, enjoying the outdoors in folding chairs and sun loungers
4. A group of campers relaxes around a campfire near their vintage camper trailer
5. A peaceful 1960s or 70s camping scene featuring classic cars and camper trailers set against a stunning mountain backdrop
6. A small tent setup in the woods, a picnic table with camping gear, and campers preparing for the day
7. Fishing was a big deal as a supplement to meals
8. A man preparing outside a tepee-style tent
9. Friends enjoying watermelon and snacks outdoors, surrounded by the classic barbecue setup
10. A family enjoying a camping trip in the 60s or 70s, relaxing outside their pop-up camper
11. Breakfasts might be fresh eggs, bacon, oatmeal and raisins, pancakes with syrup, and butter, cream of wheat, English muffin with butter and jam, etc
12. Two women enjoying a peaceful moment at a campground, playing a board game on a picnic table
13. Their classic RV is parked under tall trees, with a child playing nearby on a tricycle
14. A group of friends and family gathered around a picnic table, dressed in classic 70s outdoor attire
15. Enjoying a casual evening by the beach, dancing and playing guitar around a small fire
16. A dessert of baked bread with a layer of sweet stuff
17. A playful shot captures the carefree essence of 60s and 70s camping adventures
18. Working together to prepare a meal over a campfire
19. A leisurely moment, with lawn chairs and casual seating around their campsite
20. A breakfast of fresh caught fish, bacon, and the makings for pancakes (Bisquick)
21. Two men, dressed in matching overalls and plaid shirts, are relaxing in lawn chairs
22. A mother and her two children walking away from their simple canvas tent set up in the wilderness
23. A bright orange Volkswagen van
24. Cooking meals outside
25. Father holding his baby during a camping trip
26. Two women happily cooking pancakes on a classic Coleman stove
27. Friends during a camping trip in the 1960s or 70s
28. A row of sleek Airstream trailers parked in a neat line
29. A mid-century sedan parked beside a compact travel trailer
30. Mother holding her child in front of a classic camper truck
