People who know the joys of camping agree one of its greatest joys is being able to leave the world behind. And when you’re one of those people that the whole world has under a microscope, well, camping can truly offer the ultimate peaceful escape.
So which stars prefer an RV and tent over a ritzy hotel? Who’d rather see North America by road than by jet? Who’d choose camping over a cruise? Here are The Top 10 Celebrities Who Love to Camp (some of whom we’ve seen camping right here at KOA).
1. Matthew McConaughey
This celebrity has such a love for camping that for a full year he left his Malibu home to live in a vintage 28-foot Airstream. The actor owns three Airstreams and for two years even managed his production company from one. McConaughey’s recent wedding to Camilla Alves was camping-themed. The wedding took place on McConaughey’s campground-style property in Texas, offering guests the option to stay on the grounds in state-of-the-art tents. His dream is to own either an Airstream hotel or Airstream compound.
2. Jeff Daniels
Daniels has upgraded his cross-country travel from an old moped to a ‘glorified’ RV. In 2011 when Daniels decided to tour the country. he forwent hotels and planes for RV parks and truck stops. “I don’t think you can call yourself a true American until you’ve been behind the wheel of an RV. I love seeing parts of the country I wouldn’t otherwise,” he said. Daniels documented his entire trip on YouTube.
3. Jennifer Connelly & Paul Bettany
When this couple camps, they certainly camp. “Me and my missus and the kids were covered in mud for three days, camping in the White Mountains. There’s no comfort, no blow-up beds or anything — you’re just in a tent and you fire up a little Primus to cook your food, and you have to do that a long way from the tent in case the bear smells the food. Everybody stinks, and you’re cold and you’re wet and yet you see things you’d never see from a car or a hotel room.” You do indeed, Paul.
4. Matt LeBlanc
This “FRIENDS” star prefers more of a classic camping approach. LeBlanc was recently spotted buying a new Coleman tent, sleeping bags and other camping equipment for an upcoming getaway.
5. John Madden
Former NFL coach and commentator, John Madden, traveled 80,000 miles a year in “The Madden Cruiser” in his heyday. Madden suffered a panic attack during a flight in the late 70s and has opted for the open road since. He prefers the comfort and functionality of his RV to the constant shuffle of flights and hotels as he travels around the country.
6. Justin Bieber
The only way this teen pop star can escape his fans is to escape to the wilderness, sort of. Although Bieber opts for a more alluring version of camping known as ‘glamping,’ the star still likes to make a campfire and enjoy the serenity of the outdoors. During his summer camping trip, Bieber tweeted, “Enjoying time with my family literally in the middle of nowhere, but this nowhere place is pretty beautiful.”
7. Eva Longoria
Fortune hasn’t changed this actress’ idea of a frugal vacation. Growing up, Eva took her fair share of camping trips. Her father used to take her siblings and her camping in the wilderness, learning to live off the land and the animals. Although she may spend a bit more on her camping gear now, she’s the first to suggest families go camping instead of a cruise.
8. Dolly Parton
Parton and her husband prefer the convenience and fun of an RV over hotels. “I’ve practically spent my entire life on a bus or an RV. It’s private, fun and besides, I haul around a bunch of stuff! If I had to carry all of this junk to a hotel room, it would be time to check out before I even checked in,” she said. Dolly’s favorite RV spots are Myrtle Beach and Orlando. But where they end up is up to her husband, Carl — since he does all the driving.
9. Colin Farrell
While filming in the United States, Colin Farrell forgoes hotels for his classic Airstream. In the summer of 2003, the movie star camped in his trailer for three weeks, waiting for his next project to begin. “The nights are always clear and the stars are beautiful and you can sit outside drinking beer and listening to music.” We’re sold.
10. Oprah Winfrey
Trading the creatures comforts of the studio and home for a great outdoors adventure, Oprah Winfrey and her BFF Gayle King took The Oprah Winfrey Show on the road and traveled to Yosemite National Park for an overnight camping trip. With cameras rolling, they had a ball.
Camp With the Stars, Under Stars
Resources:
Celebrities on Camping: Famous Camping Quotes
Dolly Parton and Matthew McConaughey Among Celebs Who Love RVing
Famous Celebrity RV Owners
Top 12 Famous Campers
Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King Go Camping
Matthew McConaughey Marries Camila Alves!
Actor Jeff Daniels Travels in a ‘Glorified RV’
Jennifer Garner’s Camping Trip With Daughters
Justin Bieber Goes Camping With His Family
Celebrity Budgeting: Eva Longoria, Carmelo Anthony Know How to Be Frugal
Eva Longoria Goes Camping in France!
Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany Love Camping
Matt LeBlanc Picks Up Camping Supplies
