backpacking · backpacking tips · camping · Family · gear · hiking · History · Leave No Trace · Near Zero · outdoors · Preservation · The DEAN · ultralight gear · Feb 11, 2025

How to Camp Like U.S. Presidents Who Embraced the Great Outdoors

Presidents Day is a time to reflect on the leaders who have shaped our nation—but what many people don’t realize is that several of them were passionate outdoorsmen. Some camped under the stars, while others retreated to remote cabins to escape the pressures of the presidency.

Below, we explore how different presidents connected with nature and how you can recreate their outdoor experiences.

Theodore Roosevelt – The Ultimate Roughing-It Experience

Preferred Camping Trip: Backcountry camping in a national park
Best Destination: Theodore Roosevelt National Park (ND) or Yellowstone (WY/MT/ID)

Theodore Roosevelt was arguably America’s most famous outdoorsman president. His legendary camping trip with naturalist John Muir in 1903 helped inspire the expansion of the National Park System. Roosevelt believed in the value of roughing it—sleeping in the wilderness with no frills.

How to Camp Like Roosevelt:

Ditch the RV or glamping gear—go for a simple tent or even cowboy camping under the stars. Near Zero tents provide 360-degree views for epic star gazing.
Choose a national park or a remote area with minimal development.
Spend time observing wildlife, journaling, or hiking through rugged landscapes.
Brush up on Leave No Trace principles, as Roosevelt strongly advocated conservation.

Abraham Lincoln – Sleeping Under the Stars on the Frontier

Camping Trip: Rustic, pioneer-style camping
Best Destination: Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (IN) or Shawnee National Forest (IL)

Lincoln grew up in a log cabin and was no stranger to sleeping in the wild. As a young man, he traveled through the Midwest by foot and flatboat, often sleeping outdoors.

How to Camp Like Lincoln:

Try a historical-style camping experience—cook over an open fire and use minimal modern equipment. Don’t have the equipment? Get Near Zero’s lightweight cookware for easy carrying, carrying, and cleaning up.
Set up camp in a remote area, preferably near a river or wooded landscape like those Lincoln traveled through.
Read stories aloud by the fire, just as Lincoln enjoyed storytelling under the night sky.
Take a moment for quiet reflection—Lincoln was known for his deep thinking, often while walking in nature.

Franklin D. Roosevelt – Comfortable Retreat Camping

Camping Trip: Cabin or lodge camping with accessibility in mind
Best Destination: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC/TN) or Blue Ridge Parkway (VA/NC)

FDR loved the outdoors but had to adapt due to his physical limitations after polio. Instead of roughing it, he enjoyed nature from comfortable settings, like the cabins at Warm Springs, Georgia. He also championed the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which built many national park lodges and trails.

How to Camp Like FDR:

Stay in a rustic but comfortable cabin, lodge, or accessible campsite.
Choose a park with scenic drives and overlooks to enjoy the outdoors without strenuous hiking.
Appreciate the legacy of the CCC by visiting structures built during the New Deal.
Enjoy a relaxing fireside evening—FDR loved gathering people to talk and tell stories.

John F. Kennedy – Coastal Camping and Sailing Adventures

Camping Trip: Beach camping with a focus on water activities
Best Destination: Cape Cod National Seashore (MA) or Assateague Island (MD/VA)

JFK had a deep love for the ocean, having grown up sailing off the coast of Cape Cod. His connection to the sea influenced his environmental policies, including efforts to protect shorelines.

How to Camp Like JFK:

Set up camp at a beachside location where you can wake up to ocean views.
Incorporate water activities like sailing, kayaking, or fishing.
Enjoy a classic New England-style seafood meal around the campfire.
Take time for peaceful reflection—JFK often found solace in watching the waves.

Jimmy Carter – Appalachian Trail & Remote Retreats

Camping Trip: Backpacking or off-the-grid cabin experience
Best Destination: Appalachian Trail (GA) or Cumberland Island National Seashore (GA)

Carter, an avid hiker, spent time on the Appalachian Trail and often sought solitude in nature. He and his wife, Rosalynn, loved camping in the wilderness, particularly in the Georgia backcountry.

How to Camp Like Carter:

Plan a multi-day hiking and camping trip on a long-distance trail like the Appalachian Trail. The Adventure Bundle is the perfect companion for this.
Choose a primitive camping site away from crowds to fully embrace solitude.
Prioritize eco-friendly camping techniques—Carter was a strong environmental advocate.
Bring along a good book—Carter loved reading in nature.

Barack Obama – National Park Exploration with Family Focus

Camping Trip: Family-friendly camping with modern comforts
Best Destination: Yosemite National Park (CA) or Acadia National Park (ME)

Obama made a well-documented trip to Yosemite with his family, emphasizing the importance of getting kids outdoors. He also created or expanded several national monuments to preserve outdoor spaces.

How to Camp Like Obama:

Plan a family-friendly camping trip with activities for all ages.
Opt for a well-equipped campsite with nearby amenities.
Include fun activities like biking, ranger-led programs, and stargazing.
Teach kids about conservation and the importance of protecting the outdoors.

Bringing Presidential Camping to Life

Whether you prefer Roosevelt-style rugged adventures or FDR’s cozy retreat-style camping, there’s a presidential camping trip for everyone. Take a break from politics this Presidents Day and experience the great outdoors like a commander-in-chief.