Ridiculous Camping Fails That Show Sometimes It’s Better Just To Stay Home

Minimalism is so in right now, you know? This biker took that philosophy to the campgrounds by putting up a tent that was only big enough to cover his head. At least his leather jacket, pants, and boots will keep the rest of him dry if it rains! Seriously, though, what is the point of this mini tent?

When your regular car can't handle a heavy load, try bringing in a Ford-tough pickup truck! Unless, of course, you're trying to haul a full-size camper... As the owner of this car can probably tell you, it’s not likely to end very well. You might have to head to a body shop to put the whole thing back together again. And don't even ask us how they're going to fill up the tank.

After a long day on the range, why should your horse have to sleep outside while you spend the night in a cozy tent? This brave steed righted that wrong by walking headfirst into the tent. Not a perfect fit, but she's proving a point. Or maybe she just doesn't want you crowding her personal space. Either way, she deserves a good night’s sleep, too.

We're not sure whether this guy is just trying to be funny or if he forgot to check his camping gear beforehand. You might think there isn't much to buying a tent, but if you're not careful you could end up like this snail camper. "I unknowingly bought a two-person child's tent thinking it was adult-sized... and I still took it to the festival," Kelkymcdouble said on Reddit. We respect that.

At the end of a great camping trip, you might want to bring a souvenir home with you. Maybe it's a uniquely shaped rock or some freshly cut flowers from a nearby meadow...or maybe it's the entire forest. It's safe to say these people might need to make a few trips! And probably get their car cleaned at the end of it...

If you’re more of a city lover than a camper, you may well relate to this cat, whose face says it all. Not all of us are cut out for the great outdoors, and this seemingly enraged cat is doing everything it can to wriggle free of its tent prison. We sure wouldn't want to be the ones stuck inside with it while it claws its way out, though! Basically, everybody was regretting their life decisions that morning.

Out in nature, the world is your bathroom! That means you can use your toilet for many other things, like an all-in-one drink cooler and grill. However, this is definitely not the right seat to do your bathroom reading. You've kind of got to admit the ingenuity of this — even if the potential for everything going down the toilet is pretty huge.

This guy heard that going camping was an enlightening experience and wanted to embrace nature in a whole new way. But his friends didn't think he meant literally. It looks like he might've found something he loves more than beer! To give the guy the benefit of the doubt, though, those deck chairs can be pretty tricky to set up.

GoPros are perfect for any outdoor activity, but, boy, are they expensive! While most people will settle for a selfie stick for that perfect shot, this inventive camper is nothing short of a genius. All she needed was duct tape, a cheap camera, and a dream! We imagine all those plans were shot when she first tried to press the button on the camera, though.

This Amazon shopper was so happy with her leggings that she may have gotten a little too candid in her review of them: "Here is me rolling and sliding down a mountain because I was too scared to get up. My leggings did not rip not even a little bit and I got stuck on rocks and trees."

If you can't beat them, join them. In a chicken-egg scenario, nobody can say whether the sign or the tents came first. But it's clear that these rules are not working. Oh well, anything goes in the great outdoors... (Just in case it needs saying, yes, we know this is probably a fake sign!)

All these people wanted was to camp near a beautiful view, but it looks like the wind had other plans. Or... did they set it up this way on purpose? The passerby who snapped this photo didn't bother to check if anyone was holed up inside. Somebody's vacation could have just been turned on its head!

This group was all set for some quality time out in the woods... but they forgot to pay extra attention to the weather forecast. Yeah, camping by a waterfront when there's a massive downpour incoming definitely wasn't the best idea. Just imagine trying to get all of this stuff packed away afterward!

Everyone ought to try camping at least once in their lives, but the cold hard fact is that roughing it outdoors is not for everyone. For this guy, it took about 30 seconds for him to realize that he's probably better off under a roof... and nowhere near a tent ever again.

This prickly predicament is a good reminder that there are hiking trails around campsites for a reason. Although it's nice to go off the beaten path in the figurative sense, doing so literally may very well lead you right into a garden of cacti. Ouch! Mind you, the humiliation probably hurt just as much as the thorns.

This setup gives "port-a-potty" an entirely new meaning! But it's not totally uncivilized; the toilet does come with a toilet paper roll. We can only hope nobody tried to make use of this lavatory while the truck was moving. It'd be bad enough trying to do your business in view of the whole world.

This guy's camping hike led him to a rather dangerous river crossing, but instead of losing his life, he only lost one of his shoes. In the moment, there's no doubt he was thankful — until he realized he still had several miles of his trek to go!

Ah, camping! A chance to reacquaint yourself with the great outdoors and become at one with nature... Or at least it used to be in the age before smartphones. The irony is that the guy who posted this pic on Reddit — lightly mocking his family in the caption — probably also captured the image on a smartphone...

There's no better way of telling the world that you're going camping than giving your camper van a funny name. And in this age of the internet, could you ever choose a name other than Campy McCampFace? The great thing is that you can just adapt the name to whatever mode of transport you're using for your trip!

When "JephriB" posted this pic on Reddit, he captioned it, "I volunteered at my 9-year-old son's day camp today. I asked him this morning to pack us a lunch. I really regret not checking what he had packed before we left..." But in all fairness to the kid, he did pack quite a bit of fruit for everyone!

Rule #1 of beach club: you don't eat without guarding your snacks. Look left, look right, look up, look everywhere! Whatever you do, quality snacking can only be guaranteed if you pay close attention to your surroundings at all times. Those pesky seagulls are relentless, and no ice cream cone will go undetected in their presence. Don't say we didn't warn you!

Why stop at surfing nuns when you can get a full-blown miracle? Well, almost. At first glance, it looks like this woman’s makeshift stage is actually floating over the sand. Sorry to disappoint you, though, but that’s just the shadow of a flag behind her. In actual fact, the plank’s securely stationed on the beach. Boo!

Not all beach activities — or hilarious photos — happen on the sand. Take this underwater snap, for example. We know that it’s probably just a weird angle, and there’s a person swimming behind the gilled guy at the front. What we really hope, though, is there’s a strange half-man, half-fish hybrid somewhere in the deep blue sea.

Whether they're a dog or lonely soul on a dating site, everyone knows someone who enjoys a stroll along the shore. Usually our canine friends take in the vista on all fours, though! Seems like this pup had a different idea in mind, taking on the coast on two feet and looking oddly human in the process. We’ll name him Roger.

It’s a lovely day at the beach, and a man decides to whip out his balls. Careful now — we mean ones for juggling! And we’re glad he did, as the ball dangling overhead in this snap makes one dude look as though he’s having a software malfunction. A Redditor quipped, “I think he might be frozen because it looks like he has the spinning beach ball of death.”

Nothing says "We had a great time at the beach" quite like snapping pictures at the end of a pier. You’ve got the quaint wood decking in the foreground and a beautiful backdrop of bright blue sea. What's not to love? Well... territorial avian photobombers for one. Let this be your warning — beware of angry seabirds that will probably peck you for taking photos on their turf!

Okay, so maybe not all dogs are thrilled to be by the ocean. Take exhibit A, for example — this poor pup who was clearly startled by something unexpected appearing in the sand. But what could have caused such a dramatic reaction? As the Redditor who shared the photo described it, “My friend’s dog got a scare from a crab on the beach and hit the eject button!” Creepy crustaceans. Makes sense! 

Slippery sunscreen hands -1, family -0. A treasured photo of an adorable family moment taken while they gallivanted across the beach is probably what they had in mind. Well, that’s not what happened for this family, who clearly didn’t plan their pose ahead of their sandy shoot. Fingers crossed the baby landed upright after his few seconds in mid-air. Take note ahead of your next beach photo opportunity, because this is exactly how you don't want it to go.

Digging holes. Building castles. Burying that one friend who falls asleep. There are so many classic sand-based activities at the beach! And we imagine this incredible photo will inspire a new trend in the future. Yep, draw in the sand and make use of shadows, and you too can turn yourself into an emoji. Just go easy on the peaches and aubergines, okay?

What’s sweeter than a family photo on the beach? A family photo on the beach with heart hands, of course. Unfortunately, this adorable snapshot will forever commemorate the wrong special someone. See the woman in the back there? Well, she sort of ruined the moment when she unknowingly walked into the frame. Here's hoping she made it onto their Christmas card list or, at the very least, into the family album.

If snow people can wear ski masks, why can't beach people wear sun masks? If the answer is because they are the stuff of nightmares, then that makes sense. We shouldn't judge, though, as these sun-conscious pioneers had the last laugh when they avoided sunburns and wrinkles. But what about the tan lines?

Now you may have been wondering why this beachgoer chose to lock up such a low-cost item, but take a minute to remember the last time you laid your toes on molten sand. Lightbulb moment? Go ahead, make your jokes, but when you're hopping across that boiling hot sand from foot to foot like a life or death version of hot potato, you'd wish you could swipe these flip-flops. 

Visitors to this destination can guarantee one thing: their beach day will never have a dull moment. And really, there's nothing more relaxing than the dull roar of a plane. Well, whipping winds sending sand into every orifice puts up stiff competition. Hopefully, the guests at this resort were given a discount for their proximity to the action. 

So far this list has featured plenty of happy dogs frolicking on the beach. But we’ve yet to see one smiling coastal cat — and we’re starting to think we won’t find one. Just look at this pet taking what’s apparently its “first and last trip to the beach.” That cat has seen things it doesn’t ever want to witness again.

There are so many certainties in life beyond death and taxes. If you bring food to a beach that has any birds — and let’s face it, that’s pretty much all of them — then you can expect another inevitability. Your picnic will be raided by hungry, shameless seagulls, just as this one was. What can we learn from this? Make sure there's a camera set up at all times to capture the chaos.

Do you remember your first time visiting the beach? If you were as little as this guy, you probably don’t. But if your parents snapped a photo like this one, you’ll be reminded forever. When your first girlfriend comes round, you bet your mom’s whipping out this snap to embarrass you.

With the sand in your toes and that catchy Mary Poppins song ringing in your ears, you’re walking to the beach with one goal: flying your beloved kite. Good thing that sign in front of you is practically beckoning you to release your toy into the gleaming blue sky. But wait… what does that fine print say? “Actually cannot. Sorry. Find something else to do.” Talk about a letdown.

Talk about the school of hard knocks. But hey, some lessons just have to be learned the hard way. Take this little girl running down a sand dune, for example. Sure, it would have been pretty easy for her father to have told her she’d probably slip and fall, but would she listen? Probably not. We imagine she totally gets it now, though.

Got a dog? Then they probably adore the beach. It’s basically a massive sandy park, after all. And when this trio of furry friends headed to the shore, they got involved in what appears to be an intense game of catch. That pup who went for the glory didn’t quite get the ball, but she could still pass her hilarious moves off as, um, barkour.

At first glance, this adorable photo op seems like a regular recreation pic. Dig a little deeper, though, and it starts to get strange. Luckily, the Redditor who shared this side-by-side photo explained the hilarious way it came about. He wrote, “My lady friend wanted a piggyback picture on the beach.” Then a stranger approached with a bizarre request for the couple. The poster continued, “A random biker watching the sunset said he wanted one, too.” Both unexpectedly cute and kind of creepy!

The internet says that people with wacky but inspired ideas are “living in the year 3020.” Like this pair with their comfy innovation. And you don’t have to wait hundreds of years to follow in their lead. The points and stares won’t matter, either, when you’re sitting pretty with no sand in your butt.

If you’re on a western-facing beach, you’re in for a real treat at dusk. And as colorful pastels splash across the sky, you take a picture so that you never forget what you’re seeing. If a dog just so happens to walk in front of your camera and do his business, well... you’re sure to remember that for a lifetime, too.

No one really wants to see a shark while they’re at the beach. You run the risk of going home with one less leg than you came with. But a small finned fish with a lot of personality? We can live with that — especially when it looks more likely to sigh wearily than bite your arm off.

One Redditor claimed that a “sweet old man at the beach” offered to take a photo of him and his wife by the sea. A nice gesture, of course… but the senior snapper didn’t exactly follow through. Yes, that’s his own face in shot! We hope the lovebirds had this framed after their vacation.

Here’s a wholesome addition to the list: a very cool dog who’s having a great day at the beach. Or so we assume, anyway, from the big smile on his face. The real question is, how quickly can we get to the coast? And where can we purchase a pair of those glasses? It’s time to get on this doggo’s level.

When you think of relationship red flags, skimping on a date might not be on your list of no-nos. But take note — next time you agree to a romantic gallop along the beach, you should probably read the fine print before you dig out your riding crop. Simply make sure you’ll be riding on an actual horse and not just saddling up on a guy who’s wearing a mask. Unless that’s your bag, of course.

Where do seagulls get the sea gall? In hindsight, the next time this hungry beach-goer fancies a shore-side sugar-coated bun, maybe they should focus on scarfing their tempting snack before taking a selfie. But then the world would miss out on wickedly amusing action shots like this. Decisions, decisions...

There's a time and a place for wearing in a new pair of leather boots. And arguably, a scorching hot beach isn't the ideal spot for such a task. Saying that, there really is no dress code for the beach — a message this fashionista heard loud and clear! Though she'll have to be careful where she's stomping or — pop! There goes her floaty.

Most people have endured the long and arduous trek from their car to the sweet release of dive-bombing into the sea. Solution — ride right up to the shore. But before you take a leaf out of this person's book, make sure to check the tide times! Suddenly, all those seashells you've plucked from the sand aren't that impressive. 

Ever wondered what penguins get up to in the wild? Well, naturally, it's adorable beach-side weddings! And who can blame them? A penguin has to get some use of that natural tuxedo now and again. Plus, the sweet oceanfront view was right at their disposal. Who could resist? They got lucky, too; there was no plan B in case of rain.

There’s nothing better than enjoying a beach day with your whole family in tow. Even better if you’re bringing your baby for the first time! It’s lovely to see your little one gaze at the crashing waves in awe. Unless you’re this mom. Her child seems a little sea-sick already. Somebody grab some towels, quick!

The quintessential beach photo for women with long hair goes something like this. Lean your head forward, plunging your hair underwater. Then flip your head back so your wet tresses fly up through the air. But who knew you could make the same stunning display with an extra-long beard? You do end up getting a faceful of salty water, mind...

Lining up on the shore, striking the same pose… this has the makings of a classic beach photo. But what you don’t get every time is the perfect photobomb to go with it. Look between the arms of girls five and six! Yep, that dude could be our new hero.

Some spots simply can't be beaten when it comes to their photoshoot potential. Unfortunately, that means they’re going to be crowded. And one Redditor didn’t notice his error until he'd already started snapping pics for his other half. He explained, “I stood taking a photo of my girlfriend in the sea, then realized so was every other Instagram boyfriend.” Oops!

Not all Instagram boyfriends are created equally. We’re sure there are partners out there who are model other halves. They’re considerate to a T and always go the extra mile to make sure they get the shot. Did someone say, "new profile picture?" But then there’s this Redditor’s other half, who “didn’t warn [him] a wave was coming as [he] posed for a beach photo.” Savage.

Laying down your towel carefully, you’re ready to settle down into your chosen spot. And it’s perfect: close enough to the water to go for a dip, but far enough away that it can’t wash up and unexpectedly soak you. It’s a great plan until you remember that dogs come to the beach, too, and that canine companion will bring the dreaded splash zone right up to you.

The single beach shop in this town has to be making a killing. There might be more floaties than people bobbing around those waters. Good thing, since a lifeguard would be feeble against such large crowds.

In life, it’s all about perspective. And the same goes for silly beach photos, too! This optical illusion makes it look as though the photographer is about to capture a mother and child beneath a giant bucket. Now they know how hermit crabs and tiny fish feel.

If you run out of things to read on the beach and you’re too tired to go swimming again, have a little fun with your vacation photos. Why pose next to your friend when you can make it look like you’re a giant who’s going to have her for lunch?

It may be cliché, but Peter did all his best thinking on a sunset beach stroll. But he better leave before the dark sets in. Witnessing the haunting frivolity of the waterfront spit roast would send him into a tailspin.

We hope this list motivates you to go to the beach and try something new. Or maybe you’ve changed your mind after looking at this snap. According to the Redditor who shared it, he’d “tried standing up on [his] first time paddle-boarding.” Well, they do say God loves a trier — even if they fail.

Who doesn’t love a beachy optical illusion? This dad is actually carrying his son out into the sea — perhaps for the first time. That would be a big moment perfect to be captured on camera. This weird man-baby hybrid, though? It’s the stuff of nightmares.

We’re not saying that you shouldn’t drink on your day at the beach. But you should probably stop yourself after a certain number of glasses of wine. If you don’t, you could fall asleep clinging to the bottle — and wake up with a sunburn that lets the world know you really love your booze.

There’s something about the beach that makes us feel whimsical and fancy-free. Perhaps that’s why this Redditor’s friends decided to turn a few cartwheels on the sand. Luckily for the girl at the back, sand makes for a soft landing. Next time, she’ll think twice about flipping wildly when there are cameras around.

"Yes, I wiped my flippers on the rug." One of the pleasures of a beach house is that the ocean is in your backyard. Sometimes it creeps into your entryway, or naps in your bed if you're not careful to lock your doors.

We all want to take that smoking-hot beach photo… but we don’t really mean that literally. And this beach bunny definitely got a fiery shot thanks to the English town of Eastbourne’s pier burning down in the background.

There are two kinds of kids. We're not saying one is better than the other — some kids need training wheels before they try the real thing — but we'll let you guess who you'd rather build a sandcastle with.

Instead of tossing returnables into the trash, this guy marched the plastic straight into the ocean. What a savvy way to cut out the middle man and show recycling nerds how it's really done!

Guys, it's too late to argue over the miscommunication of the instruction "take it to the car wash." Technically, the car did get the most thorough rinse possible.

Humans aren't the only ones who like basking on the beach. Why lounge under the sun by yourself when you can bring along your pet cattle to keep you company? "Moo-ve over and pass the sunscreen, please."

Some people never could learn how to keep work at work. Relocating his one-man company didn't make as big a splash on the market as Timmy anticipated. For one thing, maintaining a WiFi connection is a real beach.

Digging and burying someone in a hole is a beachside activity that never gets old… or so we thought. Now that we’ve seen this dog making a kid into its own personal fire hydrant, we’re starting to change our tune.