As the host of Outdoorsy, I’ve had the incredible privilege of speaking with some of the most passionate and inspiring voices in the outdoor space—people who, like me, believe in redefining what it means to be “outdoorsy.” One of those voices is Rolland, better known by his online persona, Campthropology. Rolland is a camping enthusiast who’s using his platform to make the outdoors approachable, accessible, and fun for everyone. With a dedicated following on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Rolland shares practical tips, gear recommendations, and a message of inclusivity to help people feel welcome in the outdoor community.
When we sat down to chat, we dove into his childhood experiences with the outdoors, the importance of building confidence through education, and why inclusion and accessibility are central to his approach. Rolland isn’t just about camping gear and cozy setups—although he’s definitely the king of cozy camping. He’s on a mission to make sure that everyone feels like they belong in nature, whether they’ve been camping for years or are just getting started.
Watch the full video episode below, or listen on all major podcast platforms.
Growing Up Outdoors
When I asked Rolland about his early relationship with the outdoors, his answer wasn’t what you’d expect. For him, being outdoorsy as a kid wasn’t about long hikes or endless camping trips. Instead, it was about exploring his neighborhood, playing outside barefoot, and skateboarding in the street. These childhood memories, he says, were his first introduction to the outdoors.
"I always considered that outdoorsy, you know, as kids, we all—it’s natural for us to want to grow out and explore outdoors. Even if you didn’t have huge swaths of land, what you would call like, you know, grass or something like that, urban outdoors, whatever you call it, that’s still outdoors."
This perspective really resonated with me, and it’s central to the mission of Outdoorsy—to broaden the definition of what it means to be outdoorsy. You don’t have to fit the traditional mold of a rugged adventurer who grew up hiking and camping. In fact, many of us start our relationship with the outdoors in simpler ways—playing in the yard, walking through the neighborhood, or even just looking at the stars from our porch. Rolland’s message is clear: it doesn’t matter how you experience nature, as long as you find joy in it.
Making the Outdoors Accessible Through Education
A big part of Rolland’s mission is making the outdoors feel more accessible, especially for beginners. He’s all about breaking down barriers, whether it’s fear of not having the right gear, feeling unprepared, or just not knowing where to start. His content is focused on educating people in a way that’s approachable and fun, so they feel confident getting outside.
When Rolland first started creating content, he realized there was a gap in basic knowledge about camping and outdoor experiences. People were asking him simple questions like, “How do I book a campsite?” or “What do I do with my trash when I’m done camping?” These were things he took for granted as someone who had been camping for a while, but they were real obstacles for many beginners.
"I forgot that everybody starts somewhere. So that’s when I was like, maybe I’ll start doing this super simple: how to set up a tent, what tent stakes to use, those kinds of videos."
Rolland decided to create content that would answer those basic questions and help beginners feel more confident. From tips on setting up a tent to packing out trash and planning a camping trip, his videos are designed to demystify the outdoors and make it less intimidating.
"I want to do education, I want to make it fun, I want to make it entertaining, I want it to be goofy, so that it’s approachable."
This approach to education is key to helping people feel more comfortable outdoors. It’s not just about teaching skills—it’s about building confidence. When people know what to expect and how to handle different situations, they’re more likely to enjoy their time outside and keep coming back.
Being Outdoorsy is for Everyone
One of the most important parts of our conversation was Rolland’s focus on inclusivity. He’s deeply committed to making the outdoors welcoming for everyone, especially those who have historically been left out of the outdoor community—people of color, LGBTQ+ folks, larger-bodied individuals, and those from marginalized communities.
"Inclusivity is about inviting people in, showing them the ropes, and letting them know that the outdoors is for everyone, no matter your experience level."
Rolland isn’t just talking about inclusion—he’s actively working to break down the barriers that make people feel like they don’t belong outside. He recognizes that the outdoor community has a gatekeeping problem. Some people believe that to be considered “outdoorsy,” you need to have the best gear, hike the toughest trails, or have years of experience. Rolland is pushing back against that idea.
"I’m a locksmith, you know, people can gatekeep all they want, but I’m showing people how to make keys."
For Rolland, it’s not about what kind of gear you have or how experienced you are—it’s about the joy of being in nature. Whether you’re camping in a national park or sitting in your backyard, you’re connecting with the outdoors, and that’s what matters.
Different Communities, Shared Love for the Outdoors
Rolland shared something powerful with me about how the outdoors has a unique ability to bring different communities together. He’s noticed that despite the deep political and social divides in the world, the outdoors can be a unifying space where people from vastly different backgrounds connect over their shared love of nature.
It’s fascinating how the outdoors can transcend these differences. Rolland believes that nature has the power to unite us, even when we don’t share the same political or social views. When people are out in the wild, they’re focused on the shared experience of being outside, not on their differences.
"Honestly, most people I’ve met out there, even if we don’t share the same political views, we’ll share a beer, we’ll share a hot dog. We just don’t talk politics. We talk, how long have you been out here? What’s your gear? What’s that flashlight?"
Rolland’s experiences show that the outdoors can be a place where people come together, unified by their love of nature. It’s a reminder that, despite the divides in our world, we can still find common ground in the simple, universal joy of being outside.
Tips for Beginners: Start Where You’re Comfortable
For beginners, Rolland’s advice is simple and straightforward: start where you feel comfortable. You don’t need to go on a big camping trip to connect with nature. Even small steps, like sitting outside, setting up a tent in your backyard, or sleeping on your patio, can help you build confidence and get used to the idea of spending time outdoors.
"If it’s your first time, pack something simple. Bring sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly, don’t overcomplicate it. Just go out there and experience it."
Rolland stresses that camping and outdoor experiences don’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler, the better—especially when you’re just starting out. Many people get overwhelmed by social media, where it seems like everyone is cooking elaborate meals over the campfire or embarking on extreme outdoor adventures. But Rolland reassures us that none of that is necessary. What matters is that you’re getting outside and enjoying the experience in your own way.
"Camping can be this very simple and comfortable thing if you let it be, and you don’t overcomplicate it with too much gear or overthinking it."
Educating for a Better Outdoors
Finally, Rolland emphasized the importance of education in protecting the outdoor spaces we all love. For him, it’s not just about enjoying nature—it’s about doing so responsibly. He teaches his followers about Leave No Trace principles, how to pack out trash, and the importance of fire safety. His goal is to make sure people are not only having fun but also taking care of the environment.
"When you educate people on their way to going to those geo-tagged locations...it helps protect the outdoors."
Rolland believes that education is key to ensuring that the outdoors remains a space that everyone can enjoy. When people understand how to respect nature and take care of the land, they become better stewards of the environment. It’s all part of the broader mission of making the outdoors more inclusive, welcoming, and sustainable for future generations.
You Belong Outdoors
The biggest takeaway from my conversation with Rolland is this: the outdoors is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced camper or someone who’s never set foot on a trail. If you feel joy being outside—whether it’s on a hike, in your backyard, or just sitting on your porch—you’re outdoorsy.
"For me, it’s about just getting out there. Even if it’s sleeping on your patio or in your living room, that’s still outdoorsy."
Rolland’s passion for making the outdoors inclusive and accessible is inspiring. He’s showing people that nature doesn’t discriminate, and that everyone belongs out there. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just beginning your outdoor journey, his message is clear: you belong outdoors, and you deserve to enjoy it.
I’m so grateful for the chance to talk with Rolland and share his story! To connect with him, go follow him and support him on social media.
🔗 Follow Rolland (Campthropology):
Instagram: @campthropology
TikTok: @campthropology
YouTube: Campthropology
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