wha, I hear ya, but if you pack the cooler properly, there's no salmonella. :)) I HATED camping (yes, assembly camping once did it for me).
When I got married, my ex was all good to go camping for our honeymoon. HUH? But, but, but,, what about my blow dryer? How will I wash my hair? It's cold and damp!
So, we made a compromise - first week, camping, and if I didn't like it, week two would be spent in luxury hotels. Well, after the first week, I was in love with it! My ex had been camping all his life, and he did it up right! Canvas 4-man tent -- we would like a Coleman lamp, placed on the cooler, for about 15 minutes before retiring to a cozy, dry tent. Organized cooler with a drain hole, so when the ice melted, you could easily drain it. No pre-mixed salads. Butter, milk, etc. will keep fresh for at least a week with a good cooler, and replenished ice. blah, blah blah ... but it opened me up to some awesome adventures.
Special note to Dagney and others who find it hurts their back and/or don't like the cold ground --- ME TOO! You can buy a roll-up 'bubble pad' that is 6'x3', and it not only provides a great cushion for your back, but also insulates from the cold ground. They are very inexpensive (abt $10), and really work well.
Oh, and bring a tarp! If it rains, all you do is tie the tarp to some trees,,,, drag the picnic table under the tarp, and you can sit up till the wee hours playing cards or whatever, nice and dry, with the rain all around.
Also, always, always, pitch your tent on a higher ground, and preferable under a tree, so that if you want to 'sleep in' a bit, the tent doesn't become unbearably hot with the sunrise.
tal
tal