Camping

One of summer's simple pleasures

from JoeUser Forums
Until I met my husband, I had never been camping. I was extremely nervous when he asked me to come along on a family trip to go camping up north. I didn't know what to expect, I thought it would be in the middle of nowhere deep in the woods with nobody else around. Well I was glad to have had such low expectations, because I think that made me have an even better time when I got there. Now, I do know that some people actually do go on those rustic camping trips I had imagined, but we went to a campground with lots of people around, a nice beach and, yes, bathrooms! And showers! Now that was more like it!

Ever since that first trip which was about 6 years ago, we have gone camping every summer. Up north here in Michigan is stunning in the summer. I am getting very excited because it is that time where we are getting in touch with friends to plan dates and make reservations for campsites for the summer. In my opinion, it's really is one of the best mini-vacations you can take. It costs only about $20 a night (and that's if you have a whole site to yourself), we can drive to most sites we like in under 4 hours, and you have no choice but to relax while you are there. What cracks me up are the people who go camping and set up the T.V. outside or stay in their camper the whole time adn watch TV. It seems every year we go, we end up seeing more and more trailers at the site and less and less tents. We are tent campers.

I think camping is either a love it or hate it type of deal. Just curious to see who here goes camping, and if so, trailer or tent?
misc
19,125 views 24 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
I love camping. Definately tent/backpack. I prefer primitive camping to "site" camping but have done both.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
I would love to do some actual backpack, hiking, "real" camping! How long do you usually go for?
Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
Anywhere from a week to a couple of months. A number of years ago I hiked the Appalachian Trail. That took six months, but I was a lot younger then.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Oh wow! My friend actually just left this past Thursday to hike the Appalachian Trail...by herself! She is also planning on taking about 6 months to complete it. I have to admit I am worried about her going on her own, but she couldn't find anyone who was able to leave their job and family for that long. She is supposed to give me a call every time she gets to a city where she gets signal for her cell, just to check in with me and someone knows she is alright. She is from Utah and also used to camp and hike for a few months at a time. How do you guys do that? I don't think I have it in me Although that would be very cool.

So did you encounter anything scary or extremely challenging on the trail? Did you go on your own, or with friends?
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
I go for both.

With Scouts we'll "pack in" all we need for some trips, and on others we'll "truck camp" bringing every conceivable luxury from home in the back of trucks. We have a portable kitchen that would be the envy of any cooking show! Tents are the only shelter, but comfy cots make it on truck trips.

Family-wise we started with a pop-up, and have graduated to a park model on a year-round leased lot at the coast, we keep the boat, jet ski's and a golfcart on site ( as well as a stocked bar and Karoke equip ). The pool is one block away and the ICW is 12 blocks down, it's really more of a 2nd home than a camp site.

My wife's idea of roughing it begins with non-matching curtains, so getting her in a tent is out off the question, but she does fondly remember our pop-up days.....
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
I did it alone, but met quite a few good people along the trail. It was a good time. I hope she thought to do some mail drops for supplies. It's the cheapest/easiest way to stay supplied for the trip.

She may have some trouble with the cell phone, but there are several town along the way where it may work. There's always pay phones.

Do you know if she's going from North to South, or South to North? Starting this time of year I would assume she's starting in Georgia.

The most difficult time for me was starting out, as I started in Maine and it was still pretty darned cold at night.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Yep, she has another friend of ours sending her some supplies when she needs them. Well I have to say I am relieved that it's not unusual for people to go on their own. I'm hoping she'll meet some people along the way. She did start from Georgia. Thanks for easing my mind a bit
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
Dynosoar:

Hey, sounds liek you're all set! Sounds like you guys have a great time!

My wife's idea of roughing it begins with non-matching curtains, so getting her in a tent is out off the question

Hey, whatever gets her out there! I have to admit, I wouldn't complain if I could afford camper to sleep in instead of the ground.

Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
No problem. A good many people hike the trail alone every year. As long as she has a bit of sense about her surroundings she souldn't have any problems. Well, except maybe for blisters on her feet

Most people, myself included when I did it, mail the supplies out to preplanned stops before they even start out. It takes a bit of advacned planning and more or less keeping to a schedule to make the post offices before running out of food, but it's worth it.

One thing many people underestimate is their caloric intake when hiking. You wind up eating far more than you thought you would.
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
Most people, myself included when I did it, mail the supplies out to preplanned stops before they even start out. It takes a bit of advacned planning and more or less keeping to a schedule to make the post offices before running out of food, but it's worth it.


Yeah, I am pretty sure she also did that. I had so many questions about what I was taking care of for her while she was gone, I didnt catch every detail. That sounds like a very smart thing to do, and I am sure I remember her saying she was only leaving 2 boxes for our friend to send her, and the rest she was picking the rest up herself at stops.

One thing many people underestimate is their caloric intake when hiking. You wind up eating far more than you thought you would.


I guess that's a good thing if you are walking all day then!

Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
I have done both, and your statement about relaxing is dead on.  I go to fish and just slow down, but have not been in awhile.  Caught a 6 pound Cat on one of my last trips!  Best Cat fish I have ever caught.
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
Dr. Guy:

Holy catfish! Yep, don't you love how you don't have to even look at your watch all day and do whatever you want at your own pace? We try not to even take a watch while camping just for the pleasure of knowing we dont need to know what time it is. It is the most relaxing vacation you can take!
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
I don't mind roughing it a little but am not a huge camper. We used to go to my grandparents' cabin in the UP. No indoor plumbing, bugs everywhere and the kids all slept in a bunk house. We pumped water, used an outhouse, spent days fishing and hiking and spent nights chasing fire flies and playing cards by lantern light.

I've only camped in tents as an adult and am not a huge fan. I am too spoiled with creature comforts these days. It's fun once in a great while though.
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
I've only camped in tents as an adult and am not a huge fan. I am too spoiled with creature comforts these days. It's fun once in a great while though.


That's one good thing about going, though. There is no better appreciation for your own bed and shower than after getting back from camping. The luxury of having clean feet and no sand or dirt on your body, and clean clothes whenver you want!
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top
I have the opposite feeling about camping. Once I get out there I never want to come back.
Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top
I have the opposite feeling about camping. Once I get out there I never want to come back.


I think guys enjoy being dirty more than girls do. I know one of my dad's favorite parts of deer camp is now bathing or showering. My mom would have to hose him down in the yard before letting him in to stink up the house

I enjoy my bed and shower every day. I don't feel I need reminders (maybe I'm just getting old). I know I won't be doing any camping this Summer! My pregnant belly and I will be in the A/C as much as possible.
Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top
I always carry a solar shower with me. When empty they weigh next to nothing, but sure are nice to have out there.
Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top
Yeah, the solar shower was a genius invention (but don’t underestimate the sun...that water can get HOT).

One of my favorite places to camp is up on a 140 acre piece of property that my family owns. It's pretty rustic, but when you can see the sky without city-light interference, it makes it all worth while.

But yeah, after being stinky and tired after a camping trip it's defiantly nice to get back home and enjoy the simple comforts we take for granted
Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top
It's pretty rustic, but when you can see the sky without city-light interference, it makes it all worth while.


You just described what I had the entire time growing up. It took me a long time to get used to all of the light polution in the city.
Reply #20 from JoeUser Forums Top
Jill: Lucky

It's so sad that Jen and I get excited on a clear night to see a dozen stars. If we can see half of a dipper, we're lucky. I'm sure your dirty little boys will get you out camping a few times to enjoy the stars again (just have that husband of yours plop down some coin for an RV)
Reply #21 from JoeUser Forums Top
I'm sure your dirty little boys will get you out camping a few times to enjoy the stars again


We camped at Brad's uncle's farm last Summer. We had a bonfire, did smores and Brad brought his telescope. It really reminded me of my home town. I'm sure we'll have more camping in the future. Just not this Summer. Brad wants us all to go camping in CO. We will probably rent an RV and go to the sand dunes. As long as we don't drive the RV up any one lane mountain passes! Those freak me out!
Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top
Brad wants us all to go camping in CO. We will probably rent an RV and go to the sand dunes.


Awesome! That sounds like it could be a very memorable trip!
Reply #23 from JoeUser Forums Top
Gosh I haven't been camping in sooo long! I dont' think I've ever even gone camping with the kids! It's not something we're into. But I do love to take hiking trips and that we haven't done in a long time too. I like the modern day version of camping. Yea, the ammenities is just great! I like the idea of a trailer camp trip but I wouldn't spend all day inside I would be out exploring!
Reply #24 from JoeUser Forums Top
I like the idea of a trailer camp trip but I wouldn't spend all day inside I would be out exploring


Sounds good to me!