10 Reasons To Go Camping In The Backwoods

Join us

Photo by Author

An article recently appeared in the Adirondack Almanack newsletter extolling the virtues of camping. In 10 Reasons Why I Camp, Melissa Hart recounts the joys of car camping. All are great and valid reasons to spend time at a Northwoods campground.

But there are some differences between Melissa’s recent experience and going a little deeper into the woods. Here is a list, in no particular order, of reasons to leave a few more comforts behind, and go backwoods camping.

• It’s just us and the loons. And hopefully not the bears. Days can go by without seeing other human souls.
• Solving the problems of the world while sitting around the campfire.
• “Preventing” rain by being prepared for it. Or figuring out how to enjoy a wet gray day.
• Long hikes and paddles without return deadlines.
• Bone tired deep sleep.
• “Making do” with what you brought and what the forest provides.
• Your money is no good here. And being in the woods makes you rich.
• No cell service, no meetings (zoom or otherwise), no schedules.
• No Spam, unless you brought a can for dinner.

Photo by Chowdahead while author slept.

• Morning mist rising off the lake.
• Finding and exploring old abandoned logging roads.
• Open air commodes with a view.
• Every camping trip is an adventure.
• Hearing old stories for the tenth time and laughing like they’re brand new.
• Calling back to the loons.
• No dietary restrictions.
• No shaving.
• Bathing is optional, and if you do, you can skinny dip.
• The night sky — Lying on a rocky outcropping into a remote mountain lake and looking up into the blackness to behold shooting stars, satellites, the Milky Way, and the stars, the stars, the stars…
• The glorious hot shower upon your return to “civilization.”

Photo of loonacy by Author

(With help from Chowdahead and Cut Boy. And you are correct. I can’t count.)