There is something very relaxing about a camping trip. I sound hypocritical to my own ears when I say that the trick is a minimalist mindset (we own a class A motorhome). I know people who won’t camp that talk about the work involved. Less is truly more. (And I still think a backpack is all you really need).

You have to do a bit of pre-planning. But give me I cast iron skillet, a coffee pot and a spatula and I can cook anything over the fire. (I do carry charcoal in case I want to bake.) Breakfast meal prep is a can of biscuits and a pack of bacon. Burgers or steak make a hearty evening meal. Lunchtime is usually not required due our big breakfast, but grapes or cheese can be a pleasant snack. Anything tastes better if you cook it and eat it outdoors.

Clothes are packed for the weather and the activity. Just a few shirts, pants and perhaps a jacket. Equipment is minimal. A few lawn chairs to sit by the fire, my fire tools, and a hiking stick are all I really need. If we are staying several days we will bring the canopy to cover the picnic table and our e-bikes.

Each trip is unique. Sometimes I live in the woods. I hike the hills and I drink in the solitude like a dehydrated person needing water. Other trips we visit with family and friends. Sometimes, the parks offer adventure such as caves or zip lines. In some locations, I bike or kayak.

I’ve been visiting parks since I was a child. Often, when I am walking I will notice a plant and in my head I will hear my grandfather explaining the properties of sassafras or ginseng. I see pine stumps and think of the many times we went foraging for kindling (this is not allowed in state parks, just to be clear).

Sometimes, we encounter unexpected surprises like the day a stranger left a hummingbird feeder, nectar and a note encouraging us to enjoy or stay. Another time, we found a dinosaur left behind in the dirt (now our camping mascot). Or we find a stash of river rocks and are reminded of fun times with our beautiful children.

But life is more relaxed now. It’s just the two of us with plenty of time to kill. We do what we want to do, when we want to do it. A two hour walk around a lake, a campfire coffee break, or maybe a nap are possibilities. We might drive to town, or find a local restaurant.

I can spend hours just walking, thinking, and enjoying the beauty of creation. The forest never disappoints. Camping for me is slowing down and disconnecting. It is discovery of nature . It is learning to make space for yourself.

I love our public spaces. Parks are truly state and national treasures. If you stay in a state park and happen to be up early and you notice a woman up at dawn making coffee over the fire in a battered, blackened coffee pot…. Stop and say Hi. It is probably me. Not many people make their coffee the old fashioned way. But it is the best coffee. You should try it. And make sure you try out our wonderful parks.