As a kid, camping was one of my favorite trips of the year. There is just something special, that comes from breathing fresh air and sleeping under the stars. The gear you pack can make or break your trip, so pack wisely.
Camping has a way of bringing the wild out in you, but in a mellow way. It has been said, that only a week of camping will reset your internal clock. We spend so much time inside these days, that a trip outdoors can relax most people. Time seems to slow down while camping, and if you like outdoor recreation, there is a lot to do. This can all go south if you forget some important pieces of gear. Nearly everyone that camps regularly, has a story of a trip gone bust. Most of my trips outdoors that were ruined were caused by rain, bugs or forgetting to bring something.
The freedom you feel outdoors, can't be recreated inside. Wild places seem to stimulate the mind and body in ways you may not be able to explain. There's something familiar about sleeping outside. It's like your body has been missing the connection with nature. You become tuned in rather quickly and learn to go with the flow. You find out fast that you can't fight nature you must learn to deal with the situations that you are given. If you are not prepared to do so, you may find yourself in a pretty miserable situation. For the most part, camping is fun and recharges your batteries. Just understand the amount you prepare will determine the extent of fun you have on your trip.
When I was a child, we used to go to a camp called the “Anchor.” It was located on the banks of the inter-coastal water way on the North Carolina and Virginia border. I looked forward to the few trips a year, all fall, winter, and spring. We stayed in a camper and didn't rough it, but it still was fun. There were tons of muscles and blue crab in the water, which we enjoyed foraging for. I loved the feeling of catching dinner, which I have never lost. Now when I go camping, the goal is to live off of the land and to pack as little food as possible.
Be aware of your state game and camping laws. Most animals have a specific season in which they may be harvested. Frogs, for example, may only be caught and kept from June 15 to Sept. 30. You may use a gun during the day, but not after dark. When the sun sets, you may use your hands, a spear, hook or club. You must also have a state fishing or small game license. Frogs are abundant and available in nearly every lake and pond in the state. I recommend taking some oil and batter with you and preparing a dinner of frog legs. They are excellent to eat and are usually easy to catch.
If you are camping on state property, be prepared for a visit from a forest ranger. They regularly patrol the camp sites to see if everyone has a permit, are safe, and operating within the limits of the law. Another example is if you happen to have caught and kept a fat bass and you have no fishing license, or the fish is out of season. You can expect a ticket. Don't let a lack of understanding pertaining to the law ruin your trip. Read up on all laws before you head out. They tend to change, so be prepared and do your research before you leave.
I recommend making a check list, this will help you prepare for your trip and will prevent leaving items home. I also recommend that you check the weather report. There is nothing worse than arriving at your camp site to a weekend of rain, and you have forgotten the tarp. For me, rain is highest on the list of trip-ruining circumstances. A close second would be bugs. Be prepared to fend off mosquitoes and ticks, which have become abundant in the past few years. Strong sun screen is also a must, unless you will be under a tree canopy. Bug bites and sun burn can turn an enjoyable trip into a miserable one, so be prepared.
Last but definitely not least is camp tear down. Be sure to clean up and remove all trash. Return the site to as good or better than when you arrived. Remember to fully extinguish your fire by dumping copious amounts of water on it and giving time to be sure it's out. I recommend putting the fire out first, this will give time for you to be sure it's out, before you leave.
Good wishes and have a great camping season.