A bunch of friends and I spent new years eve camping at a local state park. We just got back from a very enjoyable time greeting the new year howling at the moon. The weather was pertect, the food was good, and there was plenty of firewood. Here in Florida there are plenty of bugs and it's too hot in the summer for camping. I try to enjoy the local parks between September and May. There are many that have waterfront campsites that are shady and beautiful. Does anyone else enjoy camping?
A happy camper
- Thread starter JC
- Start date
BlackIceLSC
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RE: A happy camper
I spend so much time here, I might as well pitch a tent! Camping is cool though. I used to be a counselor at a summer camp in the Yosemite(Yo-sem-it-ee) national park. Hikes up Half-dome, lakeside campfires, country-time instant lemonade with Popov Vodka in plastic, unbreakable bottles.. you know... the usual.
Now I want to get in my GF's dad's 28 foot Itaska, and cruise up the coast and camp out at beach parks....maybe when the California weather heats up to above 40 degrees at night!
The true fun for us is hauling our racecars a few hundred miles away, camp out at the race track for the weekend events. I tell ya... if you have never spent the night at a drag strip with all the other racersss. you truely havent lived!
BlackIceLSC-VP LODNCA
http://mark8.org/lodnca
94 Black/Black M8
95 Champagne/Saddle M8
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I spend so much time here, I might as well pitch a tent! Camping is cool though. I used to be a counselor at a summer camp in the Yosemite(Yo-sem-it-ee) national park. Hikes up Half-dome, lakeside campfires, country-time instant lemonade with Popov Vodka in plastic, unbreakable bottles.. you know... the usual.
Now I want to get in my GF's dad's 28 foot Itaska, and cruise up the coast and camp out at beach parks....maybe when the California weather heats up to above 40 degrees at night!
The true fun for us is hauling our racecars a few hundred miles away, camp out at the race track for the weekend events. I tell ya... if you have never spent the night at a drag strip with all the other racersss. you truely havent lived!
BlackIceLSC-VP LODNCA
http://mark8.org/lodnca
94 Black/Black M8
95 Champagne/Saddle M8
http://www.markviii.org/~blackicelsc/chromemark.JPG
RE: A happy camper
I like having that private shower too...that's why I bought a 30' Fifth wheel to "camp" in. All the joys of camping and all the comforts of home. Shower, kitchen, refer. Air conditioning. Outside, a campfire and folding chairs.
Bud Pytko
'97 LSC Silver Frost
'92 F250 Banks TurboDiesel Bimini Blue
http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/charlespytko/Lincoln/BudPytko97LSC.JPG
I like having that private shower too...that's why I bought a 30' Fifth wheel to "camp" in. All the joys of camping and all the comforts of home. Shower, kitchen, refer. Air conditioning. Outside, a campfire and folding chairs.
Bud Pytko
'97 LSC Silver Frost
'92 F250 Banks TurboDiesel Bimini Blue
http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/charlespytko/Lincoln/BudPytko97LSC.JPG
GRAND_LS 400
Registered
RE: A happy camper
Sounds like a lot of fun, was it the one on 301?
Sounds like a lot of fun, was it the one on 301?
RE: A happy camper
Yes, we had 4 campsites on the river at Hillsborough River State Park. My favorite in this area is Ft. Desoto park in St Pete. It's just beautiful! One of my friends was raving about the Rainbow River State Park. It's at a large spring where a river comes up. The water is crystal clear.
Yes, we had 4 campsites on the river at Hillsborough River State Park. My favorite in this area is Ft. Desoto park in St Pete. It's just beautiful! One of my friends was raving about the Rainbow River State Park. It's at a large spring where a river comes up. The water is crystal clear.
GRAND_LS 400
Registered
RE: A happy camper
Yeah that park is great, my little bro's camped out with their friends there a couple of years ago, I went to deliver some stuff, and it’s just so nice and quiet. It has that GIGANTIC swimming pool, or a man made ocean if you want to be more specific. They even rent bikes in the park that you can use to explore around the park. Whole lot of fun, but I just cant get anyone to go with me there. 301 is about 3minutes from my house, and another 10-15min on 301 to get there. I been to Ft. Desoto about 5years ago, and I just cant remmeber how to get there anymore
Yeah that park is great, my little bro's camped out with their friends there a couple of years ago, I went to deliver some stuff, and it’s just so nice and quiet. It has that GIGANTIC swimming pool, or a man made ocean if you want to be more specific. They even rent bikes in the park that you can use to explore around the park. Whole lot of fun, but I just cant get anyone to go with me there. 301 is about 3minutes from my house, and another 10-15min on 301 to get there. I been to Ft. Desoto about 5years ago, and I just cant remmeber how to get there anymore
RE: A happy camper
Yosemite is awesome. I've camped down in Yosemite valley, but was really annoyed with all the RV's & their generators running all night long (late October). The raccoons really had the area staked out pretty well too. I preferred to stay at some of the campgrounds on the outskirts of the park... much quieter. Would get out of the tent in the morning to find a herd of mule deer grazing about 20 feet away. Too cool.
I also love camping in the Smokies or along the appalachian trail/ parkway in late October... crisp, cool nights- clear, cool days... perfect for sitting around the campfire. Only bad thing is when it drops down into the 30s, you're zipped into your sleeping bag, & you've been drinking beer by the fire all night long. You absolutely DREAD getting out of the sleeping bag & putting on freezing cold boots, but it's kinda hard to sleep with a full bladder.
I also spent a week camping in Moab, Utah... best trip I ever made. Absolutely incredible scenery. Have never taken so many pictures. Some of the best hiking & mountain biking as well. Only down side was that open fires were not allowed. The drive from Denver to Moab is gorgeous.
I agree with you Jack, that this is the ONLY time of the year to camp in Florida... at least if your TENT camping. Have heard lots of good things about Ft. Desoto... as long as you can get in. One year my parents & sisters decided to go camping in Arcadia on July 4th weekend. They lived to regret that decision. The spent most of the weekend driving around in the car (with the A/C on) just to get out of the heat. Late fall is a pretty good time for camping in north florida. I guess now would be a good time in the Keys. I SHOULD probably take advantage of it, since it looks like I'll be moving to Maine (Brrrr...), but oh well... that's what vacations are for.
Yosemite is awesome. I've camped down in Yosemite valley, but was really annoyed with all the RV's & their generators running all night long (late October). The raccoons really had the area staked out pretty well too. I preferred to stay at some of the campgrounds on the outskirts of the park... much quieter. Would get out of the tent in the morning to find a herd of mule deer grazing about 20 feet away. Too cool.
I also love camping in the Smokies or along the appalachian trail/ parkway in late October... crisp, cool nights- clear, cool days... perfect for sitting around the campfire. Only bad thing is when it drops down into the 30s, you're zipped into your sleeping bag, & you've been drinking beer by the fire all night long. You absolutely DREAD getting out of the sleeping bag & putting on freezing cold boots, but it's kinda hard to sleep with a full bladder.
I also spent a week camping in Moab, Utah... best trip I ever made. Absolutely incredible scenery. Have never taken so many pictures. Some of the best hiking & mountain biking as well. Only down side was that open fires were not allowed. The drive from Denver to Moab is gorgeous.
I agree with you Jack, that this is the ONLY time of the year to camp in Florida... at least if your TENT camping. Have heard lots of good things about Ft. Desoto... as long as you can get in. One year my parents & sisters decided to go camping in Arcadia on July 4th weekend. They lived to regret that decision. The spent most of the weekend driving around in the car (with the A/C on) just to get out of the heat. Late fall is a pretty good time for camping in north florida. I guess now would be a good time in the Keys. I SHOULD probably take advantage of it, since it looks like I'll be moving to Maine (Brrrr...), but oh well... that's what vacations are for.
RE: A happy camper
I love camping. I was four years old the first time I went. I was a little kid from inner city Chicago who only saw trees on sidewalks. We drove up to Wisonsin and took the SS Badger across lake Michigan to the most beautiful place in the world. Ludington state park. When we got off the boat and drove to the camp ground I was awe struck. These big beautiful trees and open forest to wonder. I had never seen more than about two trees in a row before I went there. To this day I still go there for my vaccation. I meet all my old friends from Chicago there and we talk about "the good ole days". It is truly the only place and time that I am ever at peace in my life. No T.V., no phones, miles away from any concerns. Just me, a book, and a case of beer.
If you are a parent and dont take your kids camping (with tent) you are really depriving them of some of the best memories that they could have. If you have never done it before, I suggest that you ask a friend who has done it before or you could make a few of your own memories. Spending that time in nature really gives you an appreciation for it. You learn a new respect for how important it is to protect our environment. You realize just how unimportant you are in this world, and how important the world around you is.
Police Motto: Be Polite. Be Courteous. Have a plan to hug everyone you meet.
I love camping. I was four years old the first time I went. I was a little kid from inner city Chicago who only saw trees on sidewalks. We drove up to Wisonsin and took the SS Badger across lake Michigan to the most beautiful place in the world. Ludington state park. When we got off the boat and drove to the camp ground I was awe struck. These big beautiful trees and open forest to wonder. I had never seen more than about two trees in a row before I went there. To this day I still go there for my vaccation. I meet all my old friends from Chicago there and we talk about "the good ole days". It is truly the only place and time that I am ever at peace in my life. No T.V., no phones, miles away from any concerns. Just me, a book, and a case of beer.
If you are a parent and dont take your kids camping (with tent) you are really depriving them of some of the best memories that they could have. If you have never done it before, I suggest that you ask a friend who has done it before or you could make a few of your own memories. Spending that time in nature really gives you an appreciation for it. You learn a new respect for how important it is to protect our environment. You realize just how unimportant you are in this world, and how important the world around you is.
Police Motto: Be Polite. Be Courteous. Have a plan to hug everyone you meet.
RE: A happy camper
OK, true story, although very embarrassing. While a single mom, I thought it would be nice if the Kid and I went camping up at the Michigan dunes. Well, I had no real money, so we used his toy GI Joe tent. We met some great people who were real campers and had 2 kids the Kid's age, and they recommended due to the racoons we not really sleep in the GI Joe tent, so we slept in the Mustang.
We had a fantastic time, though.
OK, true story, although very embarrassing. While a single mom, I thought it would be nice if the Kid and I went camping up at the Michigan dunes. Well, I had no real money, so we used his toy GI Joe tent.
We met some great people who were real campers and had 2 kids the Kid's age, and they recommended due to the racoons we not really sleep in the GI Joe tent, so we slept in the Mustang.We had a fantastic time, though.
RE: A happy camper
THAT sure brings back memories... when I was about 7 or 8, and my parents were separated, my mom & my aunt borrowed my grandfather's tent & took myself & my sisters camping. My grandfather is VERY particular about his things (which is where I get it from, I guess). Anyway, in the middle of the night, this HUGE thunderstorm blows up... thunder, lightning, wind, etc. My mom & aunt were so worried about getting my grandpas tent dirty that it all came down in minutes... thrown in the trunk. All five of us ended up sleeping in the car. Ah, nothin like camping. I always travel with provisions for an army. Gotta love food cooked over the fire!
THAT sure brings back memories... when I was about 7 or 8, and my parents were separated, my mom & my aunt borrowed my grandfather's tent & took myself & my sisters camping. My grandfather is VERY particular about his things (which is where I get it from, I guess). Anyway, in the middle of the night, this HUGE thunderstorm blows up... thunder, lightning, wind, etc. My mom & aunt were so worried about getting my grandpas tent dirty that it all came down in minutes... thrown in the trunk. All five of us ended up sleeping in the car. Ah, nothin like camping. I always travel with provisions for an army. Gotta love food cooked over the fire!
RE: A happy camper
Don't get me started with camping memories...
EVERY weekend from 5 years old till about 14. In fact we lived at a campground for about 6 weeks one summer when our current house sold before our new house was ready. I didn't even notice. My Dad stayed at my Grandma's house in the city weekdays and we just lived in the campground like a bunch of Gypsies all Summer.
It was great watching all the city folk leave every Sunday afternoon - while we just "knew" we had a full week of fun coming up. It was like an endless vacation.
My parents now tell me that they saved more money that Summer than they ever did - since all we needed was chow - and a whopping $2.00 a night for the campsite.
It was heaven!
My wife unfortunatly, HATES it - and has never set foot on a campground.
Don't get me started with camping memories...
EVERY weekend from 5 years old till about 14. In fact we lived at a campground for about 6 weeks one summer when our current house sold before our new house was ready. I didn't even notice. My Dad stayed at my Grandma's house in the city weekdays and we just lived in the campground like a bunch of Gypsies all Summer.
It was great watching all the city folk leave every Sunday afternoon - while we just "knew" we had a full week of fun coming up. It was like an endless vacation.
My parents now tell me that they saved more money that Summer than they ever did - since all we needed was chow - and a whopping $2.00 a night for the campsite.
It was heaven!
My wife unfortunatly, HATES it - and has never set foot on a campground.