It's National Camping Week

The fourth week of June is recognized as National Camping Week. With summer weather in full effect, it’s time to gather the camping gear and plan a trip. 

What’s Your Camping Style?

Are you looking to completely rough it by heading into the woods with a backpack and some supplies? Want to head to a campground and pitch a tent on a campsite? Or would you rather rent an RV or cabin at a campground so you can enjoy the fun of camping with the comforts of home? (I definitely prefer option 3!).

Where to Go

Once you’ve determined your camping style, check out local campgrounds and the amenities they offer. Here’s a list of state parks that offer camping areas. There are also plenty of private campgrounds in Connecticut and surrounding states. When booking your trip, be sure to check out the campground’s amenities. Do you want water and electricity on your site? Bathrooms with hot showers? A pool, playground, boat rentals or other activities?

What to Bring

Obviously this list depends a lot of your camping style and where you’re going, but for most camping trips, you’re going to have to bring it all with you–from toiletries (don’t forget flip flops for the showers) and clothing (with plenty of extra–camping can be dirty!) to food and all you need to prepare it and clean it up. Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray! Other useful items are a first aid kit, basic tools, paper towels, firewood and a deck of cards. Here’s a list from Get Outdoors New England and another from Love the Outdoors.

What to Eat

I’ve definitely found that simple meals are best for camping–hamburgers and hot dogs on the fire, pasta on a camp stove and cereal are easy choices. Also bring plenty of snacks like fruit and granola bars along with lots of water. One of my favorites is campfire nachos. You can make these simple with tortilla chips and cheese or go all out by adding a sprinkle of salsa, some jalapenos or other nacho favorites. Just take some foil for the bottom (you can fold it over a few times) and put the chips on; add the toppings, then fashion a ‘half-dome’ over the top. Stick the packet on the edge of fire until the cheese is melted and enjoy! (Be careful getting them out–it gets hot!).

S’Mores

Though National S’mores Day is celebrated yearly on Aug. 10, we can’t talk about camping without talking about S’mores. According to holidayinsights.com, “The origin of S'mores dates back to the 1920's. It's believed the recipe was created by the Campfire Girls. Girl Scouts soon discovered it, and found it to be choclatey delicious. Before long, S'mores became a campfire staple for everyone. S'more folklore suggests that S'mores got its name right by the campfire. After eating one, young kids chanted ‘Gimme some more!’”

By some chance that you’ve never heard of or tried a S’more, they’re quick and easy. Toast a marshmallow on the fire, sandwich it in between two squares of graham crackers along with a piece of Hershey’s bar. Don’t have a campfire handy? Just put your treat together and pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Want to amp it up a bit? Try adding a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup instead…okay, now I’m hungry!