Adventure Camping

Adventure Camping

A few years ago, three friends and I decided to go hiking in Glacier National Park.  On our way to the campsite at the trailhead of our hike, there were low level clouds hiding the scenery.  It was late in the day and we arrived after dark.  The cloud cover made it seem ever darker.  Camp was set up and the anticipation for the next day occupied our minds as we fell asleep.  Waking up to the sunrise of a clear and cool day presented us with the spectacular view of the northern Rocky Mountains.  We readied our backpacks, checked our maps and started out on our week long trek into the wilderness.  Roll1_A966038-R1-16-16The trail we selected was one of the more difficult ones in the region and we were a bit leery of our choice.  However, after a few days of hiking, we came into an area that was just beautiful.  All around us were snow capped spires and chiseled out granite cliffs reaching 2000 feet into the sky.  Our outdoor adventure would eventually lead us to a crystal clear stream feeding a mountain lake.  As we camped near the stream we were awakened by several moose wandering around out tents headed for the lake. 

This is only one of the many outdoor adventures I have experienced over the years because I made the choice to expand my camping to what I call Adventure Camping.

What is Adventure Camping?

Camping for the majority of campers consists of driving to a campground, finding a designated site, unpacking the car and setting up the tent or camper.  The camp can then be used as a base for day hiking, wildlife viewing or just a get-away from the daily grind.  I have camped in lovely campgrounds in National Parks many times and had a wonderful time.  But Adventure Camping is different.  You transition from a stationary camp to a mobile one with all the gear you need on your back or in a canoe.  Backpacking represents the cornerstone of Adventure Camping.  Whether you are on a weekend hike near home or on a through hike on the Appalachian Trail, you can experience the outdoor adventures like the one I described. 

Adventure Camping opens up a wide range of experiences from desert camping to wilderness canoeing to winter camping.  Once you have the camping skills the opportunities are only limited by your imagination.  In North America, the choices are vast.  National parks, national wilderness areas, national forest of all different terrains are there for those who make the effort and desire adventure. 

Adventure Camping is not for the faint of heart.  Hiking in the wilderness presents some challenges.  The campsites do not have any amenities.  No toilet facilities, no faucets for water or showers are found in the wilderness.  Generally the campsites are the flattest ground you can find. 

This website is dedicated to those who have the desire to venture out into the wilderness and experience nature unspoiled by highways and buildings, to witness nature in its raw form.  We present articles on places to go, how to get prepared both with the right equipment and physically for a backcountry experience.  We present information on map and compass travel and on how to safely travel either on foot, by canoe or skies into the wild.  We cover food preparation, tips on packing and what kind of gear you will need.  For the more seasoned camper, we offer new ideas on gear and clothing for different adventures.  We welcome you to join us with your questions, share your experiences and wisdom so we all can enhance and enjoy our Adventure Camping.