Fall Back on the Basics

Do you think that just because summer is almost over that you have to give up your weekend camping trips? With a little proper planning, you can camp well into the fall. For those of us that can take the cold, you can even camp during the winter months. During this time of year, the nice warm days make for a great time for the family to spend hiking and exploring the wilderness. The cooler nights are perfect for sitting around the campfire eating S'mores and banana boats and sharing stories and songs with your family, long time friends, and new acquaintances. When the leaves start changing colors the experience is even more worthwhile. So grab a sweatshirt, your tent, and head on out there to enjoy one of the most favorite seasons of the year!

Here are 3 more great examples of Fall camping in unlikely palces :

1. "Blackwater river State Park"
A favorite destination for canoeists and kayakers, Blackwater River offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation. The river is one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the nation, making this park a popular place for swimming, fishing, camping, and paddling. Shaded campsites are just a short walk from the river, and visitors can enjoy a picnic at a pavilion overlooking the river. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy strolling along trails through undisturbed natural communities. Located 15 miles northeast of Milton, Florida off U.S. 90.

2. "Sweetwater Creek State Park"
Minutes from my home town the woodlands surrounding Sweetwater Creek are a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. The river and rock basins are stunning as you hike and enjoy the sights and smells of the forest and wildlife.
The most popular trail (red) follows the free-flowing stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. *A must see* Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful mile-long stretch of white-water rapids below. As a child and into tmy teen years bringing a bikini and sunning on the over sized rocks with friends was a favorite way to savor the sun.
The 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular with anglers and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and canoeing. Fishing supplies are available in the park's bait shop, while wildlife and history displays, trail maps, snacks. This is an adventure you wont want to miss and the camping locally is inexpensive and pristine.

3. Ozarks Mountains Camping - yeeehaaa

Missouri state parks include thirty-nine, yes I said 39, state parks and historic sites. Thinking the movie Deliverence and OMG where the hell are we ? .... smiles ....
Ok near enough but far from the truth in 2009.

Nearly all state park campgrounds in this beautiful state are open year-round. You will have avail electric hook-ups year-round, and water and showers are usually available from April 1 through Oct. 31 (in-season) in most state parks.
Roaring River, Bennett Spring and Montauk state parks are operational as early as Feb. 25th. then some of the other more northern parks are operational by April 15.
All water hydrants are available by May 1. *Remember that a two-night minimum stay is required on the weekend, and yes that does mean (Friday and Saturday)folks, But now a days it is like that at most state parks.
Just rememebr they use a placard system and you should be all good -
If the color bar on the campsite post is:
Green -- it is a basic site
Yellow -- it is an electric site
Blue -- it is an electric/water site
Red -- it is a sewer/electric/water site
The road posts with the color strip may be your only contact and FYI - so write it down. Colors dont mean much if you just think its a nice stripe for a paost and are unaware it may be your lifeline to what will save your life in inclimate weather in the forest.
It is lush forests and wildlife in that wraps you in a cacoon of moments when you feel awestrck to know few may have or ever will step where you are that day. Be Safe - Call ahead and Enjoy!!

Ok there ya have it folks- Another blog quick and painless... but...You must admit - A few beautiful spots in the USA that really should be savored - Are inexpensive ways to maintane your sanity - and over all... We all need to remember to just breath and I love taking you there.

Thanks for stopping in, and I look forward to educating and entertaining you with more of
"Elsi- Surviving the Outdoors", very soon.