Whats your favorite time of year to camp?

W

will22

Joined
May 13, 2002
Messages
472
It seems like every fall I get the urge to do some camping, backpacking, or hiking. I don't know what it is but I just love to be outside in the fall months. Maybe it's being around a fire when it is just cold enough to appreciate it. Or maybe it's because I can hike without sweating like a pig. Whatever it is, I don't think I could find a better season for camping. When do you guys like to be outdoors and why?
 
I love the fall to, but I seem the get a unexplainable buzz in the Spring, dont realy know why but a few nights out in the Spring seems to take Ten years off me.....;)
 
In September the land is orange, red and yellow here, so it is beautiful, and the bugs are few, but right now there is about six inches of snow and the rivers are starting to freeze, but there is still daylight. Perfect time to be out. Even better, though will be April, when there is alot of snow, daylight, warm weather, and wildlife. Best time to take a snowmobile into the hills and spend a week on the land. I have spent all four seasons in other beautiful regions, but none compare to spring in Canada's western arctic.

Jim
 
Spring and Fall are definitely the best times for camping.

Summers are too hot to enjoy camping but it's the best time for backpacking in the mountains.

Once a year I like to go camping in the dead of winter just for the challenge.
 
In the spring I dread the unpredictable weather, but relish the newness of life and the fresh, tasty herbs poking up throughout the forest. It's also the best time to head out to the Eastern Oregon desert.

The summer brings high temperatures and fire restrictions, but it is the best time for swimming and midnight skinny-dips. :) It's also the best time up high in the mountains, with the flowers in late bloom and the cool breezes along the ridges.

Fall brings us to deer and elk season, with crisp camps located far from home. The mystique of the hunt makes the woods come alive in a new way. The berries are on full, resulting in campfire-baked pies and other sweet delicacies. Fire restrictions remain in affect, though.:(

Winter is peaceful and quiet. Day trips revolve around the thermoses of coffee and hot chocolate and a blazing fire at trail's end. The forest delivers up a Christmas tree to delight my children's eyes and noses and to give them sugar-plum dreams. During the winter the forest comes to my home.

I have always loved summer more than the others combined, but I've realized that life is too short to spend 9 months waiting for 3. I guess I don't really have a favorite, anymore.
 
Some very poetic replies ! Spring for us is mud season and can be kind of a challenge. Summer has flowers and bugs. Fall is the most mellow time in Montana, after bugs and mostly before snow. Fall ends sometime in October usually (temps below zero Fahrenheit at night). Winter camping is a bit challenging again.
 
Sorry if I gagged you with my sappy poetic reply: I can't help it sometimes!!! Get me going on the outdoors and I get passionate!
 
My favorite seasons are spring and fall, but it seems like about the only time we go camping is the coldest part of winter. Down to about 4 below without a fire or tent (but with admittedly good sleeping bags and a sheet of plastic for ground cloth / cover to keep off snow) so far. Do it just for the challenge I guess. No worry about bugs or any food spoiling, but finding your water frozen solid at the edge of your sleeping bag in the morning does get your attention.
 
Is mine really the only vote for winter? I LOVE fall and winter camping, and I really don't mind spring camping in the rain. I suppose even an adverse camping or packing trip beats any day at work or in front of the TV.

Autumn: Cooler, fewer bugs, easy to find fuel and start your fire, most game is in season, and certainly not least- the colors of the trees can be breathtaking.

Winter: Cold, no bugs, more preparation is required, but the silence and solitude of a perfect blanket of snow all around you can lead to some powerful introspection or contemplation.

Spring: Still not hot, though often humid. Bugs and buds are waking everywhere. Witnessing the rebirth of nature can be very uplifting, even when you are soaked to the skin.

Summer: Hot enough to not need lots of layers. If it rains, you'll dry out quick. Longer days means more ground can be covered and more things can be seen and done. Usually the best time to take out the uninitiated and get them hooked.
 
We don't get much color change here in the Fall, but I really appreciate the cooler weather and fewer bugs. I like the Spring too, but Fall is my favorite.
 
I camped out last night. Practiced fire making skills a bit. Used my warm weather bag (don't remember rating), pad, and a tarp to break the wind. Most of night was very pleasant with southwest breeze.

It was just about too nice as left bag partially unzipped. But... then the wind direction changed so that it became very strong coming from almost straight north and temperature plunged. Weather.com shows a temperature for tonight here at 0 degrees F.

Now that I've officially spent enough time ice fishing and etc. for a while, I'm ready for Spring!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top