Camping is fun but there are many types of camping. After a lifetime of roughing it camping, my wife “Montana Lin” thinks outdoor camping is a hotel with a window view of a tree. I admit to having started her camping in an old Coleman tent, the back of my truck, a small RV, a bigger RV, and an even bigger RV but…
My first Coleman tent survived for decades. I was able to repair the bent pipes after my brother backed his Blazer truck into the side of it. It became a great space at elk camp and in the Boy Scouts. When the zippers finally failed, the Old Green tent was retired.
The first time we had a real RV was a Coachman 17 ft. camper. This dual axle RV had all the convivences, most importantly the toilet. The bunks were comfortable, there was an AC unit on the roof, and plenty of features. On our first campout, it rained for days, and she was glad we were dry.
Later we bought a Sunrise Camper made by Amish Tradesman. It was twenty-one feet long and classier than usual. The kids had their own bunks and there was plenty of room. Like it or not, when you are camping in a trailer, everything you do is close and together. The comforts that RV’s offer is hard to resist.
It is amazing how little a camper needs to be comfortable. When I came to Montana for summers of guiding, or camping, I used an old Camel Pop up camper, that my brother bought for $100. The mosquito netting was torn, and the tiny tires were always exploding. Once in Big Sky Country, that little camper was Home, Sweet, Home. It survived countless wind, rain, snow, hail, and critter attacks. The bunks were huge. We spent most of our time outdoors anyway.
The best camp needs to be comfortable, safe, and dry. There are so many products that can support a more primitive camp. You can add a shower tent, outdoor privy, and a cooking station. Ice chests can keep food and drinks cold. Solar panels can bring light to the camp.
In Bear Country, you need to consider the risks and prepare for them. Food containment, and critter attractions need to be removed. You can get electric fences that operate on simple batteries. Food and toiletries can hang in a tree or go into the truck.
A great camp is also a Fun Camp. If you are not having fun, you are doing it wrong. Try to prepare meals that are fancier and tastier. Beans and hot dogs or chili are fine, but steaks and burgers are better. Have an archery target to practice on at elk camp. A pellet rifle can also be fun. Plan some tasty desserts and surprises.
Make your camp memorable, in a clever way.
Montana Grant
