Boat Camping: Getting Started
by Joyce Deaton

Boating on the central North Carolina lakes – what could be more fun?

For many, it’s even more fun combining boating and camping at one of the 20 or so lakeside campgrounds where you, the kids, the dog and your boat are all welcome. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to get the family together and enjoy living simply in the heart of nature. You’ll find sunset and sunrise are the day’s biggest events, food tastes better in the open air, and you can look your spouse and kids in the face without the distractions of TV and video games.

At most lakes in this area, there’s little private development and the majority of campgrounds are provided by state or county parks. There’s an abundance of campsites, and reasonable rates make a family camping vacation an excellent choice for families keeping a close eye on their budgets.

Not sure if you’ll like camping? Several privately owned RV campgrounds offer rental units that will allow you to give camping a whirl without making an investment. RV camping is different from tent camping, and if you value comfort and convenience, you may find it preferable. If you have a yen for the back-to-nature experience of sitting around a campfire and listening to the nightly music of the bullfrogs, however, you’ll probably prefer tent camping.

For this, you’ll need only a few basics: a tent, sleeping bags and foam pads or air mattresses, a simple camp stove with fuel, matches or a lighter, a dishpan, flashlight or lantern and folding chairs or blankets for sitting around the campfire.

You can find perfectly good choices of these at your favorite discount or sporting goods store or at specialty and catalog stores. The trade-offs are weight and price. If you think you’ll love camping and later might enjoy backpacking, you may want to invest in lightweight or multipurpose equipment. Otherwise, stick with the basics. Look for a tent that’s roomy enough for your family with a rainfly that prevents condensation inside the tent in wet weather, and try setting it up before you buy. You’ll enjoy it more if, when you return from a long day of boating, setting up your tent doesn’t require an engineering degree. Most tents are described on their packages as being easy to set up. Don’t trust this. Give it a try.

You’ll need cook pots, plastic cutlery and dishes, soap and towel for dishwashing, a good knife and, of course, food. Simple canned or “just add water” food that’s easy to prepare works fine, or you may discover as many campers do that cooking can be a big part of the fun of being outdoors. If you want to go beyond hot dogs and s’mores, find a classic camping cookbook such as “The One-Burner Gourmet” by Harriett Barker and get some ideas.

Other good things to bring include rain gear for everyone, weather radio, binoculars, camera, first-aid kit, fishing gear (… and license!) and water bottles or a cooler for the boat. Don’t forget soap, shampoo and the like. Many campgrounds feature plenty of amusements and activities to fill your non-boating time, but you may also want to include games for the kids. And don’t forget pet food and supplies if Rover is coming, too. Sadly for Rover, you’d better include a leash, since most campgrounds forbid free-range dogs.

At any of the campgrounds listed here, you’ll find on-site or next-door boating access so you can take your boat out any time and return to relax at your campsite. There probably will also be a wide range of activities (especially for children) designed to enrich your camping experience. It’s smart to reserve your spot if possible, and find out if the site includes water or electric hookups so you can plan accordingly.

Be forewarned. You may come to love the camping lifestyle. Many find it far more comfortable than overnighting on their boat and more relaxing than carting the family to a busy hotel. Campgrounds are generally safe spots, and you and your kids are likely to meet pleasant companions. You may be surprised at the quality of conversation that emerges over a late-night campfire under the stars and the feeling that all’s right with the world that comes on a lazy morning when you’re awakened by the sunlight instead of the alarm.

Enjoy.