Has anyone just taken off with a tent and lighter and gone camping?

[Raineyrocks]

Do you have any favorite spots?  What's the biggest danger? 

I've had this urge to just grab our tent, Rick's guitar, and of course a couple lighters and go on an overnight camping thing with Rick.  Do I need to find a place and pay or could we just do it?

[41mag]

Sounds like fun!

You may be able to do that in the White Mt NF.  I know that they have camp sites available, but not sure about just going out on your own.  I'm sure you could look their rules up online.

One of my favorite sites is Umbagog lake.  I've stayed at their remote sites when I was there.  Only accessable by boat/canoe (park staff will drop off and pick up) and they have canoes for rent.

[Raineyrocks]

Sounds like fun!

You may be able to do that in the White Mt NF.  I know that they have camp sites available, but not sure about just going out on your own.  I'm sure you could look their rules up online.

One of my favorite sites is Umbagog lake.  I've stayed at their remote sites when I was there.  Only accessable by boat/canoe (park staff will drop off and pick up) and they have canoes for rent.

Thanks I'll check those places out!  I feel a need to just get away from the "world".  I want to write some poetry too and I think I'll bring my radio with some of my favorite songs.  My husband plays the guitar and writes songs for me so that will be nice, listening to him play and sing to me.  So there's nothing really dangerous to look out for?  We won't be bringing food, just water so bears should leave us alone, right?

[41mag]

I haven't been to White Mt NF, but I did spend some time in Medicine Bow NF.  We were not troubled by any wildlife while in MBNF (cougars, bears, etc).  I did have a revolver with me, but that's not unusual. 

The remote sites at Umbagog are mostly on islands.  Nice and peaceful, but more of a summer trip.

[Lex]

If you are planning on going out camping somewhere far from civilization (far from civilization = it would take more than 6 hours to walk for help) and you have no idea what you're doing (or even if you are experienced) then I would suggest you leave plans with someone on where you are going and most importantly when you will be back so that if you are not back they will know to call for help. There is a private K9 Search and Rescue outfit in Grafton (of which I am a member) which would be more than happy to go look for you if you are lost.

The most important things you can have with you while camping:
1. Warm & dry clothes, could be the difference between life or death
2. Potable water or a way to acquire water (water purifier)
[ The first two things are all you really need to "survive" if things get really really bad. You can survive without food or fire for weeks. ]
3. A way to start a fire, but mainly for signaling, if you need fire to keep warm or to cook food you're already in some serious trouble.
4. Map, compass and know how to use them well. A GPS is also helpful but make sure you mark where you left the car, otherwise the GPS will be useless.

[Raineyrocks]

I haven't been to White Mt NF, but I did spend some time in Medicine Bow NF.  We were not troubled by any wildlife while in MBNF (cougars, bears, etc).  I did have a revolver with me, but that's not unusual. 

The remote sites at Umbagog are mostly on islands.  Nice and peaceful, but more of a summer trip.

Wow, I just got off their website, (Umbagog), that place sounds great!  I think your right though it seems like a great place for spring or fall but I'm going to check into it more anyways, thanks so much!

[Raineyrocks]

Thanks Lex, great advice!  Do you need another search and rescue member?  My son has some experience with search and rescue.

I really feel like doing it this weekend but the weather may not be alright for it.  I will definitely leave our location and time we should be home with my son.  Thanks again!

[41mag]

If your interested in one of the remote sites, I'd recomend you reserve a site early.  They can fill up quick.

[Lex]

Thanks Lex, great advice!  Do you need another search and rescue member?  My son has some experience with search and rescue.

I really feel like doing it this weekend but the weather may not be alright for it.  I will definitely leave our location and time we should be home with my son.  Thanks again!

Of course! We are always looking for members! We meet once a week to practice but he doesn't have to practice every single week. How far away are you from Grafton?

[Raineyrocks]

Thanks Lex, great advice!  Do you need another search and rescue member?  My son has some experience with search and rescue.

I really feel like doing it this weekend but the weather may not be alright for it.  I will definitely leave our location and time we should be home with my son.  Thanks again!

Of course! We are always looking for members! We meet once a week to practice but he doesn't have to practice every single week. How far away are you from Grafton?

I live in Campton.  Did you mean Grafton county or is there a place up here named Grafton?

[Dreepa]

I live in Campton.  Did you mean Grafton county or is there a place up here named Grafton?

There is a place called Grafton (rte 4).

I used to go camping like that back in the day.  I didn't bring a lighter though
It will probably still be a little chilly up there... dress warmly.

[Lloyd Danforth]

Yeah...... tent, lighter, Microwave, coffeemaker, toaster, omlet pan, inflatable date bed, electric blanket..................................

[error]

"Camping" in Wal-Mart's parking lot doesn't count!

[Insurgent]

Sounds like PorcFest! 

[David]

I've actually always wanted to do this.  Never end up doing it because I am a packrat.  I rarely travel light.     You guys, and gals, have my admiration.