Nature's Path: Spring camping is theater in the round

While waiting for the warmth and blooming of summer to arrive, a great way to fill the in-between season is spring camping. There may be mud and cool temps to deal with, but there are lots of perks.

A major benefit to vernal camping is the lack of crowds. While you may encounter a few other hardy souls, most people are not yet in the frame of mind to sleep outdoors. My camping buddy Keith and I are tenters. Tenting is a great way to immerse yourself in your surroundings. It can be vigorous and serve as a reminder why we like to live in the north. Sleeping in a tent allows Mother Nature to set your thermostat for the night, which can get chilly. We use old, thick blankets to pad the ground beneath us, and to throw over the top of our sleeping bags. It is cozy and comfy.

Another major benefit of early-season camping is the absence of mosquitoes and flies. If you have camped in the heat of summer, in a damp campground, you know the high value of this benefit. I recall camping trips when setting up the tent felt torturous as flying insects poked and stung us. A great way to avoid the summer sport of slapping and itching is to get ahead of the biting insects. Ticks, however, are another story. They are as hardy as some Minnesotans, and adult ticks may become active as early as March. The adults are less of a threat than the young ticks, called nymphs, that will be on the scene by late May. A thorough tick check is good practice after any camping trip, even in the spring.

Our favorite reason for pitching a tent in the cool of spring is to surround ourselves with the awakening of the natural world. Tent camping immerses you in the sights and sounds during all seasons, but spring offers a full theater-in-the-round as another cycle of life begins. It is an opportunity to use your senses and discover the birds, buds and furry and slimy creatures that are stirring. If you find a campsite near open water, the geese are sure to honk hello as they fly past, or perhaps as they land to claim their nesting spot for the year. Other waterfowl may fly overhead, or settle on the water, allowing for a game of "name that bird." Songbirds may flit through, cheeping and singing, depending how early in the spring you are camping. If you are lucky, you may hear an owl in the dark of night.

The centerpiece of any camping trip is often a campfire. The chilly nights of spring are perfect for sitting around the fire ring. If an evening fire is a highlight for you, be sure to check in advance if fires are allowed, and use approved wood. In lieu of a campfire, we like to set up our camp stove (away from the tent) and heat water to enjoy a cozy cup of hot chocolate at the end of the day.

For extra fun, plan a couple or even a few spring camping trips. Start in early spring and make notes on the sights and sounds. As you return each trip, compare the increase of sounds and critters. By late spring, you may find yourself in the midst of a chirping, croaking frog chorus, or happen upon the peent of a woodcock as it performs its acrobatic mating flight.

Spring is unpredictable for weather, as all Minnesotans know. It can bring snow, rain, or dry sunny days. With the right clothing and footwear, you can enjoy a quiet trail walk at the crack of dawn or the setting of the sun. There are stories everywhere waiting to be read. Tracks in the snow or mud tell you which animals are active and where they are hanging out. Newly fallen trees or limbs tell the story of a windstorm that passed through. Fresh wood chips at the base of a tree signal that a woodpecker has discovered an insect infestation.

Of course, living in the north requires a no-nonsense approach to all outdoor activities. If you choose to take on the adventure of a spring camping trip, you must be practical when packing. Think warm and dry. Listen to a detailed weather forecast for the area where you plan to camp.

Minnesota has lots of great state parks and forests for camping. If you go in the spring, be sure to check online to learn which parks are open for camping. You can also learn which parks have running water turned on and if there are bathrooms open. Visiting a state park requires a day- or annual pass for your vehicle.

To make reservations at state parks, go to the DNR website, http://www.dnr.state.mn.us. You can also learn about state forests on their website. Never camp on private land without permission. It is no secret that summer is a great time to tent camp in Minnesota. But spring is the best time to beat the crowds and discover the secrets of nature as it comes to life after a long winter.

Ruth Reeves, a former journalist, naturalist and community ed director, lives in rural Carlton County and enjoys outdoor adventures in all seasons with her husband, Keith. Email Ruth care of [email protected].