I’ve discovered some new ways to have fun, mostly because my camping excursions tend to be on weekdays or winter weekends.

For instance: I’ve camped and hiked at Monroe Lake in November and January; camped at Summit Lake State Park in August, September and November; and hiked at Lincoln State Park in the fall.

The hot-weather experiences that millions of people know on regular vacations can be had in other seasons, too, because seeing the parks and reservoirs at their best doesn’t necessarily mean missing the most colorful wildflowers, missing the experience of deep forest green or missing extraordinary hiking opportunities.

And camping is a blast when the temperature is as likely to require long sleeves as rain gear. The lack of people to tire you with pot banging in campgrounds and day-through-night traffic is a bonus.

Like it or not, our parks and reservoirs can be loved so much that the experience of solitude and solace in nature may be harder to find when the weather is perfect or the weekend calls to most other campers.

Think about visiting these places at other times of the year and you’ll discover some uncommon beauty.

 
Anglers make a catch near the Crooked Creek boat ramp.

Next Page