We left right after work and threw our gear in the car and headed to the forest. We decided to just take it easy this time around and go car camping. This means we could park our car just a hundred yards away from our campground - it was lovely!
While I love a classic backwoods backpacking trip, there is something really nice about car camping. We were able to bring a nice big cooler and even an air mattress (I know, I know it's ridiculous. But SO comfy!). You can afford to pack some luxuries when you won't be lugging them on your back or trying to cram them into your pack.
After setting up our tents and exploring the area a bit (it was right on a lake!), we enjoyed a nice fancy dinner of "walking tacos." If you've never had them, they are a camping classic! You essentially make tacos but put all the meat and toppings into an individual-sized bag of Fritos. Then you eat your "tacos" with a fork. Sounds weird, but it's so fun and delicious. I really love this meal! And it tastes even better over the fire.
After dinner we sat around by the fire just talking and enjoying the last bit of summer. We even made some classic smores. It was just so nice to be out in nature with my dogs and my husband. And with the ease of a nearby camping location and the ability to drop off our camping chairs and cold drinks in the car, it was so relaxing!
While I definitely agree that back country backpacking has it's benefits (less people around, more nature, more exercise, the sense of adventure), for those of us who are stressed out about daily life and just wanting to get away, a one-night car camping trip is just perfect.
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