A few years ago, Jeff Fujiki, 34, was introduced to a 26-foot recreational vehicle -- it was almost love at first sight."I wouldn't be into camping without my wife's grandparents," he said of the couple who sold him his RV. "But I have to say, buying a camper was the best thing I ever did."Camping is nature's way of telling people to relax, recharge their batteries and forget about the complexity of the world for a while.And residents and travelers from across the world trek to the Front Range and the state's national forests to backpack, pitch a tent or park an RV up against the scenic rivers, creeks and canyons of the Rocky Mountains."It's a magical world, like 'Lord of the Rings' style -- scorned earth that's black and rocky, but once you get into it, it's green, lush and beautiful," said Jesse Greaves Smith, adventure executive with Golden's Colorado Adventure Point, an education facility owned by the Boy Scouts of America Denver Area Council.So sit back and roast a marshmallow over the fire.Dispersed car campingThis form of camping, often referred to as tent camping, is where one drives to a campsite, campground or national forest to camp. In Colorado, national forests and campgrounds are popular for this style of camping, said Stephanie Fritz, an Arvada mom and avid camper.For her and her family of five, taking a two- to three-night trip into the mountains is their escape. Each summer, they take several camping trips to various spots around the state, such as Estes Park, Nederland, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Idaho Springs and Fairplay areas."We like to sort of not be around people, that feeling of being in nowhere," Fritz said. "Everybody has a part -- there's packing, unpacking, learning how to pop up a tent, cooking and cleaning ... When you're out in a national forest it's a different skill set."For those starting out, she advises taking time to plan each trip: Pick out an ideal location as well as a backup option, research fire restrictions and drought concerns, make sure you have necessary equipment and clothing for all types of weather, and plan out meals."It's choosing to be homeless for a weekend," Fritz said, laughing. "It simplifies things because you don't have all the stuff around you."BackpackingOthers, like Greaves Smith, love to backpack into a wilderness area to camp. Taking with them only necessary supplies, shelter, clothing and food, this style of camping offers adventurers a place to be one with the nature around you."I like that it's simple, less stuff to worry about," he said. "Anything that comes up on the trip you use exactly what you have with you to solve it. And there's a beautiful simplicity in all of it."For him, camping provides advantages such as the exposure to nature and an increased awareness for the world. His favorite camping spots in Colorado are along Scott Gomer Creek and Lost Creek, which open from a forest into a scenic valley."Camping is a way to get to know yourself by getting to know nature -- it's why it helps kids be calmer and better at school when you don't have the distractions of life," said Greaves Smith, who also hosts Boy Scouts camping trips.For this style, planning is its own skill set, he said. Campers should become familiar with the weather and plants around the area, know how to set up a safe campsite, understand the difference between camping in wet and dry seasons, and ensure they leave no trace behind."It you're going to hike in the woods, then take care of the environment," he said. "For me, it's more meaningful if you are out there taking care of the world than just hiking in the woods lost, essentially."RV camping"We get to take our home with us," said Fujiki, an Arvada resident who likes to RV camp with his wife around the country.RV camping is popular with those who enjoy the comforts of home and the beauty of nature. Vehicles range in size and amenities, allowing campers to find one that fits their lifestyle and needs."We still have our bedroom, our hot shower, a kitchen, and that allows us to save a lot of money," he said. "It allows us to get out and see the parks, go on weekend trips to do it all and be relatively affordable."Driving the 26-foot RV to different spots in California, Arizona, Nebraska and his favorite, Colorado, and events such as the motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, is one of his favorite and most affordable things to do. Specifically, the family camps for a week every summer at Pueblo Reservoir.Being organized and using a little common sense is the best approach to ensuring a great trip, he said.And in Colorado, he said, there's nothing better to do."There is so much to do in Colorado," Fujiki said. "There are so many great places to camp whether it's in an RV or in a tent. There is so much to see ... I think everyone should really just get out and explore to see what Colorado has to offer."
from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/By-campfire-light,212175?branding=15
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