Once again, I had another incredible stay at Bear Pond. This time, I used Nola’s Cabin, which is available as an extra, along with firewood bundles and other amenities. Host John has included many thoughtful appointments to the cabin, including a nice-sized refrigerator with a real freezer, heating, fan, table, screens on the windows, and space for your own belongings. I am so very fussy about mattresses, but the sleep accommodations at Nola’s Cabin are outstanding. I slept incredibly well, which makes for a great day of hiking the next morning. If I had my own place in Adams County, I would want it to be like Nola's Cabin at Bear Pond.

Peaceful Creekside is a great spot for RV, van, car, and even tent camping. I can imagine parents in the RV with kiddos in a tent in the field that is surrounded by trees. 50 & 30 amp hookups are available as well as 110. The stone drive meant that even on rainy days, I didn't have to deal with mud. The field might be good for stargazing, but I had cloudy nights during my stay. There are a lot of hiking trails within an easy drive. If you need food supplies, I found Wayne's Country Market to have a wide variety of items.

Host Heather was very helpful and responsive to messages.

This was a great getaway HipCamp.

Ohio has incredible state parks, but I've grown weary of vehicles driving through campgrounds at all hours and campsites that are muddied and worn from overuse. Nature's Way Hip Camp offers single-group camping, outdoor kitchen facilities on a raised deck, and on-site hiking opportunities. Host Jim is welcoming and accommodating. Electric hook-up of 20, 30, and 50 amp is available. The raised deck outdoor kitchen means you can cook and relax while viewing the chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches at a nearby feeder. Zelly, the doggo, is a superb tour guide. She led me on a walk along the creek while always keeping an eye out for my progress. As a Verizon customer, I was able to maintain a streaming signal even in the hollow. I look forward to returning to Nature's Way during different seasons.

What are your ideal campsite essentials? Mine are to stay in an area that is safe, to experience a sense of solitude, and do those things where I might have a chance to observe and listen to wildlife. Anything else is a bonus.

Bear Pond is a private, gated, recreation area that meets my three essentials. Currently, Bear Pond is ideally suited for car and van campers. There are a few level areas that could accommodate a tent or two with a short walk down the hill toward the pond.

Electricity is available in the form of a 30 amp RV outlet and a 115v household-type outlet. A 50-foot extension cord should be sufficient for 110/115 users.

As a Verizon customer, I had a functional 4G signal throughout my stay to check the weather forecast.

Another great feature is a concrete pad that has a picnic table and a fire ring just off the pad. The area around the pad is clear, so there is an unobstructed view of the sky to watch for Turkey Vultures, Red Tail Hawks, Bats, and for stargazing at night. Sky watchers will appreciate that the light at the electric post can be turned off and on easily.

I think my favorite feature is a White Pine and a Tulip Tree that are the ideal size and distance apart to hang a hammock with tree-safe straps. The view down into the hollow and toward the facing hillside is serene. There are no human obstacles, just an Oak and Juniper landscape.

When looking for a place to stay during those precious few getaway days, I will always seek those that offer solitude, nature, quiet, and above all - safe.

Sugar Maple & Fern Forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan checked all of my preferences. I stayed at the beginning of July and experienced the sounds of Loons, Sandhill Cranes, Red-eyed Vireos, Veery, Eastern Wood Peewee, and Yellow-Billed Cuckoos. 

Though the site itself is close to the seasonal road, the recreational users were few.

There is ample room, a much-appreciated picnic table, a fire ring, and a level tent area/parking space. The privy is a minimum four-minute walk from Site 1, so be prepared.

Host Kirsten was very responsive to messages and met me on arrival with a packet of information on the area and to acclimate me to her property. 

To experience the wild places, I walked along the seasonal road and a snowmobile trail that is also used by horse riders and bears. Close by on Caribou Lake Road, there is a state boat launch site where kayak put-in was extremely easy for a lovely evening paddle. A Recreation Passport is required for this boat launch.

As a Verizon customer, I was able to get enough of a 3G signal to send a text msg to let others know I had arrived and to request weather updates. Off-line maps should be downloaded before leaving home.

For a nature-infused primitive camping experience in the Upper Peninsula, I thank Kirsten for her thoughtfulness in providing this space.

My ideal camping environment begins with feeling safe. After that, a quiet camp is appreciated so that I can listen to wildlife. In the evening, dark skies are preferred so that it's possible to watch the stars. Tranquility Spring Campground fits my interests. Though the camp is situated close to the road, there is very little traffic. The little shed provides a security light, so I walked back the lane and took advantage of the night sky viewing. Down the hillside, the fire ring is thoughtfully arranged near the spring. The host, Philip, was very responsive to my text queries. As a Verizon customer, I had a strong signal. I look forward to returning to Tranquility Spring Campground.

Travis and Lindsey have created a little corner of the Appalachian Trail on the campus of the Tenderfoot Learning Lab. Safe, secluded, and steeped in the aroma of white pines, tent and hammock campers alike can find respite. Along with the stone fire ring and log benches is an enormously beneficial picnic table. The privy is wonderfully designed. A Verizon customer, I was able to get a 4G signal at the parking site.

My aim was to experience spring in SE Ohio. Deciduous Downtime made it possible to enjoy my time because I truly felt safe and welcomed.