Let's Go Camping

When the air acquires that crisp, tart scent, my mind immediately jumps to thoughts of campfire smoke, cozy sleeping bags, sweatshirts, and toasted marshmallows. The weather here in Maryland hasn't turned just yet, but in the evenings, there's a certain smell, a certain feeling, a certain something on the air...and you just know, fall is coming. 

Mark has always been an avid outdoorsman. He knows way more than the average person should about edible herbs, prime camping spots, rock climbing, and wilderness survival. His process for starting and stoking the campfire has to be some kind of ancient art form. I meanwhile am utterly ignorant when it comes to camping and survival. In a crisis, I would definitely be the first to go. But that blue-eyed Virginian has definitely imparted his love of camping to me. And now, as I tick the days on the calendar down to that date marked "Autumnal Equinox," I can't help but get excited for thoughts of fall camping trips. 

For now, however, I'll just have to satisfy my urges with this camping mood board. If you're into rustic farmhouse decor, you should definitely check out Painted Fox Treasures. They offer a whole treasure trove of vintage-inspired goods from baskets to blankets to lighting. I often catch myself aimlessly scrolling through their website, ogling and drooling over rustic pendants and canvas tote bags. It makes me want to redesign my entire house in a rustic industrial style. I based the above Mood Board on items currently available at their online shop. Some are even on sale! Definitely click on over and give them a look-see. 

And finally, in parting... 

This list of fun camping spots in or near Maryland:

Greenbelt Park

Gambrill State Park

Camp Misty Mount

Tree House Campground 

Assateague Island

New River Gorge

C&O Canal

Sources (clockwise from top):

my own image // cabin // sign // metal baskets // fireplace // weather vane  

Full Disclosure: I am part of Painted Fox's affiliate program and as such may receive a small commission for this post. However, I only affiliate with brands and companies I truly like. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Camping at Gambrill State Park

Last weekend, Mark and I welcomed August by camping overnight at Gambrill State Park, just a short distance from Frederick, Maryland. As we drove the short ten minutes from home to park, I couldn't believe that a place so quiet, serene, and woodsy existed just a tiny drive away. Abruptly, the suburban sprawl ends, you pass the last grocery store, and then you find yourself winding up a mountain road. Outside, the temperature cools as the mountain breezes begin to blow. Next thing you know, you've arrived in this nugget of wilderness just off the beaten path.

Deciding to camp overnight was a somewhat spontaneous decision. We both felt the need to "get away" but didn't have the time (or the funds) to go gallivanting off for the weekend. When Mark suggested camping, I thought "Hey why not? Smores sound pretty nice!"

One of our favorite trail-running and hiking haunts is Gambrill Mountain. On a whim, we checked to see if the area had a campground and, sure enough, it did. We scrounged our spare change for the site fee and packed our camping gear in the back of Mark's truck. Off we went!

There's something truly wonderful about camping, about going unplugged and unconnected. No electricity, television, cell-phones, iPads, laptops, or carhorns. Nothing to distract or stress you. Our only worry was keeping Solo away from the firewood pile. Apparently, pitbulls like to "help" by breaking and chewing all the firewood sticks. Re-positioning the little guy's leash solved that problem, much to his dismay.

We settled on the site's picnic table for a simple campfire meal. Around us, the woods sparkled with the pulse and hum of fireflies. I think that simple light captivated me as much as any Netflix show. I don't know that I've ever seen something so beautiful in its simplicity. "I could just sit and watch this all night," I remarked, mesmerized.

Our night was simple: frisbee, cards, dinner, and of course smores. We settled to sleep in our little tent and awoke the next morning to birdsong. You can't really go wrong with that, now can you?

Gambrill State Park

8602 Gambrill Park Rd.

Middletown, MD