Family Time: Primitive Boat Camping
Fed up with crowded, expensive campsites or waterfront resorts? Carve out your own slice of paradise in the American wilderness like your forefathers.
by Alan Jones
Be truthful. When was the last time your family had an honest-to-goodness adventure? And
we're not talking about the time you went on priceline.com and bid on that three-star hotel, not
knowing whether you'd get a room at the Hyatt or the Sheraton. No, we're talking about the kind of
adventure that features an element of mystery, contains breathtaking waterfront scenery, and has
the potential for becoming the most memorable family-bonding experience you've ever had. It's
called "primitive boat camping," and it's not called that because your old boat was purchased
sometime near the end of Earth's last ice age.
Primitive Pluses
Primitive camping refers to sites that have limited or no facilities. "Gee," you say
sarcastically, "that sounds about as fun as a barrel of lower primates." But consider the price you
pay for those facilities. The worst problem with most campgrounds in popular areas during peak
camping season is that they have a higher population density than Tokyo, and if you don't plan your
trip well in advance and get your reservation early, either there won't be availability or all the
best campsites will be taken. An additional problem with campgrounds is that you don't get to
choose your neighbors - who generally run the gamut from great people who want to be your new best
friends to highly irritating people who want to be your new best friends. Of course, you could
always try to increase your chances for privacy by displaying a sign that reads, "Ask me about life
insurance." But, if you're looking to find a place away from the teeming hordes that accompany a
pristine waterfront spot, then it's time to get "primitive."
Location, Location
If you do a Google search on the Internet for "(insert the name of just about any state, or
decent-sized lake or river)" and "primitive boat camp sites," you're more than likely to find
plenty of potential places to camp. Sometimes, the locations you find this way can be quite
surprising and even glamorous - like Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California or Lake
Powell on the Arizona/ Utah border. These sites range from ones with no amenities at all to those
that have rudimentary facilities, like picnic tables or firepits. Most of these locations accept no
reservations and are on a first-come-first-serve basis, and are usually free or inexpensive.
Another bonus is that you can usually pull your boat right up on shore next to your campsite
(Catalina Island is the rare exception to this rule, however). Not only does this remove the task
of schlepping your gear inland, but it's more secure, and you don't have to pay a dockage fee. But
best of all, you and your family will usually have the place all to yourselves.
Get Some Sleep
While there are some awesome traditional campgrounds around the country, the amenities
usually aren't all that amenable. If one of your kids has to answer the call of nature in the
middle of the night, guess who's going to have to be shaken awake to go hiking in the dark with
them to the restroom? You can request a site near the facilities, but then all the nighttime
traffic shuffling by your tent increases. Besides, primitive - or "backcountry camping" as it's
sometimes called - doesn't mean you don't have facilities, it just means you have to bring them
along with you.
Your family will feel like a real group of explorers as you scout out each potential
campsite.
Your Two Tents
If you haven't bought a tent in a while, you're in for a pleasant surprise; tents these days
are light, compact, easy to assemble and inexpensive. Companies like Coleman have a wide variety of
affordable and functional models - like the six-person, 12-by-10 Sundome Lighted Tent ($169), which
even features a battery-powered, remote-controlled, two-setting light that suspends from above.
Older kids who want a little independence and extra adventure should have their own tent - such as
Coleman's MilkyWay ($42) - that comfortably sleeps two. Even if you go the two-tent route, make
sure the parents' tent has room for pint-sized, nighttime visitors who've heard a strange noise
that was probably a monster of some sort, or at the very least a grizzly bear (a raccoon, no
doubt).
All The Comforts
Two must-have items you'll need in your tent are an inflatable mattress and a fan. You can
get an official blow-up camping mattress ($60 to $130), or you can go with a less-expensive water
raft ($4 to $15) that can also be used for recreation during the day (be sure to dry it off well,
though). Assuming you spring for the cheaper model, make sure to bring along an extra one in case
of leaks. If the weather is warm, then you can leave the sleeping bags at home, and instead bring
along some old sheets and blankets - which, like your clothes, you can easily store in some
heavy-duty plastic bags. Roasting in a sweltering tent on a hot summer night is so miserable it can
make you feel like Paul Newman sweating it out in the "box" in Cool Hand Luke. Luckily, however,
the simple addition of a fan - such as the battery-powered Coleman Cool Zephyr fan ($27) that
attaches to the top of your tent with a magnet - will make your tent seem like it has air
conditioning by comparison.
When You Gotta Go ...
For most people, the deal-breaker for primitive camping is the lack of "necessary"
facilities - namely, a porcelain potty and hot shower. Fortunately, this is easily remedied with
the help of a couple of inexpensive items. For a toilet, go online to Bass Pro Shops and order a
$10 seat that fits over a standard 5-gallon bucket that's lined with a landfill-safe, biodegradable
WAG Bag ($2 apiece). These bags contain a gelling agent to kill any odor and can be disposed of at
home along with all the other garbage you'll be packing out with you. If having a hot shower is a
must, you might want to check out the propane-powered Zodi Outback Gear Extreme SC Shower ($140),
which also conveniently doubles as a cookstove.
Camping Coordinates
Before shoving off, do some research about the location where you'll be setting up camp. Many
lakes and rivers are surrounded by an abundance of state and federal lands, of which you're the
landlord. In some places, camping is restricted to specific locations. Call around to local water
management districts or nearby park service offices, and ask if they know of any prohibition
against primitive camping in the area you're considering. Some places require you to obtain a
backcountry camping permit that's free or inexpensive. Additionally, you can usually acquire a map
from the Army Corps of Engineers, which requires primitive camping permits on the lands it manages.
Typically, you're restricted to 30 days of camping a year in such places, with no more than 14
consecutive days in any given spot.
Paradise Found
Possibly the most enjoyable part of this adventure lies in the uncertainty of not knowing
exactly where you'll be staying.
Your family will feel like real explorers as you scout out each potential campsite, and
there's no better feeling than watching the sunset from your own little slice of paradise. One
thing is for sure, however - once you try primitive camping, it's likely you'll never stay in a
"real" campsite again. This is also a great opportunity to teach your kids about good stewardship
of the environment, as you make certain to leave each place in a better condition than it was when
you found it. It'll also make your family more adventurous by stepping out of that civilized little
"box" most people stay penned up in.
