May 10, 2025 5 min read

By Dave Bates

For the Observer-Reporter

Camping season is just around the corner. For some of the heartier types it might have already commenced.

I know some of my buddies are spending weekends at their camp, if they are lucky enough to have a camp. For those “roughing it” in a tent or tarp shelter, conditions may or may not yet permit such brave undertakings.

While I am not a fan of the campground variety of camping, I love to head to a remote spot with my wife and daughter and spend a weekend truly removed from civilization. “Unplugged” is one of my favorite words. When it comes to mixing my pleasures, I immediately think of canoe camping. It’s almost like cheating. It’s also usually more isolated, of which I’m a fan.

First, a canoe provides an incredible platform for hauling all the stuff we don’t really need but would prefer to have on hand. Whether it’s professional grade dry bags, a couple of coolers or a primitive garbage bag wrap, there’s room for a lot more in a canoe than in a backpack. Keeping dry is usually not a problem with a little aforethought. Usually.

When it comes to paddling, I like to keep a kayak paddle handy in addition to a couple of paddles, so one person can fish while the other steers. It also comes in handy when attempting to keep a youngster busy who is not able to paddle for themselves. I prefer putting a kid in the bow so that they can see everything “first.” It’s also a good way to keep an eye on Junior without letting them know they’re being watched. A time or two, I’ve been foolish enough to put one in the bow and one astern but I no longer have that unlimited supply of energy in reserve. Besides, fishing from shore always makes things a bit simpler and usually safer for all concerned.

When boredom begins to settle in, exploring some island or sandbar or special place along the way is a great way to stretch the legs. It’s also a great way to kill some time if you’re ahead of schedule. Hiking or just creek stomping has always been one of my favorite ways of spending time with my Emma. Collecting rocks or shells, turning over stones and catching crayfish, or surveying the leaves can occupy time as well. Hunting for fishing worms along the way can make it more authentic. Swimming is always an option.

Shore lunch may be my second favorite word. I guess that’s two words. Whether taking a quick break for a bite, mid-day, or feasting as the sun goes down, I’m all in. Pepperoni rolls are my favorite shore lunch because they don’t require cooking. Lunch should be about ease and convenience. Taste is nearly an afterthought. A block of Velveeta and a stick of pepperoni could last me a week of lunches. Toss in a couple of apples or tangerines and we’re set. I almost forgot the lunch cakes.

Supper is about luxury. It is the essence of canoe camping. Since most of our canoe trips are 48-hour deals, nothing is off limits pertaining to refrigeration. I fancy a good steak along the river. Dutch oven meals are gourmet cuisine in my book. Anything that can be cooked in bacon grease in a cast iron skillet is all right by me. Glass jars of that stuff that passes as nacho cheese makes everything better. A pound of real butter is not out of order. Whether cooking over an open fire or using a gas stove, coffee and or tea are necessities. I like my little Primus stove for quick heating of hot beverages and in chilly weather, they can be the difference between comfort and misery.

Breakfasts are about laying a good base for the day. None of this oatmeal stuff for me. I’m talking bacon and eggs, toast and orange juice. Pack the cooler to the gunwales! Toss in some yogurt, if you must.

Lastly, I’m all about a good fire. In fact, I am a world champion fire sitter. I can sit around a good fire (or a lousy fire) for hours. Making and tending a fire is a labor of love.

Here are a couple of tips for making a good time into a great time: Creeks, rivers and even lakes can make for awesome outings. Plan your trip around where you want to camp for the evening. Get permission ahead of time if planning to camp on private ground. Float the water course prior to camping it if you want to remove some of the guess work in regards to timing. Don’t forget the floatation vests and cushions. A big canoe means lots of storage. I have even seen some yahoos towing an ice filled raft. I’m not sure of its contents, but the canoers looked happy. Having someone drop you off at your waiting vehicle at the end point can make things a lot easier. Cell phones need water proof containers.

One of my favorite evenings of canoe camping was spent with my brother, Glenn, along the banks of the Allegheny River near Kennerdell. We spent the night on a sandbar, in our tent, in relative luxury. That is until the thunderstorm hit. After that it was less luxury and more like survival. Still, good times.

I’d do it again in a minute.

Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com