Have you ever known about a place or a thing so special that
you wanted to keep it all to yourself?
You were afraid to let others know about it? Well, that’s how I’ve felt about Green Ridge State Forest in
Flintstone, Maryland for several years.
I’m now ready to share my special place with you.
As compared to all other places I’ve gone camping, and there
have been many, I rate Green Ridge State Forest as a 10 out of 10.
I am aware that anyone who goes camping will have their own
criteria for rating campgrounds. As a
woman, I am aware that many of my female friends require parking spots large
enough for their RV, electricity for their curling irons and blow dryers (their
statements, not mine), and modern bathroom facilities complete with hot running
water. I do not share these sentiments
with my friends.
My top requirements for a campground include:
- Privacy – I don’t want my site right on the road or in close quarters with others.
- Natural setting – I want to see the plants, birds, and wildlife. I don’t want the only four-legged thing I see to be a lawn chair.
- Cooking over an open fire.
- Low-cost. If I am spending just a few dollars less than a cheap hotel room (and I’m that close to the campers next door) I’d rather be in the hotel room.
- Amenities that include only the great outdoors. Pinball machines and putt-putt golf are not reasons I go camping.
I’ve experienced primitive camping at Green Ridge as a lone
woman and as part of small groups. My
favorite times were the times that included my son.
I have shared information and my photographs about Primitive Camping at Green Ridge State Forest and will soon share my last personal adventure there
that was a solo and minimalist overnight stay.
If you love camping, and are in the Mid-Atlantic states area, you
must consider seeing Green Ridge State Forest.
And remember, whenever you are in an outdoor setting, especially natural
settings, practice the art of “leave no trace”. The earth is good to us, let’s keep it clean.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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Oh, I want to go camping with you, Dawn Rae! I, too, appreciate my privacy and nature when I (used to) go camping. And yes, you had me recalling times camping with my son when he was young. We didn't rough it quite as much as you, though. I visited your article on the Green Ridge State Park and so enjoyed the pictorial view you shared, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ruth! Camping with kids is always something special...the dropped hot dogs... the flaming marshmallows that cause rounds of giggles... ah, so much fun.
DeleteOh, you got me with primitive camping! Enjoying the world of nature certainly doesn't include somebody's lawn chair right next to my sleeping roll! Ah, a new spot to check out, love it!
ReplyDeleteSusan, you will have to let me know if you go... and whether you like it.
DeleteWhat a beautiful place. Enjoyed your description of Green Ridge State Forest in Maryland. I used to camp with my parents & siblings growing up and with my hubby & kids later on. Our camping was more an enjoyment of the outdoors with tents, but with some of the amenities, such as indoor plumping and showers at the campsite. My parents, my sister's family and my brother's family all stayed in the same area (I moved away when I got married) and they spent several summers setting up camp in an area all together in June and leaving their campers/tents in place and going down from the city every Friday-Sunday all summer long. It was more a way to 'get outdoors', yet be together and socialize. Glad you enjoy it 'primitive' -- I need some 'amenities'. LOL.
ReplyDeleteElf, oh don't get me wrong... I've had some really good times camping at places with shower buildings that are tiled more nicely than any home I've ever lived in. And there's a place on my to visit/to write about list near here that has civilized amenities. I can't wait to find the time to get up there. There's just something about primitive that makes me very happy.
DeleteWhat a beautiful photo! It sounds so wonderful to me! When I camp, fish, hike or any of our outdoor activities, I don't worry about my hair or makeup. I do worry about clean water. I prefer wearing contacts, not because of looks, but because I need dark sunglasses and the transition lenses simply do not get dark enough for all day outdoors for me. Anyway, I need clean water for my contacts, as well as for drinking.
ReplyDeleteGreen Ridge State Park sounds like a fantastic place and I don't blame you one bit for wanting to keep you haven a secret. Too many people would spoil the experience. I do believe we would love it though, so I very much appreciate you sharing with us. Hey, can we bring our dogs?
Dogs love Green Ridge. Definitely bring them! I too don't worry about my hair or clothes much when I'm camping. Then I feel funny as I head back home...down the highways, onto the beltway, and into the apartment complexes. I try not to stop at the grocery on the way home since I smell like wood smoke and look like a wild-woman. :)
DeleteI always think of the east coast as being heavily populated. I appreciate your writing that shows me the wild side of the mid-Atlantic states! Primitive camping is always a tranquil experience--electronics turned off, nature tuned in.
ReplyDeleteCharli ... I had always thought that too about the east coast. This area is such a contrast... from traffic jams and people living like sardines, to horse country and farm land, to the remote areas.... it's an interesting area for sure.
DeleteWhen I read your list I felt like we are camping twins separated at birth. I always seek out the most private, tranquil site in any campground. I prefer primitive camping because it weeds out many of the folks who aren't very sensitive to the needs of other campers. I can see why you rate this place a 10. Looking forward to reading about your solo overnighter.
ReplyDeleteI can think of no one I'd like more as a long lost twin. I feel the same when I read some of your adventures, you are doing so many of the things I have always wanted to do. I would like to live in an area where camping consists of just heading out into the wilderness and picking a spot... far from those other types of campers.
DeleteLooks wonderful! I would also be seeking out a quiet and peaceful spot, too! I never went camping as a kid but would love to take my own children on a camping trip here in England one day soon.
ReplyDeleteMissMerFaery ... ah, camping with children is such a fun thing. I hope you are able to go with them soon.
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