Wherever We Land

We, Snatcher and Nikki, are all about adventure. Hiking new trails, exploring hidden waterfalls, and soaking up the beauty of nature are what fuel our weekends. So, when the idea of SUV camping came up, we were instantly hooked. The freedom to roam, the connection with nature, and the chance to transform our trusty Ford Expedition into a cozy mobile home – it all seemed too good to be true.

Fast forward to a crisp autumn weekend, and we were packed and prepped for our inaugural SUV camping experience. Destination: Price Lake, nestled amidst the stunning scenery of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Our research pointed to a dispersed camping area right by the lake, promising a serene escape. Armed with an optimistic spirit, camping gear (most of it borrowed from well-meaning friends!), and a healthy dose of naivety, we hit the road.

The drive itself was a blast. Windows down, soundtrack on full blast, we sang along and marveled at the changing landscapes. Blowing Rock lived up to its name, offering breathtaking overlooks that had us stopping for impromptu photo sessions. Finally, we reached the turnoff for the dispersed camping area. Now, some blogs had mentioned a bumpy dirt road leading to the campsites. But “bumpy” turned into a full-on off-road adventure. Our poor Expedition, more accustomed to city streets and grocery runs, took the challenge in stride. But for Nikki, a self-proclaimed city girl, the growing bumps and dips were starting to chip away at her initial excitement.

Finding Our Perfect Spot (Almost)

After what felt like an eternity (but was probably only 15 minutes), we arrived at the clearing. And wow, it was everything we’d hoped for! Price Lake shimmered in the afternoon sun, framed by vibrant fall foliage. The air was crisp and clean, and a sense of peace settled over us. We found a flat, secluded spot with a fire pit (score!), and with practiced efficiency, we unloaded the Expedition. Chairs were set up, the borrowed tent was wrestled into existence (a comedic scene in itself!), and a crackling fire soon banished the chill of the late afternoon.

Nature’s Symphony (and Unexpected Guests)

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, we cooked a simple camp meal – hot dogs and beans never tasted so good! With bellies full and spirits high, we settled back in our chairs, ready to embrace the magic of a night spent under the stars. The first thing that struck us was the sound of silence – or rather, the absence of it. There was a symphony of crickets chirping, owls hooting, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. It was a million miles away from the honking horns and sirens that were our usual lullaby.

Just then, a rustle in the bushes sent shivers down Nikki’s spine. We both froze, eyes darting around the clearing. In the fading light, we could barely make out shapes moving in the undergrowth. The borrowed tent, once a source of amusement, now seemed rather flimsy.

A Change of Scenery (and a Good Laugh)

We tried to reason with ourselves, but with every snap of a twig and rustle of leaves, Nikki’s anxiety grew. Finally, she confessed, “Snatcher, I don’t think I can sleep here tonight.” A part of me wanted to push through, embrace the adventure. But seeing the genuine fear in her eyes, I knew we had to make a plan B.

So, with a mixture of disappointment and amusement at our “wild night” coming to an abrupt end, we packed up camp (minus the fire, which we extinguished with care) and hopped back in the trusty Expedition. Cracker Barrel, a haven of warm light, delicious food, and (hopefully) no wildlife encounters, beckoned in the distance.

Cracker Barrel Camping (Not Quite, But Almost)

Pulling into the parking lot, we couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Our first night of SUV camping, spent not under a canopy of stars, but under the fluorescent lights of a restaurant. But you know what? As we devoured our late-night dinner, a sense of accomplishment washed over us. We’d tried something new, pushed ourselves outside our comfort zones, and most importantly, we’d had a fun adventure (albeit a different one than we’d anticipated).

Lessons Learned (and a Second Try!)

That night in the Cracker Barrel parking lot taught us some valuable lessons. First, thorough research is key! Reading more about dispersed camping etiquette, the types of wildlife in the area, and perhaps even investing in some basic survival gear would have put Nikki more at ease. Second, communication is crucial. Openly discussing our fears and expectations beforehand could have prevented the anxiety that ultimately led to our retreat.

But here’s the best part: this little setback didn’t dampen our spirits. In fact, it fueled our determination to conquer SUV camping! We spent the next few weeks researching proper dispersed camping etiquette, familiarizing ourselves with the local wildlife, and even taking a quick car camping course to learn some basic survival skills. We also invested in some comfortable sleeping pads and a lightweight, two-person backpacking tent – a far cry from the borrowed monstrosity we wrestled with the first time.

Fast forward a few months, and we were back on the road, this time even more prepared for our SUV camping adventure. We found a different dispersed camping area, this time opting for a location closer to civilization (just in case!). This time, as we settled into our cozy nest in the back of the Expedition, the symphony of crickets chirping no longer sent shivers down Nikki’s spine. Instead, it was a welcome lullaby.

Gazing up at the star-dusted sky, a million miles away from city lights, we finally experienced the magic of sleeping under the stars. Sure, our first attempt at SUV camping was unconventional, but it taught us valuable lessons and ultimately led to a successful (and much more relaxing) second try.

So, what are our takeaways for aspiring SUV campers?

• Do your research: Know the area, the regulations, and the potential wildlife encounters.
• Be prepared: Invest in comfortable sleeping arrangements, basic survival gear, and a good headlamp.
• Communicate: Discuss your expectations and any anxieties beforehand.
• Start small: If you’re a beginner, opt for a dispersed camping area closer to civilization.
• Embrace the unexpected: Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that don’t go exactly according to plan.

SUV camping has become our new favorite way to explore the outdoors. It’s a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature (and each other!). So, pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and hit the road. You might just surprise yourself with what you discover, both about the wilderness and yourself.

P.S. We haven’t given up on Price Lake! We plan to return soon, better equipped and more prepared to face the nighttime symphony (and hopefully, no surprise guests) this time around.