Trip Preparation

Previously, I had only camped in my backyard, mostly to get used to sleeping in a hammock and to test out new gear and setups. But, after three successful overnight hangs, I thought I was ready to take my first baby step. I would go to a state park to camp, but within a few feet of my car, where I could retreat in the event of an emergency.

On March 20th, four days before my trip, I visited Raccoon Creek State Park to chat with the park staff, drive around, inspect the camping areas, and do a short walk. It was great to scout out the area, including the trees around the camping sites that would make for a decent hang. Unfortunately, off-trail camping is only allowed in PA state forests, so I had to pay for an overnight spot. After checking out weather forecasts, I called and reserved a spot at the Sioux camping areas starting March 24th. I was unable to get my first pick of sites, but I did manage to secure my second.

Arrival and Setup

I arrived at the park office around 3:05 PM (check-ins start at 3:00 PM) and inquired about the check-in process. They told me there really wasn’t any if I already pre-paid, and that my receipt and car parking tag would be at my spot. Once I arrived at my spot, I quickly discovered my first snag. My tarp rigging had two sets of guylines with no ridge line. I managed to rig two of the spare guylines together to make it work, but it was far from ideal. Couple that with some very strong gusts of wind, and the setup took twice as long as previously clocked in my backyard tests.

Dinner and Afternoon Hike

That night, dinner was pretty light. I brought a sandwich and a few snacks. I also started soaking the Oats Overnight that I got for breakfast. I did not know how long or at what temperature I would be storing my food, so I could not bring milk. Instead, I brought powdered milk, measured out to be the approximate amount needed for the package. Spoiler alert: it turned out very well and was the highlight of the morning.

After dinner, I went on a short hike. I walked out from the Sioux camping areas to the Forest trail, took that north, looped back on the Palomino Trail, and took the dirt road back down to the campsite. It was at this point that I discovered I was going to have neighbors. They appeared to be car camping and were sitting by a campfire when I got back.

The Hang

After that walk, I had a snack and changed into my sleeping clothes, and settled in for the night. The temperature quickly dropped, and I was soon glad I had packed an extra blanket. However, the low hit 31, and most of my gear was only rated to 40. My feet were quite cold and while I was not shivering, I was a little chilly. That was especially true shortly after sunrise, as temperatures dropped slightly with the evaporating dew.

Being away from my house was a little unnerving. I am used to hearing wildlife sounds; this was another level. Around 10:30 PM, 2:00 AM, and 5:00 AM, I was awakened by the howling and yipping of a pack of coyotes in the distance. While attacks are rare, it still had me on edge. Then, at around 6:30 AM, I heard turkeys gobbling by the ridge I had hiked the previous afternoon. The final interruption was hearing my camping neighbors leaving camp in their car around 2:30 AM. In total, I got around 4 hours of solid sleep with a few light naps tossed in for good measure. Not ideal, but sufficient to function.

The Morning Hike

I got out of my hammock around 8:00 AM, changed, ate my Oats Overnight for breakfast, and started breaking down camp. By 10:00 AM, I was at the park office and learned that their checkout process is the same as check-in – there is none.

I then put on my day pack and went out on the Forest and Lake Trail. This was my first hike of the season, and about 1.5 miles in, I realized I might have made a mistake. My stamina is not what it used to be, and I was going to be very tired by the end of this hike. It was a gorgeous hike with no leaves on the trees to block the view of the surrounding areas. With a few stops along the way for snacks and to take in the views, I completed the trip in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

General Takeaways

• ⁠Take the time to chat with park staff, not only to thank them, but also to gather all the local tips and tricks. They live and breathe this space every day, hearing countless stories.
• ⁠Remember to look up at night. A lack of light pollution will make the stars look amazing!
• ⁠Know your body’s limits and take things one step at a time.
• Trekking poles are great for keeping your balance and aiding your ascents and descents.
• ⁠Start your hike a little cold so you don’t overheat.
• Scout out the area you want to camp ahead of time.

Lessons I learned the hard way

• Check all gear before you leave, even if you’re sure you put it in your pack after your last camp.
• Don’t fully trust the weather forecast and bring gear for slightly worse conditions.
• Remember that most wildlife is more afraid of you than you are of it; especially if the area you’re camping in is frequented by humans.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated, but not before bed!