March marks the moment when Turtle Lake Campground awakens from its snowy slumber. You can practically hear the campground yawning and stretching as the ice melts and the first hints of green poke through the underbrush. After a long winter of huddling indoors, it’s time to shake off the cobwebs—both literally and figuratively—and rediscover why you love camping.
Start by doing a gear check. Pull that tent out of your closet, garage, or attic, and see how it’s fared through the off-season. Give it some fresh air and make sure no spiders decided to move in. Check your sleeping bag’s zipper, your flashlight’s batteries, and that camp stove you haven’t touched since last autumn. There’s nothing like discovering a broken tent pole five minutes before you try to set up camp to dampen your springtime enthusiasm.
Next, ease back into the outdoor routine with a short hike or day trip. Turtle Lake has a bunch of trails that come alive in early spring. The snowmelt means small streams and creeks start flowing again, providing scenic spots for picnics or quick photo breaks. You’ll also get a good idea of how muddy the terrain can be—and how waterproof your boots really are.
Don’t worry if you feel a bit out of shape. The first trip of the year isn’t about going full-throttle on adventure. It’s about reminding yourself how good it feels to breathe fresh air and listen to birds singing instead of car horns. Maybe you’ll build a modest campfire, toast a marshmallow or two, and watch a sunset that promises warmer days ahead.
Finally, remember to give yourself a break. Winter can make us all a little rusty on our camping skills. Take your time relearning those knots, refiguring that campsite layout, and rediscovering your sense of humor when the inevitable first-of-the-season slip-up happens. By the time you leave, you’ll be fully back in camping mode, ready for the spring and summer that lie ahead at Turtle Lake Campground.