This week may see the first 70F (21C) of the year and the snow is melting, so I'm getting camping fever too. (I enjoyed a backyard fire with friends last week, and I'm ready for more!)

My first scheduled camping trip is to a state park over Memorial Day, but weather permitting, there may be other trips before then.

Lake Superior's south shore, Puddleglum? Some years ago I camped at the UP's Porcupine Mountains and had a great time. Stargazing was a bit different in that after a lifetime of visiting the north shore, it was a bit disorienting to see the moon over the land to the south, rather than over the lake.

Last Summer we were up in Duluth for the Tall Ships Festival and we saw a LOT of the Superior. If you wander up that far north give Duluth a look. The seaside/boardwalk portions are lovely and there's great museums and food, plus watching one of the gigantic ore freighters go through the gate is a breathtaking experience. Those things are HUGE! Pretty country up there too. Also if you get the opportunity try some Walleye out (fish), it's scrumptious!

Been to Duluth a few times Shadowlander. It is indeed worth the stop. We have dined at Grandma's while one of the big ships passed by. Mostly been passing through though. The Mrs. and I have contemplated looking for a hotel nearby so we can catch more of the sights.
We have wandered as far upshore as Thunder Bay, and visited Ft. William. The meals they serve in their Inn are well worth the trip.
We are hoping to check out some of the lighthouses along the southern shore, as Splitrock has "been done" several times over We are also into hunting the elusive agate and I understand there are some good beaches to wander.
Looks like you beat me to the first fire this season stargazer Our pit is still half full of snow, but I am determined to have a blazing inferno going next weekend

Duluth is full of memories for me too. Back in the day my dad loved to stand by the ship canal and watch the big ore boats come and go. I haven't camped on the north shore for some years but that may change soon.

We visited Old Fort William once, Puddleglum, and had a great time. The living history enactors really got into their roles.

I'd love to return to Split Rock. We visit it often but I haven't actually camped there since Memorial Day 1992 (the year of the infamous Memorial Day snowfall in Blue Mounds State Park in far southwest Minnesota).

You can camp at Split Rock? I thought it was just the lighthouse....

I am told that there is family camping at Split Rock. Though from what I understand you don't want some of the sites should you be pron to walking in your sleep. The website spoke of one that has an excellent view of Lake Superior, and you might get wet.
Any chance folks have hiking trips planned as well? I know it is a bit off topic, but there are a few local, and state parks I hope to walk this spring, and summer. Got out to the local county park in snowshoes with one of the siblings this winter, and was able to track some raccoon family for a bit. I will be checking the same trail with the hope of getting some telephoto shots if I can find a good hiding place.

Shadowlander, the Split Rock area has split jurisdiction, so to speak. The light station grounds are managed by the Minnesota Historical Society and are accessed by turning left from the entry station. But if you turn right instead, the state park (managed by the DNR) includes lakeshore, picnic areas and campground, and great views of the lighthouse.

There is no drive-in (car) camping here yet, but I understand plans are underway for a more modern campground to be built northeast of the lighthouse, on the land side of highway 61, presumably away from the historic site and lakeshore. Currently camping is by backpack or boat, or by cart-in (pull carts reminiscent of rickshaws). I think I know of the sites you mean, Puddleglum. A number of the sites have great views. Because there aren't many sites, getting a reservation for one can be difficult in the summer season.

I don't think hiking trips are too far off-topic, Puddleglum; it's all about getting outdoors a little during summers that here can be a bit too brief (old weather joke here: "What did you do this past summer?" "Well, it fell on a Tuesday and I had to work.")

Which parks are your favorites, Puddleglum? I'm always up for checking out new spots or discussing old favorites with others.

The local county park, which is an old Granit quarry, is one destination. There are many trails, and as I mentioned above much in the way of wildlife. The only drawback are some of the people. I am in favor of folks getting outdoors, it's just that some have no clue about what to do, or how to act. (Sorry, getting into rant mode ).
Another plus is the county keeps some of the pits stocked with trout, and when the season starts I will be out there with pole in hand. But then the cottonwood will be shedding, and floating on the water as well, so I will have to make sure I cast where it won't tangle in my line.
The elder sibling has been checking another site that he said had many tracks. Not just the expected deer. He also has seen several eagle along the Mississippi River, though they are a bit skittish. I imagine that it might be due to having eggs, or chicks to watch over.

The only drawback are some of the people. I am in favor of folks getting outdoors, it's just that some have no clue about what to do, or how to act.

What exactly are these people doing?

We were talking about getting a camper, but our vehicle can only pull 1,000 lbs. max and this leaves us with a very narrow selection of campers to choose from, all of them popups. I think we need a deck on the back of the house more than that, and my wife wants a new central air conditioner set up, so we'll have to put that one on the back burner. Which leaves us with tents.

Without getting into too much detail Shadowlander, as some might get me a chastizing glance for breaking Narniaweb rules, some activities should be left at home
For others, will suffice to say that there are certain rules of outdoor etiquette which those who tread therein should become versed in.
I shall list some;
1) As taught in the Scouts, Always leave a campsite cleaner than you found it. All too often I have found sites, be they a KOA, or primitive in the BWCA full of litter.
2) Treat the other campers site as theirs. Don't just wander through un-anounced at any time.
3) Keeping noise to respecful levels. While I enjoy a good song like anyone, Doing so after 10pm in a site where there there may be children, or bringing a boombox into the BWCA, and playing it loud enough to be heard a mile away is intolerable
These I suppose could be called my top all time complaints, but I am sure others can add to them.

Just got back from a day camp with the Scouts. Unfortunatly the full weekend didn't work, but I think it went well.
the Weblos were attentive to at least most of what I was trying to show them, and one of the fathers made a point of telling me he would try them out.
Turns out that some of the Scouts were willing to spend at least tonight, but of course I had already cancelled the loan of the tent from my friend So I came home. suppose all for the best since this way I don't take all of the boys time, and the scoutmaster can work with them on other matters.

The "unofficial beginning of summer" in the US is upon us with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, and I'll be camping with friends to start the season. Right now the weather looks reasonably good, with just a chance of thunderstorms. All this rain means the mosquitoes might be horrendous this summer; we'll just have to wait and see.

We'll be camping near the St. Croix River, which forms this part of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The park is less than 2 hours away, which means we can spend more time outdoors and less in the car.

Hope you have an enjoyable weekend camping stargazer.
was out with some folks for an informal rendezvous. Had the tents out, and was actually looking over one to possibly buy, unfortunatly it didn't pan out. Ah well. I'll just keep looking
Mosquitos were not out in force yet, only one dared to try my blood. The ticks on the other hand were out in full force. We were picking them off left, and right.
Otherwise we could not ask for a better weekend. A little windy, which played around with the straw hat I've been breaking in, but the temps were upper 60'sF. It did get a little chilly on Friday night, and I am glad I thought to bring the cold weather sleeping bag.
The next encampment is in August for Clearwater Heritage Days. I will hope to find a tent by then. Just keeping my ear to the ground as they say. Just have to make sure to get up, and wipe off the dirt once, in awhile.

My experience was the opposite of yours, Puddleglum, in that I only encountered one tick (on my tent when I was taking it down) but about 10 trillion mosquitoes.

Saturday was one of those glorious days when camping is at its best. Clear skies - especially at night, when we were treated to an ISS pass and the Milky Way above our campfire - with pleasant temperature and humidity, and relatively few bugs.

On a hike we encountered a very excited couple who told us they'd seen a poisonous snake - none are native here - and we wondered what it was. They'd even shot a video but it was hard to tell what kind of snake it was. We encouraged them to report it to the park naturalist. Don't know if they did or not.

By Sunday the pollen allergies kicked in, along with more heat and humidity and mosquitoes. But the pollen will be over soon, I hope.

sad to hear about you having pollen allergies stargazer. With this late season weather it's been strange for everything.
The Mrs. and I hope to be hitting the south shore of Superior this summer. Been along the north shore so often we know almost every rock by name.
I hope the weather stays cool enough for camping, but we are both getting to the age, and temperment, that if the heats to much it's time for air conditioning. Yes, I know, it's tantamount to treason for seasoned campers to say, but reality sinks in after awhile.
otherwise my excursions will have to hold off til the next encampment in Clearwater for their annual Heritage Days in August.
Any further plans for yourself?