Discover the unexpected thrills of van camping in the wilderness, where the simplicity of life on the road meets the untamed beauty of nature. Ana and I found that our conversion van offered the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the serene landscapes without the hassle of setting up a tent. Our journey led us to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, a hidden gem where the drive-in wilderness is truly at your doorstep. Amidst the tree plantations open to the public, we stumbled upon a unique campsite that offered solitude, starry nights, and an unforgettable interaction with the local coyotes.
Van camping has become a cherished pastime for my wife Ana and me since we acquired our conversion van. The convenience of having a ready-made bed in the back, shielded from the elements, meant we could venture out all day and settle down anywhere that caught our eye come nightfall.
The beauty of van camping lies in its spontaneity. The north country, particularly Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is dotted with secluded spots that are seldom visited yet remain accessible by vehicle. These areas offer a "drive-in wilderness" experience that is a stark contrast to the crowded trails of popular parks.
On an October trip, armed with a book of county maps, we navigated the dirt roads of the national forests in the "U.P." Our exploration led us to a property owned by the Mead Paper Company. Known for their tree plantations, Mead generously allows public access to these lands.
We settled on "Grapevine plantation," a clearing amidst a thousand acres of young trees. Our campsite, though unconventional, was appealing in its strangeness. It was open, not immediately by water, and close to a dirt road. Yet, the lack of traffic, proximity to the woods for hiking, and the absence of cost made it an ideal spot. The constant breeze kept mosquitoes at bay, and the silence, punctuated only by the crackling of our nightly fires, was profound. The absence of overhead planes allowed the stars to shine with an intensity I had rarely seen.
Our second day was spent hiking the hills and woods to the north. The fall foliage was in full display, and the cool air was refreshing. We encountered no one else, enjoying the solitude and stumbling upon unnamed waterfalls, which we whimsically named ourselves, as they were unmarked on our maps.
As night fell and we sat by the fire, the unique geography of the area revealed itself. Surrounded by rocky hills, our voices carried and echoed in a way that seemed to amplify the wilderness around us. My wolf-like howls, initially startling Ana, were met with responses from distant wolves or coyotes. This interaction, both thrilling and eerie, continued until my voice grew weary.
We spent the rest of the evening under the stars, aware of the coyotes' presence just beyond the reach of our firelight. Eventually, we retreated to our van, watching the sky through the windows, feeling a connection to the wild that only such an experience could provide.
This adventure underscored the essence of van camping: the freedom to explore, the joy of finding unexpected beauty, and the thrill of connecting with nature on a profound level. As we lay in our van, the calls of the coyotes a reminder of the wild just outside, we knew this was van camping at its finest.
Our encounter with the coyotes is a testament to the wildness that still exists, even in areas that may seem tamed by human influence. It's a reminder that adventure can be found in the most unexpected places, and that the call of the wild is never too far away.
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