Camping at Locust Lake (DCNR photo)

Although I haven’t done it for a few years, I love camping. (As in tent camping. Not bringing along a whole trailer-full of energy-sucking amenities.) And seeing as how it’s so green, I just might get back to it. Just think: No hotel room to cool or heat. Evenings by lantern-light. Low-impact activities like hiking, watching the stars and telling outrageous stories. And, for many, NO TV!!! I love the feel of the air, the sound of the wind in the trees, the glow of the moon.

But some camps can be greener than others, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has some thoughts. It is setting up demonstration “green” campsites at state parks this summer. How green do they go? Each has a tent and sleeping bag made from recycled materials, a fuel efficient cooking stove, an LED flashlight, solar charger and reusable batteries, reusable cook set, solar camp shower, non-toxic bug repellent, bear-proof food container, a clothes line and reusable marshmallow sticks.

I can attest to those solar showers. I’ve used them on boats, and they can sure absorb a lot of heat over the course of a sunny day.

Here are more tips from the DCNR:

* Look for a campsite that is already established, more than 200 feet from a water source, and stay off plants as much as possible.
* Use re-usable plates instead of paper.
* Take along re-usable water bottles. If you use commercial bottled water, make sure to recycle the bottles.
* Use biodegradable camp suds for dishes and your body.
* Avoid dumping soapy water on plants because the soap could kill them.
* Recycle aluminum cans because burning them in a campfire will release chemicals that pollute the air.
* Leave in place any plants, fossils, flowers or other things that you find.
* Keep campfires in rings or use a cook stove instead.
* Use local firewood instead of carrying it with you as some unwanted invasive pests might hitch a ride.
* Tie a clothes line from tree to tree; bring along hot dog sticks instead of breaking off tree branches; set your lantern on the table instead of putting a nail in a tree to hang it.
* Do not feed wildlife.
* Dispose of trash properly or take it with you when you leave and recycle it when you get home.

In a fit of pique, I have deleted the DCNR's last tip, which is to be considerate of others when using cell phones. How is THAT "green?" It's just being polite. Skip the cell phone altogether, I say. Give the world a break from blather and yammer.

And here's another tip: Don't bring your own firewood. You may inadvertently transport an invasive insect or plant disease along with it.  

The demonstration locations:
* July 17-20: Cowans Gap State Park, Fulton County
* July 24-27: Ohiopyle State Park, Fayette County
* July 30 - Aug. 3: Laurel Hill State Park, Somerset County
* Aug. 7- 10: Parker Dam State Park, Clearfield County
* Aug. 14- 17: Worlds End State Park, Sullivan County
* Aug. 21-24: Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County