Camping in Crestview

Robert Young

Crestview News Bulletin

Looking for something to do on those long and boring weekends? The temperature is steadily rising, movies are getting to be redundant, and lying out on the beach has been done a hundred times.

What about camping? The recreational activity is Crestview’s little secret that most people seem to forget about.

The local area is filled with a hodgepodge of camping sites for anyone to enjoy. All one needs is a permit, the right equipment, and good attitude.

Some questions rise to the occasion. Where is there camping in the area?

The Florida Scenic Trail, spanning more than 110 miles in just this community alone, runs through sites like Spec and Kepner Pond.

Spec and Kepner have allotted areas to set up living spaces, trails swerving in and out of the tree lines, and open fields to play a game of football.

Both are open for camping, fishing, and hiking.

Jackson Guard, located on SR 85 north of Niceville is Eglin AFB’s headquarters for outdoor recreation.

The facility can help you find the right campsite; get the appropriate permits and can explain safety measures to take while out on the reservation.

Since we’re under a severe fire ban, you might want to think about mainly using a small propane stove to cook your meals.

Coleman and REI make great portable stoves that are lightweight and easy to use.

With propane there isn’t the mess from a charcoal fire, and you can simply place the empty tank in your vehicle. If you do have a charcoal stove, remember to bury the charcoal at least two feet under so that any heat left within doesn’t start a brush fire.

Speaking of equipment, the most important item is a tent. Choosing the right size tent is like getting the right size pants. If you know how much is going to be inside, don’t think you can shuffle things around to make it all fit.

Tent capacity is serious because it’s where you’re going to sleep for the night. The more room the merrier, and the less equipment you have to leave outside.

Some other essentials are flashlights, extra batteries, sleeping bags, a pillow, rope, pocket knife, first aid kit, cell phone (for emergency calls), and clothing impervious to the weather.

Company names like Cabela and Eureka are some great examples of manufacturers that provide outdoor products for any occasion.

From my experience being an Eagle Scout and a part of the BSA for more than ten years, I can tell you that camping in nature is a privilege and not a right.

The main thing to understand when going into a campsite is to leave it how it was found.

Since we as campers are “guests”, it’s best to leave the site as clean as possible.

Don’t forget to take some pictures, cherish the moments, and remember that opportunities like these don’t sprout up every day. Have fun and be safe.