Okay, so yesterday, I decided to check out the South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground. I’d heard some good things about it, and I was itching to get out of the house and into nature.
Getting Ready
First things first, I had to pack. I’m a bit of an over-packer, I admit, but I like to be prepared. Tent? Check. Sleeping bag? Check. Enough snacks to feed a small army? Double-check. I also threw in some bug spray – you can never be too careful with mosquitoes.
The Drive
The drive there was pretty smooth. I cranked up the tunes, rolled down the windows, and enjoyed the scenery. It’s a nice escape from the usual city hustle. Took me a couple of hours, but it wasn’t bad at all.
Setting Up Camp
Once I arrived, I had to find a good spot. Luckily, it wasn’t too crowded, so I snagged a nice little area near the lake. Setting up the tent is always a bit of a workout, but I managed it without too much trouble. I’m pretty sure I looked like a pro… or at least, I didn’t look like a complete newbie.
Exploring the Area
After I was all settled in, I decided to explore. I walked around the lake, took some pictures of the trees and the water – you know, the usual nature stuff. It was really peaceful, just the sounds of birds and the wind. A great time to escape.
- Sunshine.
- Trees.
- Birds.
- Water.
Chilling Out
The rest of the day was pretty much just chilling out. I read a book, listened to some music, and just enjoyed the quiet. I even tried to do a little fishing, but I didn’t catch anything. Oh well, it was still fun to try.

Campfire Time
As it got darker, I built a campfire. There’s something about sitting around a fire that’s just… awesome. I roasted some marshmallows (because, duh), and stared at the flames for a while. It’s mesmerizing, you know?
Heading Home
The next morning, I packed up everything, made sure to leave the campsite clean (leave no trace, folks!), and headed back home. I was tired, but in a good way. It was a great little getaway, and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a simple, relaxing camping trip.
I have to remember to bring more marshmallows next time.