Students reflect on their experiences camping around Davis
By AMBER WARNKE — features@theaggie.org
UC Davis, known for its ties to the outdoors and its agricultural reputation, attracts many students who are interested in spending more time in nature. However, to Aggies who may be new to the Davis area, the idea of planning an entire camping trip can feel daunting, with so many different aspects to consider when it comes to the great outdoors.
One of the most difficult aspects of planning a camping trip for students can be finding a campground — Davis is close to a variety of national and state parks and forests, which can be hard to choose between.
Julian Korchin, a fourth-year environmental policy analysis and planning major, has spent time visiting a variety of camping locations around the Davis area. She offered some recommendations for those eager to set up a camping trip with friends or family.
“Bodega Bay on the Sonoma coast is beautiful, especially in the spring, but in the winter, it can be really wonderful too; all over Tahoe there are [also] great camping spots,” Korchin said. “A couple weekends ago, I went to Lassen National Park, which is amazing and beautiful. It’s a little bit of a longer drive, but Yosemite is not that far. It’s only 3 or so hours, and it’s absolutely worth it when you’re there.”
Other locations include Point Reyes National Seashore, a 1.5-hour drive from Davis, where campers can hike and see tule elk, elephant seals and whales. Another option is Calaveras Big Trees State Park, a 2-hour drive from Davis. Calaveras hosts giant sequoias, the world’s largest trees, as well as pines, rivers, meadows and fishing and swimming spots.
El Dorado National Forest is roughly a 1-hour drive from Davis, and offers dispersed camping in which visitors can camp for free outside of campgrounds. This forest offers countless hiking and camping spots, as well as salmon fishing opportunities and the famous Desolation Wilderness area.
Even when exploring nearby campsites, busy college students may still find it daunting to dedicate an entire weekend to stepping away from their typical responsibilities. However, the decision to take a break from school by camping can actually help Aggies find stress relief throughout the hectic quarter, according to Korchin.
“I think that my favorite part of camping is that it’s a lifestyle that feels different enough from the way that I usually spend my time, that it really feels like an escape,” Korchin said. “Sleeping in a tent on the ground, seeing the stars, eating camping food […] just really feels like a chance to disconnect from normal life, especially during the school year.”
Even once students find the time to pick out a campsite and get school work out of the way, Aggies may still find it hard to get all their camping gear together. Luckily, there are a variety of ways students can access necessary supplies.
Breana Marin, a fourth-year human development and psychology double major, recommended that students look for ways to budget while preparing for a trip, rather than buying a large amount of gear all at once.
“Buying equipment second-hand has been really nice,” Marin said. “I’m a big Facebook Marketplace-r and I have found a tent, a backpack, a camping stove [and] hiking shoes […] for super cheap.”
Students looking for another resource beyond Facebook Marketplace can check out Easy Wind Gear, a second-hand outdoor gear shop in Downtown Davis. Aggies can also rent supplies from Outdoor Adventures if they don’t want to buy their own supplies, as the office rents out everything from tents to kayaks. Students can even check out free camping supplies from the Mary L. Stephens public library, which allows people to borrow more than just books. The library also checks out hiking backpacks, nature identification guides, binoculars and telescopes, among other items. The library also offers California State Parks passes, which allow users to gain free access and parking into over 200 California State Parks.
Once students are all ready for a trip, they can find ample benefits from going camping, according to Everett Segel, a Davis resident of 24 years who grew up going camping in areas around Davis.
“Camping is a great way to get a digital detox and go see the wonders of nature,” Segel said. “You’re able to get away from light pollution and you’re able to actually see the stars.”
Spending time outdoors is a proven way to boost the immune system, cognitive and mental health, while also correlating with greater sense of meaning and purpose in life. The quarter system moves quickly, so many students may find it helpful to take a break and embrace the great outdoors every once in a while, according to Marin.
“The world is a beautiful place, and people should go outside and look at it,” Marin said.
Written by: Amber Warnke — features@theaggie.org
