Just do it

After nearly two decades of getaways, my buddy Dave and I have them down to a science. He watches his schedule, I watch mine. We both watch the weather. When the stars align correctly to give us two days of freedom and decent weather in a row, we're off.

It doesn't take much more planning. I know what he's bringing for equipment, he knows what I'm bringing. We only need to consult on food and where we want to go.

Over the years, I've learned to keep overnight getaways as simple and painless as possible. Making it easy means you can go more often.

Here's a simple trick: keep everything you need for an overnight camping trip in a plastic storage tub. Tape a checklist to the top. That way, you can just grab a backpack, throw everything in, add weather-appropriate clothes and sleeping bag, whatever you want for food, and head out the door whenever the opportunity allows. When you come home, clean everything up, put it back in the tub, and you're ready to go again next time.

Over the years, my camping buddies and I have compiled a functional checklist of gear. It's useful in avoiding the dreaded "Did anyone remember to bring...?" moments that can plague a camping trip.

Where to go

In New England, we are extremely fortunate to have so many options for getaways. The myriad state parks and state forests have roadside camping; some also allow primitive backcountry camping.

Most major hiking trails have backcountry camping. The Appalachian Trail, from Connecticut to Maine has established campsites at regular intervals, and many opportunities for just pitching a tent in the woods.

Connecticut's Nipmuck, Natchaug, and Pachaug State Forest trails and Tunxis trails allow camping. Unfortunately, you have to write two weeks in advance for a permit. See the Department of Environmental Protection's State Parks website for details

Massachusetts, especially the Berkshires, is alive with possibilities. If you don't already have a favorite spot in mind, check out the Mount Washington, October Mountain, Monroe and Dubuque Memorial State Forests, and Mount Greylock.  The state maintains a detailed website with information about parks, trails, camping and reservations.

In Vermont and New Hampshire, the Green Mountain National Forest and White Mountain National Forest are wide open to camping if you are willing to walk away from the road. The few exceptions are the highest peaks and certain high use areas, such as Mount Mansfield and the high Presidentials. In these areas, you're restricted to established tent sites.

New York and Maine are both blessed with thousands of square miles of public or, in Maine's case, accessible private land, where you can walk away from the road and quietly pitch a tent.