Spark More Than Fire Out in the Woods

By Hollie Reina

The woods can be a wonderful place: they can challenge the body, envigorate the mind and even enlighten the soul. They can also be a place to kindle some romance. With a little imagination and a bit of planning, you can create a romantic retreat in the woods that turns a night of camping into a night of canoodling.

Step 1
Do your homework and reserve your campsite. The easiest way to ensure your romantic experience in the woods goes smoothly is to plan ahead. Romantic camping is a blossoming sub-genre of camping and there are several campgrounds and destinations that now offer packages and stays catering to the romantic sect. A simple key word search with words such as "romantic," "woods," "camping" and "vacation" will supply you with plenty of options for your next excursion. Narrow down your search by geographical proximity, price or available activities and then make your reservations. With your campsite securely reserved you can be free to concentrate on your guy or gal.

Step 2
Set a reasonable time table for your trip to the woods. Camping is fun, camping is exciting, and yes, camping is romantic but several days without a shower and a soft bed can bring out the bear in everyone. To stay in a more romantic frame of mind, it is best to keep your trip short and sweet. Two nights is more than enough time to create beautiful memories and just enough time to avoid the unpleasantries that come with being smelly and sore.

Step 3
Be prepared.Safety should always be a priority when you are planning an adventure in the elements. When your plans include romance, it becomes even more essential to keep yourself free of injury and harm, as nothing can end the romance faster than injury or sickness. To avoid these romance ruining situations, be sure to pack a good first aid kit, use sunblock and Deet-containing bug spray, and always wear the proper clothing and protective gear for your chosen activities.

Step 4
Choose activities that allow you to concentrate on your partner. Heading to the woods means leaving the hustle and bustle of your everyday busy lives and really slowing down. Use that time to reconnect with your special someone by choosing activities that let you talk to one another and create moments that will linger long after you have left the woods. One such activity is horseback riding. Taking a horseback trail is a great way to view the woods from a different perspective while allowing you and your loved one a chance to talk and laugh together.

Step 5
Plan and prepare a gourmet meal.Cooking in the woods doesn't mean you have to choke down a charred hot dog from a stick. With campground cook books offering recipes from wild-game to pizza, there is no reason you can't create a five-star dining experience right at your fireside. To add even more romance, pick a recipe with foods that are known to contain aphrodisiacs.

For dessert, try a "wild" twist on a romantic classic. There is no doubt that strawberries dipped in chocolate is a favorite treat amongst lovers. For a more natural take, try using berries that are indigenous to your camping area. For instance, if you are camping in Montana or Idaho, try their famous huckleberries. If you are in northern Utah, opt for freshly grown raspberries.

Step 6
Finish out your day by gazing at the stars. Star-gazing with someone you love is a classic romantic move but it is one that should never be discounted. If you live in a large city with a lot of lights, then viewing the stars without obstruction is one of the best romantic gifts the woods can give you. To make it more special, bring along a map to the stars and learn together the names and locations of the celestial bodies and constellations.

Tips & Warnings
Be flexible. It is not humanly possible to plan for every event that might occur when camping in the elements. A good attitude will go a long way toward keeping the romance alive if things start to go sour.

How to Add Romance to the Woods originally published on Trails.com

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