Each year, as spring begins to give way to summer, Brian and Becky Berkan hit the road for a weekend of hiking, cooking and sleeping in the great outdoors. And in recent years, they’ve introduced their son Wilson to the joys and adventures of camping.
Brian grew up RV camping with his family, touring the country in a bus-turned-camper. Becky, meanwhile, hails from a family of “hotel people,” but the pair quickly developed a shared love of tent camping. The Monona couple makes these trips a priority, heading to campsites across Wisconsin at least three times a year.
Becky, an emergency room nurse, and Brian, a ranger with Dane County Parks, and Wilson, who will turn two this summer, start the camping season with a trip to Governor Dodge State Park, which they love for its lakes, beaches and trails.
Other favorites are Peninsula State Park in Door County and Wyalusing State Park near the Iowa border. They return for the canoeing and the incredible sunsets and views from their campsite.
“It’s one of our favorite parks,” Becky says. “We camp on the bluff and it’s just so beautiful.”
They also recommend Lake Kegonsa State Park, Blue Mounds State Park and Devil’s Lake State Park as easy places to camp in southern Wisconsin.
“It doesn’t have to be a trip out west,” Brian says.
On the couple’s camping wish list are trips to Copper Falls State Park and Madeline Island in northern Wisconsin, and the Boundary Waters in Minnesota when Wilson is older.
These days, camping entails driving car filled with a tent, supplies and baby gear and taking a little longer to set everything up, since they also have to keep a constant eye on their curious toddler. From the campfire to poison ivy to cliffs, camping can be dangerous.
When he’s outside, Wilson ignores his toys and instead digs in the dirt with sticks. And he loves to join his parents on hikes, especially from his perch on Mom or Dad’s back.
The family cooks all their meals at the campsite — typically breakfast burritos, sandwiches for lunch and pudgie pies or walking tacos for dinner. And after Wilson goes to bed, Becky and Brian relax by the campfire for a few hours.
Both hope time their spent camping together as a family is more than just fun for their son.
“We want to show him that it’s okay to be a minimalist,” Becky says. “You don’t need all of the stuff.”
“I hope he gains some appreciation for and the wonderment of nature,” Brian adds.
As for other families considering a camping trip, Brian says to go for it. Start with a trial run in your backyard, or find a campsite close to home.
“Just do it,” he says. “All it is is sleeping in a different location. The fun is the adventure.”