Little Presque Isle Cabins will be the hosting site for Lauren Ross’ “Winter Camping and Photo Adventure” from Saturday to Monday. People can bring their favorite books but also hiking boots and snowshoes, because there will be a ton of snow activity from hiking around the area to being on the lookout for the Northern Lights. (Journal photo by Jackie Jahfetson)

MARQUETTE — Camping in the Upper Peninsula — whether it be in a cabin, camper or traditional tent — is a way to reconnect with nature. When you step into the deep, mysterious woods, you suddenly pick up a stream of sounds. A creek lushes around the bend. Ghost-like noises of deer passing by crackle the leaves and sticks on the ground. Howling from far beyond startles your peace and quiet. Now imagine yourself hiking out in the dead of winter and being surrounded by tall pillars of fluffy snow and a numbing temperature biting your snug, toasty cheeks.

What hundreds do all summer long, only a couple of dozen dare the blizzard currents for a cold, yet enjoyable experience.

Among the avid outdoors folk, Lauren Ross will host a “Winter Camping and Photo Adventure” from Saturday to Monday at Little Presque Isle State Park to encourage winter appreciation and allow people a chance to snap some naturalistic photos while taking in the fresh, cold air.

“I don’t think that winter camping is for everyone, and so I won’t say necessarily that all people should do it. This is something that I decided to try because I enjoy being outdoors. And also because we live in a place that experiences a change in the seasons,” Ross said. “Although I grew up dreading winter, I have more recently come to the realization that it is more about our attitude toward the winter that makes it so miserable. If you go about your life the same way during the winter as you do the summer, it’s not nearly so bad.”

This event was created as a way to get like-minded individuals together and escape from reality, Ross said.

Ross began hosting these winter adventures in the U.P. over 10 years ago and she used to stay in hotels. But when she began venturing in more remote locations to seek out night sky photography opportunities, hotels were more difficult to come by and so, Ross started sleeping in her car, she said, adding, when people expressed interest in her winter camping trips, she then went on to publicizing her adventures.

Last year, Ross brought a group of friends winter camping to the Hartwick Pines State Park near Grayling where they snowshoed and slept in hammocks which was an “interesting challenge,” Ross added.

“State parks are much more enjoyable for me in the winter, because there are far fewer people visiting them, and you get a more authentic nature experience,” she said.

Park Supervisor Deb Gill, who oversees Van Riper State Park, Little Presque State Park, Craig Lake and Blueberry Ridge, mentioned that people looking to winter camp this season should educate themselves with the area and be prepared for all kinds of weather. Necessities such as water, lint, timber, a pack of matches or something to ignite a fire are a must when exploring the winter wilderness. Having those items and being knowledgable on your surroundings will make a successful trip, Gill said.

“It’s a peaceful serenity in the woods. When you go out and camp, winds die down in the winter time and you hear things you wouldn’t normally hear,” Gill said. “It’s dead quiet. It’s really nice.”

For people who’ve never winter camped before, online resources such as survival-like tutorial videos can come in handy when preparing so you can learn from people who have documented their experiences, Ross continued. It’s also important to start slow, go out with a group the first time so you’re not alone, she said.

“It’s a process, and the more you do it, the more you learn,” she said. “There are many outdoor activities in addition to camping in the winter, and so I would say that people should find one that appeals to them, and do that.”

For people looking to hike out and camp in a tent, it’s important to know where you can park because most of the roads are not plowed in campground and it can be a trek to your destination, Park Ranger Scott Berry of Pictured Rocks National Park said. Not only should you be suited with proper winter gear, sleeping pad and bag, but it’s important to stay hydrated and eat high-protein foods, Berry said.

Though only about a dozen camp in January and slightly over 20 in February around PRNP, people do it for the experience, Berry added.

“(There’s) no bugs,” he said with a chuckle. “If you’re going to winter camp, you got to love the snow (because) obviously, it takes a lot of time and energy (to hike through).”

For a full itinerary of Ross’ public excursion, visit the Winter Camping and Photo Adventure Facebook page or email Ross at LRPhoto4@gmail.com.

Jackie Jahfetson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248.