Canvas: Camping in the Backcountry
Signs in the backcountry indicate the increase in people camping
Keene cooking food at a campfire
The years between 1880 and 1930 are described by some as the Golden Age of Camping. Naturalist John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt helped to popularize camping during this time, making it mainstream.
Peter Fish, Editor-at-Large for Sunset magazine, says they encouraged Americans “to get out into the wilderness for the preservation of their sanity and their souls.”
With the increase in population, and the advent of the car, more people were entering the backcountry in Ventura County. And while camping was rustic, there were still many comforts close to what today's car campers enjoy. Makeshift kitchens were erected with wooden tables and cast iron skillets, as well as shade tents.
Family camping was made comfortable with the right equipment
Sturdy canvas tents were erected and wooden tables and chairs were transported to the backcountry to set up camp.
Camping on the beach was also popular during this era
Pine Mountain lodge