I seem to camp about once a month, usually leading a Boy Scout group. We camp year round, which gets a little chilly in winter here in New England, but, the colder it gets, the more the boys seem to enjoy it. (It is harder to recruit the adult leaders for the trips in winter though...)

We probably do about 50% camping with too much gear (back of the truck/van etc...) , and 50% hiking/backpacking or canoeing and camping on a river or lake. The amount of gear we bring on the backpacking trips is significantly reduced, but, we don't seem to miss it that much. The boys get to figure out what's really important when they have to hump it on their back for a few days.

Once a year, we teach "Wilderness Survival" merit badge. I really enjoy that weekend. One thing that we have them do is hike about 5 miles from the base camp, with just their day hiking essentials. They then have to build their own primative shelter, bedding, etc, and spend the night alone. It's funny how some boys can do it, and sleep like a log, and others will spend most of the night awake. For either scenario, they always come back really proud of what they did.

If you've never spent a night out, with nothing but what's in your pockets, you're missing a great experience.