'You'll never regret what you find': Families continue Memorial Day weekend outdoor traditions

BELGIUM, Wis. (CBS 58) -- In addition to being Memorial Day, Monday also marked Wisconsin's 175th birthday. Across the state, families took part in the classic Wisconsin pastime of camping.

Ann and Richard Karman joined their children in continuing the family's Memorial Day weekend tradition of camping out at Harrington Beach State Park, which covers the Lake Michigan shoreline east of Belgium.

The retired Manitowoc couple said they've camped in 37 different states, but few occasions were more special than these family reunions, where a love of camping is something the Karmans passed down from one generation to the next.

"The kids got their own tents and families, so everybody got together," Richard Karman said.

"Well, years ago, we used to go to Mirror Lake at the Dells," Ann interjected. "And found out this [park] is a little quieter."

The Karmans are far from unique in their love of camping. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, there are more than 6,000 campsites across the state park system.

The Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners includes more than 200 privately owned campsites in each corner of the state. Lori Severson, president of the organization, said 87% of the campground owners reported being fully booked this weekend.

"Many times, first timers start on this weekend and come to love the camping adventure," Severson said in an email. "The most popular reasons to camp include sitting around the fire with loved ones and sharing the experience we all had growing up with our parents camping."

Tom Procknow was also camping with relatives at Harrington Beach State Park. He said his family's Memorial Day weekend tradition is either going to the Indianapolis 500 or camping. This year, Procknow said it was the latter because that meant more time with the grandkids.

Procknow added he was passionate about passing down a love for camping because he worried too many young people were losing touch with nature.

"Kind of the Wisconsin legacy is camping," he said. "And I see more and more that kids are just, 'I'm gonna sit and play video games.' Get outside, and you'll never regret what you find out here."

Those who've made camping an annual or near-annual tradition were especially grateful to have three straight days of sunshine and pleasant temperatures, knowing that's never something one can count on in Wisconsin.

"No rain or anything," Richard Karman said. "The weather's been excellent, which is unusual because normally, we run into some crazy weather, but it's never stopped us."

Of course, many others spent Monday remembering the true reason for the holiday weekend. Just down the Lake Michigan shoreline in Port Washington, the picnic tables outside the American Legion post were packed with families and friends following a Memorial Day ceremony across the street at Veterans Park.

"To me, it's mostly about remembering and honoring the country, and respecting them too," Jennie Rojas said. "Especially those veterans over there."

Rojas gestured toward a group of veterans that included family friend Bruce Staton, who served in Operation Desert Storm during his 13 years in the U.S. Army.

Staton said he did not truly appreciate the solemn nature of Memorial Day until he joined the honor guard at his American Legion post, where he takes part in flag folding ceremonies during funerals.

"Memorial Day means a lot more to me now because I know exactly what it's all about," he said.

Whether they spent Memorial Day at a ceremony or in a state park, people across Wisconsin were happy to bask in the sunshine next to people they love.

"We hope we can continue [the camping trips.] It's been fun," Ann Karman said.

"As long as we can get around," Richard quickly added. "I mean that's the main thing. So far, it's worked out."