Readers of this column likely can deduce that camping is not my style. However Kampgrounds of America (KOA) lured me into their fold with the promise of a no hassle experience. They are evolving many of their 487 locations into KOA Resorts, KOA Journeys and KOA Holidays. I had to see if a camp phobic like me could actually enjoy a few nights in the woods.

This wasn’t “glamping” that nickname for glamorous camping, the cool trend where one can experience the great outdoors without sacrificing luxury. Glamping can be very upscale with a price to match. The KOA high end is much more affordable and family friendly while available to people like me with no gear and a fear of bugs. 

KOA, the world’s largest system of public campgrounds, now has deluxe cabins in some 334 places. These cabins feature a kitchen, comfortable beds, air-conditioning, in-door plumbing, a personal BBQ and fire pit. You can even have logs delivered to your door. I reasoned I could explore local farms and then dine on my purchases in situ. Perfect.

I picked the Barrie KOA right in the heart of good Ontario farmland. I was able to drive right up to my cabin so I wouldn’t say it was exactly in the woods. However those with tents did have the option to pitch beneath the pines. My abode had a queen bed, two bunkbeds and a pull out couch so could easily have accommodated a family of six (two nights on their rate mid-week early summer bargain was about $225). 

The Barrie KOA did tell me to bring linens and towels but I didn’t think about pillows, soap, facecloths and shampoo. I’m that much of a neophyte. All the more reason to embark on a shopping trip to the stores, farms and markets in the area with the help of Yelp and discovery maps. 

Nicholyn Farms was a real find. It was brimming with organic produce, an in-store bakery, all kinds of meats, local ice cream, handmade soaps, earth friendly lotions and more. In town I found the Barrie Farmers’ Market, the Local Food Marts Café which sources products from within 100 miles and Flying Monkey Craft Brewery which makes excellent if unconventional beer.

After a free sampling and tour I headed back with my stash of goodies to cook by fire. While sipping a cold one, I scanned the Saints and Sinners Bootleggers’ Run map to wineries, breweries and cideries in the area. With activities like this I could come to enjoy camping. (Okay – I admit my outdoor activity the next day was golfing at a course nearby instead of hiking in the woods but at least it was in fresh air.) www.koa.com

Campers and others who want to brush up their grilling skills, now have a place to go to learn from a pro. The Weber Grill Academy in Vaughan – the first of its kind in Canada – offers for $125 per person a three hour “edutainment” class headed by grill expert and media personality Chef Michael P. Clive. After a grill snack and beverage, the class dons aprons and works in teams to create dishes first demonstrated by Chef Clive. At the end they get to eat the fruits of their labour – Chef Clive helps out to make sure there are no burnt offerings. Any leftovers can be taken home. 

Guests also leave with an information package of recipes, grilling tips and tricks to help them along their way. Classes include a back to basics utilizing charcoal, ‘elevate the tailgate’ (smoked brisket and wings), ‘land and sea’ (beer can chicken, grilled mussels and roasted veggies), couples specials and more. 

It’s possible to book the entire Academy space for a private session and bring family, friends or business colleagues for a bonding experience over a hot grill. www.webergrillacademy.ca

Time to get smokin’ in the Great Outdoors.