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St. Marys River

Simple Living: The Labor Day Camp Flow

September 18, 2025 · Last updated: July 10, 2026
Simple Living: The Labor Day Camp Flow

Not every river trip needs to be high-stakes — this Labor Day weekend on the St. Marys was built around simple, low-key living: organized camp systems, relaxed catfishing sessions, and straightforward meals cooked riverside.

"Not every trip has to be extreme to be meaningful."

As our Labor Day weekend in South Georgia continued, we stayed locked into the calm rhythm of the river. This leg of the journey was about moving away from the "performance" of high-stakes survival and leaning into the restorative power of simple outdoor living.

The Holiday Campsite FlowMaintaining a functional campsite is the difference between a relaxing holiday and a weekend of work.

  • Gear Organization: Keeping a functional campsite means having a designated spot for everything, ensuring the site stays organized even as the days progress.
  • Functional Comfort: We prioritized systems that allow for comfort and ease, making sure the environment remains restorative rather than draining.

    • Catfishing Strategy: Sessions & SetupOur catfishing sessions were as much about the process as they were about the catch.

  • The Strategy: We used a relaxed approach, setting up specific sessions that allowed us to enjoy the water for fun.
  • The Setup: Multiple rods were positioned to work the deep bends of the blackwater, letting the current do the work while we focused on camp life.

    • Meals That RestoreSimple camp cooking is the heart of any holiday weekend. We focused on satisfying, straightforward meals that don't require a commercial kitchen to pull off. There is a specific kind of satisfaction that comes from a meal prepared and eaten right on the riverbank after a long day of catfishing.

  • Campsite Flow: Establish a gear organization system on day one to prevent "gear creep" during multi-day stays.
  • Fishing Strategy: Use stationary catfishing setups to maintain a "relaxed pace" while still being productive on the water.
  • Restoration: Prioritize low-stress activities to maximize the mental benefits of a holiday weekend.
  • Community: Building a global community of rugged, practical outdoorsmen.

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    What's the catfishing approach on this trip?

    A relaxed, low-pressure setup — multiple rods positioned to work the deep bends of the blackwater while the current does the work, rather than active, high-intensity fishing.

    How does BWJ keep a multi-day campsite organized?

    By giving every piece of gear a designated spot from day one, which keeps the site functional even as a multi-day stay goes on.

    What's the overall approach to a Labor Day weekend trip like this?

    Prioritizing comfort and restoration over performance — moving at a relaxed pace rather than treating the trip as a high-stakes challenge.