no way could I come up with just one, but a favorite of mine is:

waking up in the morning, relishing in the quiet of the woods, peeking outside the tent to see the sunrise through the trees, knowing we have the whole day ahead of us to do whatever we want: swim, hike, sit around, WHATEVER.

Also: hearing owls and loons at night is also a huge favorite of mine, that's when I know I'm in the right place, right where I belong.

It's a good time to ask this question! I just got back from a great but wet and cold trip!

drinking my morning cup of coffee next to the fire with a fuzzy blanket wrapped around me

having a martini at night with friends around the fire

covering the fire with a tarp and sitting around the fire when it's raining!

visiting and talking with other campers

not paying any attention to how I look and wearing my oldest most worn out clothing

jumping in my boat or kayak and staying out to whenever

the freedom that my kids can have

finally reading that book

hearing the loons at night

seeing a moose, bear, skunk, raccoon, fox, owl, loon or eagle, sometimes seeing two of them at the same time! For example, the time when a mother moose and her calf walked out of the woods under a big branch where a great horned owl was perching!

my relaxed schedule and attitude

no phones, no tv, no computer, no doctor appointments, etc.

ALL OF THE ABOVE!!

I have been camping all my life and love it. Have done the Baja, Climbed Mt. Whitney, the desert, but nothing is better then a camping trip at the beach with a huge fire and those super hotdogs. You just can't beat it.

BeBeRose

The stars, bacon frying in the morning, snuggling in my sleeping bag at night with a good book - ok that was more than one but who can stick to one?

As a mom with a busy husband and two school age kids with agendas of their own, I have to say my favorite thing about camping is the opportunity for teachable moments.

A typical family going about its ordinary routine has these moments, but is often too busy to take advantage of them. While camping we spend more time together, really getting to know each other better. There's no TV or phone (okay, we do have those things, but only use sparingly), so we play cards or other games and talk a lot. Everyone helps with chores, and the kids are more willing because it's all different. They learn about nature, do things they've never done, meet new people.

You can almost sense the brain cells fattening and dividing in their little heads. :)

These are all great!
Since we CAN list more than one thing, how about...
That giant orange/yellow harvest moon setting on the horizon so big it looks like it's going to crash into the earth. When there are no city lights, it looks fantastic!

Also, meeting new friends camping...

BebeRose reminded me of one of the best-- Just a few weeks ago while camping at an oceanside state park-- sitting by the fire and hearing the waves crash and whiporwills (sp?) calling all around us at the same time.

Coffee and a fire at sunrise...while the girls sleep..

been camping with my DDs since the youngest was 4 and they still love it, they're 15 & 17 now.

Meeting interesting people. Spending time with my kids and grandkids. Great food. Setting up camp. Having a warm fire in the tent stove on a cold night. Hangin'out with the Misses. Those are about the tops out of a 1,000 other good ones.

Plain and simple - R & R.

Oh and escaping the brutal Phoenix temperatures.

I've not camped for a while but my favourite memories are

waking up in morning and hearing Currawongs in the trees.

the campsite shrouded in light mist, mixed with morning sun

That first cup of tea, followed by hot porridge.

Watching yabbies in clear creeks

Sitting around the campfire with new and old friends.

The slower pace with no deadlines, agenda or schedule. We live a hectic life.

Meeting other campers.

Morning sounds and smells.

And believe it or not, I love washing dishes by hand when I'm camping. I don't know why. I find it very therapeutic and relaxing. Don't like it at home, however!

Seeing the stars at night...ALL of them!

Great post Jerry.
Sitting by the fire on a cool fall night with a sweat shirt on, love it. Listening to all the sounds of nature and staring into the fire mesmorized. Waking up to a chill and going for a long walk along the lake. Snuggling deep into the sleeping bag in the tent by the lake listening to the frogs or whatever else is out there. Spending time with family or friends. Waking up to a breathe taking view of fresh snow. Love it!!