Camping in Massachusetts in May is like New England itself-a lesson in extremes.  As I write this I am sitting in a practically vacant state forest wearing my favorite winter hat and cutoff shorts.  And having one.hell.of.a.time. 

For all you snappy campers out there who can think of a zillion reason NOT to venture out so early in the season I'm going to give you five reasons you should:

Bring the noise, NOT-Camping at this time, especially Monday-Friday means you will have the place practically to yourself.  No listening to your neighbors argue, their crappy taste in music or private bodily functions.

Mo' Money-Most private campgrounds charge the lower, off-season rate until early or mid-June.  That translates to more duckets in your pocket that you can use to buy awesome camping gear.  Or beer.  It's all good.

Go the the front of the line-Actually there isn't one.  Unless you're arriving by air or by sea, Cape Cod has one way in and one way out.  It's called Route 6 and it has exactly 2 lanes.  Which can be a less than ideal way to begin or end your vacation at the height of the season (to say the least).  Other places you won't find a line while camping in May: the entrance to the campground, the beach and, most importantly, the bathroom.

One less trip to the store-The weather might be a little bit nippy, but this is good news for your camping refrigerator (also known as 'the cooler').  Summer camping means a minimum of two ice refills a day (otherwise you're playing 'catch me if you can' with at least 2 strains of food poisoning).  May camping pretty much means one and done.  For the entire trip.

Less Ranger Danger-The lack of other campers' noise means you can serve a double helping of your own.  Think of it as DIY quiet hours.

Besides, with a few extras blankets (last night I used 4) and an awesome Coleman tent heater (and maybe just a little sex with a shark ), you won't even feel the chill in the air.  But you will feel the freedom.