It feels like it'll never get warm in Western New York.  But before you know it we will be packing vehicles for camping trips.  Check out these places first!

Summer will be here before you know it.  There's a good chance that you're already starting to make plans for summer weekends camping around a fire out in the woods. If you're an outdoor person - you like to fish and hunt, or just camp for a weekend or two, you want to make sure you've got some of the best gear possible.  There's nothing worse than going camping and not having the stuff you need. So where do you go to get it?

We all know about the big box stores that are around where you can get stuff like that.  We know about Gander Mountain, Cabela's and Dick's, and even most of the RV stores will have what you need.  But where do you go when you're hoping to support small businesses in Western New York?

Some of these places are meant more for people who like to fish.  Others are meant for people who like to kayak and be out on the water.  But they're all local businesses with families that need to be fed and they're working hard to make sure their customers are happy.

I'm certainly not saying that you shouldn't go to those big box stores.  They have almost literally everything that you need and there are local people that work in those stores too who need jobs.  All I'm saying is to check these small businesses first.  You never know, they might even be able to order the things that you need!

Best Camping Supply Stores in Western New York

Gallery Credit: Brett Alan

Must Have Items For Camping With Kids

Gallery Credit: Clay Moden

WNY Activities You Can Do Outside Even When It's Freezing

More From The New 96.1 WTSS