Why are you interested in building a camp, cottage, or cabin? Probably it started with some memorable summers in your own childhood.

I can remember a summer at Ontario Bay—or was it that vacation on Tallon Lake in Canada that made such a big impression? Perhaps my own interest was heightened when our children experienced pleasant summers at Lake George and on the St. Lawrence River.

It isn't important how it started. But the fact that you and I have experienced a valuable contribution to our lives, made possible by camp life, is one reason why you want to build your own retreat.

In this book I have tried to make it possible for you to build a camp that is inexpensive and will meet the requirements of summer living. The book has been arranged so that you can select the cottage that appeals to you and then, by studying the more technical sections, be able to construct the shelter.

Another section of this book is devoted to cottages that are already built. Designs by some of this country's and Canada's best-known architects are included. You will find ideas in these designs that you may want to incorporate in your own cottage.

Nearly every locality is represented. You'll find camps near the ocean, lakes, and rivers. Some aren't near any body of water.

In the more technical sections on general construction, lighting, and plumbing, I have tried to select one easy way of doing the work. It is never the only way that it can be done.

Custom and your own experience will help you to decide how you will want to do the job.

The special detail section of this book will be helpful to you whether you already own a cottage or not.