Yes. My wife and I went camping in the Mojave desert a couple of years ago, where we were isolated enough that we actually had to worry about having enough petrol to get to the next gas station some times. I can thoroughly recommend it. Although I do love startup life, I'm very much looking forward to having the freedom to do this again one day.
You can't bring much when you have to be able to portage all your gear and don't want to make 2 trips. It is really great getting away from it all and enjoying the slow life without SMS and RSS.
For shorter getaways, bike riding is great. I went out for 5 hours yesterday, and rode around the 'Colli Berici', enjoying myself thoroughly (Italy in the spring is that gorgeous). It's a nice way to get away from other people for a bit, too, without having to actually go deep into the woods, although you can do that too with a mountain bike.
I agree. Personally my most rewarding wilderness adventures were Torres Del Paine, Chile and Denali National Park, Alaska. I think part of this is that even when I'm disconnecting and taking a break, I like to push myself. Make it interesting... It doesn't have to be just a relaxing week or weekend camping. After accomplishing a big goal (hiking, backpacking, climbing etc) it's rewarding and I promise you'll get your mind off your job. You'll come out of it reinvigorated.
To all of you that haven't camped or backpacked before, there is only one way to learn. Start doing it.
Near Lake Tahoe or Big Bear most of the time. Usually mountains though. I just drive around until I find a place that seems remote. I leave the car parked near the road (hidden if possible) and hike out until I find a place I like to setup the tent.
