I don't do any actual back country camping (the wife likes our trailer complete with AC and Heat, range, microwave, and bathroom including heated mattresses, lol...and has been getting me spoiled to the same). However, when I am in Deep Creek Lake State Park, Swallow Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park, or other area frequented by bears, I simply carry a can of quality bear repellent. I usually just keep it handy in the camper, but also sometimes carry it in a holster while hiking. FWIW, I've never been bothered by bears any of these places, but have been there when others have been. By far the problem was most often caused by keeping food in a tent. About 5 years or so ago, while I was camping at Deep Creek Lake State Park a tent camper had a cooler taken by a bear one night (the camper left it right outside the tent and it's better than a pic'a'nic basket, Boo, Boo). Then the next DAY it returned while the campers were gone and tore the tent apart because they also left snacks and candy in the tent. Deep Creek has tried to resolve this problem by providing bear-proof storage on each campsite and using aversion such as rubber 00 buck to chase the bears off. In back country camping, you would obviously want to store food in a tree away from your tent, but a can of Bear spray might be your friend.
Canoeing is the best reason for camping. I know how to canoe because of a bonding attempt with my father. Great fun if you don't hit too many rocks or hear banjos. 
