Campgrounds - Pitstops for Kids

A rustic cabin stay at Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

September 7, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

A state park stay can be a great way to safely travel with the family during COVID-19. For up-to-date information on park closures and updates in Oregon, check here.

Located approximately 25 miles east of Salem, Oregon off Highway 22, Silver Falls State Park is the largest in Oregon. With each site tucked away under the canopy of the temperate rain forest, however, you’d never know it. Silver Falls is easy to get to off I-5, but feels a million miles away from the adjacent farmland and towns.

Silver Falls offers traditional tent and RV camping loops, as well as rustic cabins (similar in amenities to Oregon State Parks’ rustic yurts). Group lodging is available in their conference facilities. We stayed in rustic cabin #10, and highly recommend it for optimal seclusion.

The rustic cabins:

Each cabin in the cabin loop (separated from the tent/RV loop by a covered pedestrian bridge) has plenty of space, but #8, 9, and 10 especially are set apart from the others. In fact, you are required to park about 20-50 yards away (depending upon cabin) and cart your supplies in by provided wheelbarrow (which the kids thought was half the fun).

Each cabin has two basic rooms: a front room with a table and four chairs and a futon that converts to a double bed, and a back room with a built-in bunk-bed and additional double bed. The cabins have electricity and heaters, but no bathrooms or running water. Bathrooms with hot showers are a short walk away (and exclusive for the cabin loop) and running water is within yards of each cabin at outdoor faucets. Cabins also have porches of varying size (the ones right on the loop have larger ones, whereas #8-10 have smaller ones) and fire pits and picnic tables.

No cooking is allowed in the cabins, but BBQs can be set up outside, and we simply used our camping cookstove at the picnic table. You’ll want a cooler with ice for perishables, as there is no mini-fridge. Right behind Cabin #10 is a short woodland trail leading directly to the banks of Silver Creek, which makes for lots of fun exploring for kids while parents are relaxing (or more likely, unpacking).

Tip: Stay on the trails, because poison oak is abundant! If you have young children, be aware that though hidden behind trees and vegetation, the road leading to South Falls is quite close to the cabins. Adventurous children could wander there.

Things to do in the state park:

In addition to area road biking and fishing, Silver Falls is a hiking mecca. You’ll want to reserve at least a half day, if not a whole day to exploring the Trail of 10 Falls, the trailhead of which is located past the day lodge in the day use parking area. This is a challenging loop of, you guessed it, 10 waterfalls, and these aren’t just minor rapids, either. Four of the ten are large enough that the trail arcs behind them, for hikers to get a behind-the-scenes view, and all are spectacular.

The entire loop is 8.7 miles, but you don’t have to commit to that length. The first waterfall, South Falls, is within yards of the trail entrance, and on a paved walkway. After peeking behind it, hikers will find the Canyon Trail (Trail of 10 Falls) which will take you another 3/4 of a mile or so along the lush canyon floor beside Silver Creek to Lower South Falls, which is also definitely worth seeing. From there, continue on the Canyon Trail another mile to North Falls (and beyond) or look for the Maple Ridge Trail 1/3 of a mile beyond Lower South Falls for a short-cut back to the trailhead (and parking lot). The Maple Ridge Trail starts out with some tough switchbacks, but evens out on the ridge to make an easy jaunt back. (If you go this route, your entire hike is just over 2 miles, and you see two major falls.)

Near the trailhead, there’s ample picnic grounds, as well as a swimming area. The highs were only in the low 70s during our visit, so we didn’t swim, but this section of Silver Creek is deep and still, and there’s a nice grass area surrounding it.

And yes, the area has some wildlife worth watching too. There are warnings about the bears and mountain lions in the park, so with the kids, consider going nearby and preferably during the day. For a night safari, ensure professionals accompany you. On the fun side, carry your thermal binoculars along. Thermal imaging has many limitations, so the binocular may not give you the best picture, but cats barely come out in the daylight- don’t miss them.

Distance from the interstate:

25 miles from I-5

Cabin and camping rates:

Cabins are approximately $45/night in peak season. A campsite is as low at $15.

Dining options:

There are a few small towns near Silver Falls, and the lodge at South Falls offers limited cafe hours, but in general, you’ll want to pack your own food in.

Directions:

From I-5, take Highway 22 east from Salem, Oregon. Follow signs to Silver Falls State Park.

Top kid-friendly campgrounds in New York state

July 29, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re thinking about taking a camping trip with the kids, New York might not be the first destination that comes to mind. While it’s true the Empire State is known for big lights and its big city; there are a surprising number of campgrounds in New York that can be perfect for you and the kids. Read on about campgrounds in New York State that offer fun, excitement, and adventure while catering to kids of all ages.

Kid-Friendly Campgrounds in Upstate New York

Campgrounds in New York state abound! The Upstate region of New York State offers a slew of breathtaking views and a ton of delights for kids. Here are a few camping destinations that satisfy every need, including amenities for children.

Woods at Bear Creek: If rustic isn’t your family’s style, then this campsite can offer you all the essentials you need for a more upscale kid-friendly camping adventure. This destination might be a great way to ease the kids into ‘roughing it’ because they can enjoy a glamping trip that affords creature comforts while still enjoying the great outdoors. Woods at Bear Creek cabins are fully furnished, equipped with towels, linens, and satellite TV. They also have great enticements such as games, two swimming pools, and fire pits for you and the kids to toast marshmallows.

Adirondacks Jellystone Park: A kid-friendly camping spot and beloved for its association with Yogi Bear and his sidekick Boo Boo, Jellystone Park in the Adirondacks is a welcoming destination for the whole family. This is a must-visit destination because it offers a myriad of accommodations. From deluxe yurts, treehouses, RV Rentals, or old-school sites for tents, Jellystone can provide you the carefree, kid-centric vacation you’re craving.

Family Fun Campsites Near NYC

Relish the best of both worlds by sharing the glories of city life with your child while also enjoying the great outdoors. Here are a few incredible campgrounds close to New York City that accommodate nature-loving kids’ needs yet are still close enough to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Newburgh KOA Holiday Campsite: This KOA location is just over an hour’s drive from NYC and boasts ample opportunities for the kids. The grounds abound with nature trails that any child would relish while catching butterflies or spotting deer. It accommodates RVs and tents as well as kid-friendly cabin rentals. It also provides many perks for you and the fam, including fishing, mini-golf, swimming, biking, and more.

Parks in NYC: If you’re looking to take the whole family for a city adventure but still want to commune with nature, think about exploring the New York City park system. Savor the metropolis under the stars with special camping events featured each year in the Big Apple. The city offers family-friendly camping functions in the parks, such as fireside sing-alongs and s’more fests. Children are welcome, so expect to enjoy the pleasures of NY camping while never having to leave the big city.

Kid-Friendly Campgrounds in Western NY

Western New York is a wonderland for campers and kids who love to romp in the woods any time of year. Whether you’re looking for camping RV style, glamping, or going rogue, this region of New York has plenty of opportunities for you and the kids to make grand camping memories together.

Triple R Camping Resort: While it definitely has resort status and caters to kids, the Triple R also has many retro camping opportunities available for the whole family. At this hot spot in Franklinville, NY, you have many options ranging from rustic to deluxe. They provide fully furnished cabins as well as permit hardcore camping tent-style. Additionally, they make things easy, so all you have to do is break out the just add water pancake mix, spark up the campfire, and enjoy breakfast with the whole troupe in the glow of a smashing sunrise.

Hidden Valley Camping Area: With an in-ground pool, kid-friendly camping store, playground, and live music, this is an ideal spot for your New York camping trip excursion. Hidden Valley in Jamestown provides many amenities that fit the unique needs of parents traveling with children, including fun events and tons of activities. It’s also closely located the Chautauqua Institution, which hosts a load of recreational venues such as nature appreciation lectures, craft-making, interfaith programs, and other delightful opportunities that will keep you and the kids engaged in heaps of fun.

Top kid-friendly campgrounds in New York state.

If you’re searching for the perfect travel destination that welcomes kids and has a wealth of enjoyable potential, then look no further than New York. From city-camping to sprawling glamp-style camping in Upstate NY or rustic tenting and RV rentals, you and your kids have incredible options when you visit this area for ultimate campground awesomeness.

Two days in Joshua Tree National Park and Indian Cove Campground with Kids

July 3, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Joshua Tree National Park is a gem! With a higher elevation than our other favorite desert camping location, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree offers a desert experience with more vegetation, wildflowers, and of course, Joshua Tree’s fabled rock climbing boulders. You don’t have to be rock climbers to enjoy it, though you’ll see plenty of that ilk. Our kids absolutely loved the freedom of scrambling and bouldering to their heart’s content directly from trails and campgrounds. Here’s how to do Joshua Tree National Park with kids!

Joshua Tree is definitely worthy of a day trip from Palm Springs, but we highly recommend making two days of it (either driving in or camping). Hiking in the park is not strenuous (almost all hikes are 3 miles or less), and for the non-hikers, there’s plenty of wildflower and cacti viewing, birding, and rock climber-watching (yes, I just made that a word). Here’s what not to miss with a few days in the park:

Split Rock nature trail:

Located a few miles past the North Entrance to the park, Split Rock is often overlooked by visitors, making it almost empty during our peak season visit. (If you’re unsure where to go, ask a ranger at the Oasis Visitor Center, which should be your first stop, anyway. Split Rock is a two mile loop that takes you through yucca, Joshua Trees, and most importantly, amid towering boulders. We stopped often to let the kids climb, but whether you want to keep it a traditional hike it up to you, of course. Hikers often spot mountain goats here, though our wildlife spotting was limited to lizards, ravens, and rock climbers.

Hidden Valley:

Hidden Valley is a mecca for rock climbers (and it’s fun to watch them here), but is also a great place for kids to scramble and explore. There’s a 1 mile nature trail loop that shows the natural bowl where cattle wrestlers brought stolen cattle to hide them, but kids will be more interested in jumping from rock to rock. This area gets crowded, but there’s room to spread out and most visitors don’t go further than the first quarter mile (in our experience).

49 Palms Oasis:

When you’re ready for a trail that doesn’t involve scrambling and bouldering, try the strenuous 49 Palm Oasis loop. It takes hikers up and down canyon ridges to a very welcome palm tree oasis deep in the canyon. The actual oasis area is off-limits due to restoration, but it’s fun to count the palms (we counted 46, so there probably are 49 in actuality), sit in the shade, and check out the green vegetation around the spring. Hike this one in the morning, as there’s little shade.

Where to stay:

Joshua Tree has no fewer than nine campgrounds, as well as motel-style lodging in the towns of 29 Palms and Joshua Tree. We highly recommend camping in Joshua Tree to get the full experience of this spectacular park. There are few things to note about the campgrounds: of all nine, only Black Rock and Cottonwood offer running water and flush toilets. The remainder offer no services except pit toilets. The only reservable campgrounds are Blackrock and Indian Cove.

We stayed two nights in Indian Cove Campground, and loved the experience. Every campsite is adjacent to Joshua Tree’s famous boulders, and the entire campground is located in a beautiful rock canyon. We stayed in site 90 which is located at the very end of the campground, and considered it as ideal as it gets for a car camping experience. We had no immediate neighbors, and had wilderness surrounding us. We had room for two tents—one quite large—which is not the case with every site.

Tip: If you have a large tent or want to set up two tents, call the ranger station and ask about the particular site you reserved. Pack accordingly! For family groups wanting two adjacent sites, we recommend 63-64 or 99-100. And if you really want some isolation from other campers, consider reserving two sites even for a small group. They’re only $15/night!

When to go:

Due to its higher elevation, Joshua Tree is bearable further into the warm weather months than other desert parks (such as Death Valley), but you’ll still want to visit between March and May for the best weather. At the time of our March visit, temperatures reached the 80s in the day, and the 40s at night.

Tip: for more information about Joshua Tree, check out this guide from Live Once Live Wild.

Directions:

Joshua Tree National Park lies 140 miles east of Los Angeles, 175 miles northeast of San Diego, and 215 miles southwest of Las Vegas. You can approach it from Interstate 10 and Hwy 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway).

The way to see Grand Teton National Park with kids: OARS Jackson Lake 2-Day Trip

June 28, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

When I knew my family and I would be spending time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park, I immediately looked for an OARS trip to take in the area. After our five-day Rogue River rafting trip with OARS, it was the easy choice. OARS is just that good at what they do.

I’ve already talked about what sets OARS apart. In a nutshell, the guides are professionals but also become friends, the service and food is phenomenal, and the overall experience ensures a stress-free, family-bonding time for everyone. Check it out:

OARS’ 2-day Jackson Lake kayak trip departs and returns to and from Signal Mountain boat dock on Jackson Lake, in the heart of Grand Teton National Park (you’ll need to pay the $20 park fee to get there).

Day 1:

Day 1 takes families across open water to lunch at Marie Island, then approximately five more miles across to Grassy Island, in the shadow of Mount Moran. OARS is the only concessionaire with a permit to camp on Jackson Lake, ensuring we were all alone, within a hairsbreath of the Teton range. We arrived and set up camp around 4:30 pm, leaving plenty of time to splash in the water, read a book, or play a card game before appetizers. Yes, appetizers.

Dinner consisted of hearty burritos with fresh, homemade salsa (the veggies and herbs chopped up in front of us). For dessert…birthday brownie: one of the two six-year-olds on our trip was celebrating his big day. We camped under the stars (in OARS’ supplied tents), and a campfire with our fellow kayakers.

Day 2:

On Day 2, it’s all about exploring the Tetons from the vantage point of the water and trails. We broke camp after a leisurely breakfast of French toast and bacon, and hit the water around 10 am. We paddled to Bearpaw Bay, where we caught the trail to Bearpaw Lake and Leigh Lake. This two-mile hike doesn’t include much elevation gain, which meant even the youngest in our group could navigate it, while the rest of us still found it to be a decent length.

After a swim in Leigh with a picnic lunch, we paddled on to Spalding camp, on the mainland overlooking the Tetons. Once again, our campsite was our own, thanks to OARS’ exclusivity. We BBQed burgers for dinner (and when I say ‘we’, I mean our amazing OARS crew) and settled in for riddles and games of Uno around the campfire.

Day 3:

We broke camp on Day 3 around 9 am, and paddled at a leisurely pace back to the boat dock, none of us anxious to arrive! I asked my kids: how does the kayak trip compare with an OARS whitewater rafting trip? Calvin (age 13) said the two simply couldn’t be compared, but loved both. Before our kayak adventure, he feared the trip would be too tame, with perhaps too much downtime. We found this to be untrue. While a whitewater trip packs more adrenaline-inducing excitement, the kayak trip requires more muscle and includes just as much sightseeing. On both trips, we had stellar guides (shout out to Nate, Marcus, and Max this time around!).

Things to know before you go:

On any OARS trip, it’s very important to have the right clothing and gear. The weather is all over the map in the Tetons, so bring layers. If you follow the packing list, you’ll be fine. We were especially glad to have long underwear for night, and light gloves and hats for brisk mornings. OARS supplied us with splash jackets (like rain jackets) for use in the kayaks, and tents. When you book a trip, you have the option of bringing your own sleep kit, or renting one of theirs. Our recommendation: bring your own sleeping bag if you have one rated to 20 degrees, but opt to rent their sleeping pads. They’re thick and puffy, and you’ll be glad you did!

On our previous OARS trip, beer, wine, and soda were included. On this trip, soda was available, but beer and wine was BYO. If you hand over your wine and beer to the crew, they’ll keep it chilled for you! We all shared during the trip, which was a nice touch.

Bring a few small games or other entertainment for camp time. We like to bring a deck of cards and books or Kindles. Leave iPods or gaming devices at home or in the car. We had cell service for most of the trip, but without anywhere to charge phones, it was easier to leave those in the car as well.

In short, OARS is able to access a part of Jackson Lake and Grand Teton you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see, and show it to you in a way that allows for family togetherness, relaxation, and carefree fun. Pair it with 2-3 additional nights in the park or adjacent Yellowstone National Park, and know you’ll be in good hands!

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced this OARS trip as guests of the company, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Pros and cons of private campgrounds: alternatives to state and national parks

May 4, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

At Pit Stops for Kids, we love state parks and national parks for overnight camping and family outdoor adventure. But those campgrounds fill up fast during the peak summer season, and sometimes, they’re not ideal for RV camping families. If you need last-minute reservations or camping sites for larger RVs, check out the following private family campground resorts, all of which have locations across the U.S.

Tip: The following campgrounds fill up fast during the peak summer season, and sometimes, they’re not ideal for RV camping families. If you need last-minute reservations or camping sites for larger RVs, make sure you have all the necessary camping essentials, and check out the following private family campground resorts, all of which have locations across the U.S.

Thousand Trails:

Thousand Trails is unique in that it’s a club: for one annual membership, families can camp in unlimited family campgrounds across America. There are several levels of membership, and families who frequently RV camp in specific regions (what Thousand Trails calls ‘zones’) of the country report that they save planning time and quite a bit of money. Like most private family campgrounds, Thousand Trails offers more than just campsites: families have access to camp stores, laundry facilities, pools, and recreation like putt-putt golf or go-karts, depending on the resort. Most Thousand Trails properties are near tourist destinations, and there’s a wide variety especially around the Great Lakes region and coastal California.

Sun RV Resorts:

Like Thousand Trails, Sun RV Resorts are located across the U.S. with a high concentration in the midwest. Properties range from Wisconsin to Florida, and most everywhere in-between. With an emphasis on longer stays, some Sun RV Resorts even boast sports leagues to join. If you’re not an RV camper, there are a few properties with cabins to rent for the night or the week. Sun RV Resorts has some of the most competitive pricing for large, pull-through RV slots.

KOA Kampgrounds of America:

KOA has had it’s ups and downs in our personal experience: we’ve had great stays and lousy stays. What makes all the difference? The property. Since KOAs are individually owned, it’s hard to recommend the brand across the board: we recommend checking individual campground listings on family travel review sites like Trekaroo. We’ve personally had a great time renting KOA’s Kamping Kabins (ignore the annoying purposeful misspelling, if you will). With comfortable beds, tables, heaters, and electricity, these cabins are a good alternative to RV camping or even a motel room. Most KOAs have pools and other on-site recreation to entertain kids, and while many area near tourist attractions, and equal number are convenient to major freeways, making them good road trip pit stops.

Photo credit: Grand Canyon NPS

Glamping on the Oregon coast at Bay Point Landing

October 29, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

Located in Coos Bay, Oregon, Bay Point Landing offers safe and affordable glamping on the Oregon coast. You can see their safety and sanitation measures here.

Glamping on the Oregon Coast: full review of Bay Point Landing in Coos Bay.

What elevates this luxury RV resort to ‘glamping’ status: its Airstream and cabin rentals, amenities, and location.

Located ight on the bay on the Southern Oregon ‘adventure’ coast, Bay Point Landing features a short section of sandy beach (stroll-worthy, not swim-worthy), grasslands and estuary, and bay. Wildlife is plentiful if you sit awhile at your fire pit and take in the views. You’re five minutes from Coos Bay and 25 minutes from Bandon.

Accommodations:

You can bring your own motorhome or RV and utilize their upscale slips, which include plenty of pull-through spaces and very nice fire rings and picnic tables. Or, you can enjoy glamping on the Oregon coast in one of their 14 Airstreams or 22 Scandinavian-style cabins.

We opted for an Airstream experience, and settled into our 2018 International with queen bed, water views, beach access, and deck chairs. The kitchenette came with just about everything we needed, including all pots and pans, dishes, silverware, and salt and pepper. There is no full oven, but you get a stove top with three burners, a fridge and freezer, microwave, electric kettle, pour-over coffee maker, and toaster.

We cooked up pasta and tossed a salad for our first night, then opted to explore the culinary offerings along the coast for subsequent dinners, but you could request a cooking grill to borrow.

We loved our fire pit and Adironodack chairs, and inside, we had two TVs with cable and fast WiFi. Two bundles of firewood and starter came with or rental.

We experienced the Airstream as a couple, working remotely. If you’re traveling with small kids, one Airstream will absolutely accommodate two adults and two young kids, but if you have teenagers, I recommend renting two Airstreams or two cabins next to one another.

Tips for luxury Airstream living:

There’s plenty of storage space, so definitely put your things away to avoid clutter in the small space.
The thermostat took us awhile to figure out: you need to hit the ‘program’ button to set your desired temperature. The Airstream heats up or cools down quickly once you have it set.
The shower has low water pressure, which is typical of an RV, but the hot water definitely comes out hot!
You have plenty of plugs and USB access throughout.
Bring slippers for the cold floors!
If you bring a dog (yes, Bay Point Landing is dog-friendly), utilize the pet sheet and blanket that comes included in your dog kit that accompanies your $25 pet deposit. It’s perfect for sandy paws.

Cabin info:

Guests have their choice between three types of cabins (there are 22 cabins total). ‘Dune’ cabins are the largest, sleeping six, with a private bedroom, open loft area, and full bath (with tub).

‘Drift’ cabins sleep four, and ‘Kamp Haus’ cabins sleep two. All have a full bath (with shower in Drift and Kamp Haus) and a kitchenette similar to what’s described in the Airstream section. You get outdoor chairs and fire pits (plus firewood).

For the cabins and Airstreams, it’s worth upgrading to oceanfront (bay front) for the fabulous views.

Amenities:

No matter where you stay, the amenities at Bay Point Landing really make the experience more special.

The Clubhouse:

Uniquely designed by acclaimed architecture firm, OFFICEUNTITLED, the clubhouse is several buildings in one, ‘deconstructed’ to give an open, airy feel (perfect for social distancing). In the Clubhouse spaces, you’ll find the indoor heated saltwater pool, kids’ den (small entertainment space), activity room (designed for older kids and adults with shuffleboard and a wall-sized Scrabble board), fitness center (with Peleton bike and other machines, plus a few medicine balls and mats), and check-in office with a small selection of groceries (and wine and beer).

Outdoor amenities:

On the grounds, dispersed between RV slips, you have a Bocce ball area, a kids’ playground, communal fire rings, individual showers and bathrooms, laundry facilities, and a fabulous pavilion that includes outdoor heaters, ample seating and tables, wind breaks, couches, and a large screen TV. This area is ideal for small group gathering, communal meals, and the like.

Costs:

Cabin and Airstream rentals are approximately $145-$230 per night, depending on cabin type and view type. RV slips are approximately $45 for a partial view. Inquire for exact pricing.

After spending three nights at Bay Point Landing, I only have two requests/wishes: the resort needs to implement a recycling program (currently cannot recycle onsite), and I’d love to soak in a hot tub on the deck outside the pool, overlooking the bay!

Disclaimer: As we always note when applicable, we experienced Bay Point Landing as guests of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Road Trip Travel Hack: Stay nights at KOA Kampgrounds!

July 24, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

We love to review destination hotels and resorts, but let’s face it: roadside motels booked solely for the purpose of an overnight pit stop en route on a road trip are usually nothing to write home about. Plus, an average motel stay is now over $100 per night. In the last year or so, we’ve been thinking outside the box (or motel room) and booking cabin, yurt, or campground stays instead.

I know what you’re thinking: you don’t want to pack everything needed for a camping overnight during your road trip, right? And you’re not keen on the dirt and work involved, just for one night. But wait, we have a solution: campgrounds with cabins.

Many state parks and wildlife reserves have wonderful cabin or yurt options (check out this one right outside Yellowstone National Park), and most well-traveled interstates and highways now have KOA Kampgrounds en route. A number of years ago, I would not have considered staying at a KOA. But times truly have changed. We stayed at our first KOA in a decade two years ago, while traveling through Oregon to Mt. Hood in winter. We needed a low-cost, fun, and friendly place to stay the night, and a KOA cabin in Redmond fit the bill. Last week, we repeated the process, staying at a KOA cabin in Mountain Home, Idaho en route to Wyoming. Both of these cabins were listed as one of their standard options, which include electricity, heat, and beds for 4-6 people. They are not deluxe, and meals need to be cooked outside the cabin. Bathrooms are located in a different building close by.

For us, standard cabins work just fine. We usually have our own sleeping bags with us, and when we’re road tripping, we like to grab dinner out and eat a simple breakfast in our cabin that doesn’t require a kitchen. The Mountain Home and Redmond KOAs offered room to run around for the kids, a friendly community atmosphere, and the basic supplies we needed, like groceries, sunscreen, and bug spray in their stores. Some KOA locations aren’t anything special, but I’ve never experienced one that did not include a friendly, welcoming staff and clean amenities. The rate is about half that of a motel room.

But what if you don’t want to rough it?

Try a KOA Deluxe Kabin! On our same Wyoming road trip, we stayed at the Jackson Hole/Snake River KOA in Jackson, and upgraded to a cabin with two rooms, a bathroom, and a full kitchen. Our cabin was located right on the Snake River, and when we arrived, the kids could immediately go play while we unloaded. We could cook our own dinner (the kitchen includes everything but an oven, and there’s a great BBQ, too) and sit outside at night, watching the stars come out instead of being stuck in a small motel room.

At KOA Jackson Hole/Snake River, there’s guided river rafting on-site, and in late summer, when the Snake River is running less rapidly, families can rent inner tubes to float down the river right next to the campground. The tent sites are located right on the banks (try to get site #1 for the best creekside playing) and the deluxe cabins overlook the river on higher ground. You can also opt for a standard cabin at this location, of course. We loved the friendly staff, and the fun activities on-site for kids. For instance: if kids find one of the painted rocks on property, they can turn it in for free ice cream!

Deluxe cabins are as nice as you’d expect from an upscale rental home booking. Who knew? But be aware: these cabins can cost as much as, or more than, a motel room. It’s important to decide what your vacation goals are. If you’re booking primarily for budget reasons, opt for a standard cabin, and if you’re booking primarily for the outdoor experience instead of a motel experience, upgrade to a deluxe. Not all KOAs offer both, but you can get a good indication of the range of options by checking out the Jackson Hole camping cabin page.

What KOAs have you stayed in? Have your tried a cabin? We’d love your recommendations!

Three great family campsites in France

July 26, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

France is known for its romantic getaways filled with twinkling lights, iconic landmarks, and plenty of wine and cheese. But there are also plenty of family-friendly activities to be found as well. In fact, one timeless outing that is hugely popular for families in France is camping. Many European parents take their children to spend some quality time outdoors in the summer sun in France. This summer staple has become a great family bonding experience for citizens from numerous different countries and continents.

As with any type of travel, though, there are certain complications that could occur; ensure that you’ve packed the proper clothing for unexpected weather, brought emergency equipment along, and that you have your necessary documents if you’re traveling in from outside of France. This is especially important when traveling with kids. In addition to passport requirements for minors, make sure you check out if there are any visa requirements, and if you need to bring a birth certificate for your kids. If you’ve planned your trip and are running out of time to secure visas, then check out services like Favisbook appointments to see if you can get a meeting with the French consulate in your area as soon as possible.

Once you’ve decided to take your family on a one-of-a-kind camping tri, consider these 3 amazing French campsites that will provide memories your children will never forget!

Family campsites in France:

Le Village Parisien

This campsite is open to families from April to September and has so much to do that is all included in the price. The camp is located really close to Paris, allowing you to have a day trip, without paying a fortune for accommodation in the capital! That also means it’s a reasonable distance to Disneyland Paris, so you can always get an adrenaline rush there, too!

Family campsites in France have so many activities for adults and kids that you’d find it hard to get bored. There’s also a range of accommodation options, so this isn’t like camping in the wilds of the forests. Here you can find whatever type of home away from home you’re looking for, whether that’s a VIP experience, or something a bit more rustic.

You can play any number of sports on the sports grounds, and swim indoors or outdoors, have a BBQ, cook for yourself in your accommodation or grab a bite in the bar. You don’t have to hunt and forage for your meals… unless you want to!

Ty Nadan, Brittany

Brittany has so many beautiful beaches that it’s worthwhile visiting regardless of whether you decide to camp or not. However, this campsite is particularly great if you have older kids, who are looking for a bit more adventure. The campsite itself is right by the river, while the beaches are only 20 minutes away.

The campsite has stuff happening all the time, day and night, so you won’t have to worry about your kids complaining about being bored! There’s an outdoor pool with water slides, beautiful scenic walks and basketball tournaments running all the time. Of course, for older or more adventurous children, there’s archery, paintballing and kayaking.

No matter what you’re interested in, Ty Nadan campsite will probably have something for you to enjoy. Even if you just want to sit back and relax, or maybe have a few chats, then you can rest easy knowing your kids are off having the time of their lives! This is camping, but not as you know it.

Les Méditerranées Beach Garden, Languedoc

The Languedoc region of France is absolutely stunning and is always guaranteed to have great weather during the summer months as it borders with Spain. The main city of the region is called Montpellier, which is a perfect combination of historic and modern.

This campsite is perfect for a great vacation, where you can sit back and relax on the beach, or explore the town of Montpellier to sample a slice of life from the South of France. For families, the accommodation is spacious enough that siblings shouldn’t fit, and the air conditioning makes it super comfortable no matter how hot it gets in the sun.

There’s a variety of restaurants and bars in the complex, along with an onsite spa, where you can really relax and unwind with a holistic treatment or a massage. Camping is such a welcome change to poolside hotels or city breaks, making it a great compromise for everyone!

Camping in Death Valley National Park: Furnace Creek Campground review

March 25, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

We love Death Valley National Park’s Furnace Creek Ranch, but as room rates for this family-friendly Death Valley lodging option rise (justifiably…it’s a great place to stay), we’ve been exploring camping in Death Valley. Here’s what we discovered about fantastic Furnace Creek Campground!

Families have their pick of several Death Valley campgrounds, including Stovepipe Wells campground, and all fill up fast in the primary season from February through May. Families with RVs or trailers may do fine at one of the more exposed first-come, first-served campgrounds, but for tent camping in Death Valley, Furnace Creek Campground is the clear choice.

Families can reserve a site at Furnace Creek Campground up to six months in advance, and I highly recommend doing so. The campground is comprised of both hook-up rv sites and tent-only sites, with the tent sites sectioned off in their own walk-in loop. (There are also a few drive-in tent-only sites, but they are directly adjacent to RV spots.)

The walk-in loop includes sites 115-150, and offers the full range of site quality: from fully-exposed and completely non-private to shaded and reasonably secluded. After spending four nights tent camping in Furnace Creek Campground, we recommend sites 133, 134, and 130 as prime location, with 121, 120, and 119 coming in a close second. These sites offer the most shade and comfort. It’s important to note that while these tent sites are labeled as ‘walk in’, the distance is only a matter of feet from the sites to the parking area. It’s also worth noting that sites are organized three deep: if you’re in 134, for instance, you’ll walk through the camp of 131 and 133 before arriving at your site. We disliked this structure, but it’s the nature of the beast: the desert terrain is wide and open. A walkway would be welcome, however.

In our site of 133, we had three alcoves shaded by mesquite trees for smaller tents, space for a large tent, and room to hang two hammocks. While we wished for more space from our neighbors, everyone camping during busy spring break in this section of the campground was respectful and fairly quiet, as patrons of tent-only sections of national park campgrounds tend to be.

Amenities you need to know about:

Every loop at Furnace Creek Campground has restroom facilities with flush toilets, sinks, and water stations for filling drinking water containers, doing dishes, and the like. There are no showers. Every site has a fire pit with grate, and firewood can be bought at the Furnace Creek Ranch store. Garbage bins are located at the end of the tent-only loop, as well as camp stove fuel recycling bins.

Want more camping info? Get Pit Stops for Kids’ camping gear list!

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is located adjacent to the campground, and offers an amphitheater, evening campfire programs, the Junior Ranger program, and a nice video overview of the park. This is definitely worth being your first stop.

Bonus! Using Furnace Creek Ranch facilities:

The campground is a five to ten minute walk from Furnace Creek Ranch, which houses motel-style rooms, a few restaurants, a general store, gas station, and a park-like setting with tennis courts, lawn games, a basketball sport court, and spring-fed swimming pool. Can campground guests use these facilities? Yes, but read on for details:

Obviously, the store and restaurants are open to all (more on that below), and while technically the tennis and other sport facilities are designated for ranch guests, there’s nothing to stop campground guests from enjoying them with their own sport equipment.

To use the Furnace Creek Ranch pool (which you definitely will want to do), campground guests need to buy day passes from the Registration building. Passes are on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s worth stopping in during the morning before heading out to hike or otherwise explore the park. Use the pass in the afternoon. The pool house also houses showers, so take advantage of that amenity as well.

Tip: Don’t forget about gear! Everyone in your family will need quality hiking socks, and you can get additional camping and hiking gear information in our travel gear section!

Dining:

Obviously, campers will be cooking most meals in camp, but a dinner or breakfast out at Furnace Creek Ranch can be a welcome treat. Expect higher prices at the 49er Cafe (and even higher at the buffet restaurant next door), but you’re paying for the convenience of skipping dish washing, right? Fare ranges from burgers to pasta and steak dishes, and breakfasts are typical: omelets, griddle favorites, etc. There is no kids’ menu at breakfast, so consider ordering for young children a la carte. Grab dessert from the store next door: they have a soft-serve station we enjoy. You can also grab perishables here, such as milk, ice, and cold drinks.

Distance from the interstate:

Furnace Creek Campground is on Highway 190, about 30 minutes from Beatty (Highway 95).

Rates:

Tent-only sites were $16/night at the time of our visit. (Room rates at Furnace Creek Ranch were approximately $225.)

Directions:

From Highway 95 at Beatty, follow signs to Death Valley National Park (along Highway 190).

Maine with kids: Baxter State Park backcountry itinerary for families

August 13, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Baxter State Park is Maine’s largest expanse of untamed public wilderness. With almost 210,000 acres to explore, where do you start? Our Baxter State Park backcountry itinerary for families includes days in the frontcountry enjoying Baxter’s car camping options, several days in Baxter’s backcountry, then a rest day to play and explore before departure.

Baxter’s scope and size is on a national park scale, but unlike national parks, almost every lake, pond, waterfall and stream in the park is accessible only by trail. In very few places in Baxter can you drive up to see anything, and even then, you must drive miles upon miles on dirt roads. In other words, you earn you sightseeing! Baxter limits the number of visitors to the park daily, which means you won’t be rubbing elbows with crowds of tourists. It also means you have to be organized about your trip and get the required permits you need early. Here’s how!

The best way to experience Baxter State Park is by camping, though day permits are available as well (if you opt for that, stay in nearby Millinocket). Here’s our suggested itinerary, after doing most things right and a few things wrong during our five days in Baxter.

Day 1: Frontcountry camp at Roaring Brook Campground

In case you’re not sure, when I say ‘frontcountry camp’, I mean ‘car camp’, or camping via car access. Roaring Brook Campground is about eight miles into the park after you check in at the ranger station at the Togue Pond entrance, past Millinocket via dirt road. The campground, like all in Baxter, is remote and basic, with nicely-kept pit toilets, a place to purchase firewood (bring cash), and a staffed ranger station, but no other amenities, such as showers or potable water.

You can pick between tent sites and lean-to sites, and I recommend the latter, because they’re on the brook. You get a basic wooden shelter with a platform for each site, plus a picnic table and fire pit. We loved the shelters (lean-tos) throughout Baxter, as they provided just enough protection from the afternoon rainstorms and gave us a place to roll out our sleeping bags off the dirt. They’re not enclosed, however, and you won’t be safe from mosquitos there, so you can opt to set up a tent inside the shelter (but not outside of it). Roaring Brook is cold and clear, and we loved swimming in it.

Tip: You MUST enter Baxter State Park before 8:30 pm, so time your arrival accordingly. Also, the entirety of Baxter is ‘carry out’ for all your trash, so bring trash bags and plan on storing your trash in your car at night. You must also stow away all your food at night.

Day 2: Hike Mount Katahdin

If summiting Mount Katahdin is on your to-do list in the park, do it early in your trip, while you’re still fresh. It’s 5.5 miles (pretty much straight up) from the Roaring Brook Campground, and it took our family (seasoned hikers) 12 hours to complete. The trail is extremely strenuous, and the final mile of the summit hike is along a ‘knife edge’ with some scary-looking drops. If you go: bring tons of water, and a means to filter more on the trail (you’ll need it). Also bring headlamps in case you’re caught hiking after dark. We took the following route: Roaring Brook to the Helon Taylor Trail, to the Knife Edge, to the Saddle Trail, to the Chimney Pond to Roaring Brook trail. It was 11 miles that took us forever to complete.

Note: Kids under age six are NOT ALLOWED above the treeline at Katahdin, though on our visit, we did not see a ranger monitoring this. I’m told there usually are. We took a seven-year-old, my niece, who rocked it, but she’s unusual in her awesomeness.

If you don’t want to tackel Katahdin, I recommend the Chimney Pond trail from Roaring Brook (3.3 fairly strenuous miles) to enjoy a picnic lunch at Chimney Pond, which has fantastic views of Katahdin right at the base of the mountain.

Day 3: Recover from Katahdin

This is where we made a mistake in our itinerary. We didn’t give ourselves a rest day after summiting Katahdin. Stay one more night in Roaring Brook and plan on sticking around camp. Enjoy the swimming and maybe go .2 mile to Sandy Pond, to try to spot the moose who like to hang out there at twilight. No nothing more!

Day 4: Head into the backcountry

If you’re prepared for backpacking in Baxter, depart Roaring Brook today, hitting the Russell/Sandy Stream trail. The destination: either Russell Pond Campground with lean-tos (7.2 miles away), or, if you don’t want to go quite so far, reserve at Wassataquoik Stream, which offers several more lean-tos with great swimming (5 miles away). If you’re ambitious, you could aim for Wassataquoik Lake, 9 miles distant, which doesn’t have a campground but does have several more lean-tos. Russell Lake has a staffed ranger office and lean-tos, a bear line, and pit toilets, and we settled in at two of them, adding a tent site for our group of 10.

Note: Baxter State Park is VERY strict about group size and where you can camp. This is a good thing, as it eliminates big groups in campsites they don’t fit into. If you reserve a lean-to made for four, you can ONLY have four people sleep there. Ditto for six-person lean-tos and tent sites.

At Russell Pond, you can use the provided canoes at the dock for a small fee (I believe it was $1/hour, on the honor system) and you can swim, though we don’t recommend it (there are many leeches here). It is, however, a good place to spot moose. The Wassataquoik Stream lean-tos are better for swimming, and theWassataquoik Lake lean-tos offer a bigger lake (better for swimming) and more canoes.

Alternatively, you could backcountry camp at Chimney Pond instead of Russell Pond (see description above). It’s a shorter distance, though a rockier trail.

Day 5: Day hike from Russell Pond

We enjoyed hanging around camp and day hiking from Russell Pond to Wassataquoik Lake (2 miles) on this day. We played board games and cards in our lean-tos, picked blueberries in the wild patches nearby, and tried to spot moose.

Day 6: Hike back to the frontcountry

Return to Roaring Brook today, and spend the late afternoon cooling off in the brook. Pack up and depart Baxter the next morning, checking out additional parts of Baxter if time allows. We recommend Blueberry Ridges or Ledge Falls if so, and if not, hit a last swim spot just outside the park boundary at Togue Pond. You can grab a nice sandwich and some souvenirs from the North Woods Trading Post just outside the park toward Millinocket, and if you want a bigger meal, we recommend the friendly and affordable Sawmill Bar and Grill.

How to reserve your campsites:

Baxter State Park is popular, and as mentioned, entry is limited. To ensure you get your campsite, reserve far in advance. Baxter uses four month rolling reservations, so you’ll want to reserve exactly four months before you desired time. You can reserve online or by phone.

More tips:

If you’re day hiking Katahdin (staying in Millinocket), you’ll want to reserve your parking space (these are limited as well!). Here’s how. Parking reservations are only held for you until 7 am, then are given away on a first-come, first-served basis. Yes, you really need to start that early. If you’re camping in the park, you don’t need a parking reservation.
You’ll need to treat ALL your water in the park. Bring a good filter. We like the Sawyer Squeeze to bring on day hikes and the Platypus GravityWorks for in camp.
You cannot bring firewood into the park. You must purchase it in camp.
No pets are allowed, even in car camping campgrounds. Plan accordingly.
Check in at every ranger station as you hike. Bring a phone and treat it as an emergency device (you won’t get service in the park anyway).
Pack out all your trash…make it easier on yourself by reducing packaging on your food before you arrive. Store all food and trash in your car at night in the frontcountry, and on bear lines in the backcountry (use your sleeping bag stuff sacks to store food and hang it from the line provided).
Backcountry campgrounds DO include pit toilets with toilet paper. They were all in good condition during our visit.
Enjoy the Maine wilderness!