You've come to the right place.
Virtual Resources For Family Camping Vacations
Thousands of families go camping every year in North America, and over half of those visitors are children under 18 (the rest are usually still kids at heart). With that said, most campgrounds have adopted a kid-friendly attitude and have numerous activities geared toward a younger audience.
When I was growing up, summer meant going camping on our annual family reunions. Of course, there were things I hated, like the smell of insect repellant, my mom's spit baths, and the feel of rocks in the depths of my shoes. That is why, by the end of our many camping trips, I would usually end up bug-bitten and shoe-less. Things have changed in the past few years: insect repellent comes in neutral scents, mom has discovered hand sanitizer and moist towelettes, I can take care of my own hygiene needs, and well, the rocks they still stay stuck in my shoes. But camping still means family.
Today, the Internet can save valuable time when making decisions about where, when, and how to camp. The following tips, guides and websites should help you decide if you're up for camping (as opposed to a budget motel, for example) near an area of interest and if so, where and when you would like to go camping.
FTF's Virtual Camping Picks
ReserveAmerica allows you to browse for campsite locations and make reservations all in one place. You can specify what kind of campsite you are looking for (RV, cabin, tent, etc), and browse these sites by camp or region. The website provides valuable information about each site, such as a short description, list of service and amenities, things to be aware of, and directions. Here you can also search for availability of each campsite, and make reservations online.
The website also links you to Camping Club, which provides hints, checklists, recipes, camp songs and games that might help you as you plan your own camping trip. The Camping Club site also includes ReserveAmerica's annual "Top 100 Family Campgrounds," which are rated based on a combination of park amenities, outdoor scenery, and educational facilities. The more specific "America's Top Outdoor Locations" lists 14 rated categories that provide more specified interest, and the places to explore them. Examples are the top 25 kid-friendly parks, the top biking trails, the top locations for bird watching, etc. These lists might convince you to give camping a chance, or give an avid camper new places to explore.
KOA, a well-known company in the camping business, has nearly 450 campgrounds in North America and Japan. These sites have hosted 250 million guests since the company was founded in 1962. Most KOA "Kampground" operators also own their campgrounds and try to maintain a family atmosphere by offering fun activities like hay rides, trail rides and pancake breakfasts. KOA's website is filled with information about their affiliated campgrounds-rates, locations, driving directions (it will even help you choose your route) and maps.
Typically, campgrounds boast KOA Kamping Kabins, Kottages and Lodges, fitted out for families with bunk beds, covered porches with swings, picnic tables and campfire rings -- ideal for those who can't cope with setting up a tent or driving an RV. All KOA Kampgrounds have grocery stores stocked with camping staples, and there are pools, laundry rooms and other amenities, such as Wi-Fi Internet access, at many. And most welcome pets, too. In addition, the website allows you to sign up for a free online newsletter with updates about camping opportunities.
The Association of RV Parks and Camping's website provides a plethora of camping information, from traveler's tips, park reviews, camping vocabulary and lingo, and an inviting children section for the younger ones. It links you to individual campsites' websites, where you can see the fees, features, and directions for each location.
For me, camping always meant visiting a State or National Park. The National Park Services' website allows you to search all of the National Parks from its alphabetical listing. Along with background information about each park, including its activities, history and climate, the website provides information about available campsites.
Post your comment