Camping Discussion

GreatDanish · August 5th, 2009, 01:45 PM

I used to go primitive camping a lot in college.
When I got married, those days kind of came to an end, partly because I didn't care to go much at that time.
With a two-year old son and another on the way, I want to get my family back into going camping. Wife and I compromised to go to more family friendly camping sites that have water and electricity, and kid-oriented things like maybe a playground and hiking trails.

So, any suggested campgrounds to go to - anywhere in America?

Any camping advice - things to buy, things to do, etc.?

I've pretty much never been camping anywhere except in the mountains. I'm curious about campgrounds on the beach...

bilbo · August 5th, 2009, 02:48 PM

I used to camp a lot in college but now my only time to do it is in the infield at Talledega.
That said, I live in GS and used to camp quite a bit at the State Park. They have primitive camping spots, spots for RV/trailers, and Lakeside Cabins. The cool thing about it is they are a fully stocked campground (showers, store, etc) and are about a mile from the beach. They have a pavilion at the beach and the new pier just opened up. Great way to get a cheap beach trip in.....

GreatDanish · August 5th, 2009, 02:56 PM

	Quote:	bilbo
	I used to camp a lot in college but now my only time to do it is in the infield at Talledega. That said, I live in GS and used to camp quite a bit at the State Park. They have primitive camping spots, spots for RV/trailers, and Lakeside Cabins. The cool thing about it is they are a fully stocked campground (showers, store, etc) and are about a mile from the beach. They have a pavilion at the beach and the new pier just opened up. Great way to get a cheap beach trip in.....

Thanks. Gulf Shores was specifically what I was referring to when I mentioned being curious about campgrounds on the beach (should have said "near the beach")...
A good friend of mine just got back from a two-month outing where he went camping all over the east coast (stupid teachers

). He told me that, although the campgrounds weren't great, he loved camping at Key West. That might be a little too far to go on our first family camping excursion, so Gulf Shores seems like a good compromise.

thetideinmd · August 5th, 2009, 08:15 PM

i used to work pt at a Coleman outlet store. they have all kind of gear, equipment aimed toward familes. look over the Coleman website, they used to have all kinds of links for camp grounds, checklist, etc.

CrimsonDonald · August 5th, 2009, 08:52 PM

Danish, there are numerous places to camp along the gulf coast that has all the comforts except air conditioning. Maybe if you took a fan or something, but camping in the south this time of year can be fairly uncomfy. I have camped many places in the south this time of year, but not with children.
I do not know where you live, but I would seek elevation at this time of year in the south to camp. Grandfathers Mountain in NC is very cool at nights. Anything south of that, I would not take children at this time.
Some of the western people on this site, Cal, Ariz, New Mex, could probably tell you some great cool, mountainous regions, but around the gulf, I just don`t know you or your family`s tolerance of heat and humidity.
I will say this though, camping with family is a great experience in the right conditions.
Good luck.

RedStar · August 10th, 2009, 04:14 PM

Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores is a pretty great campground. I've only been once after Hurricane Ivan, but most of the damage had already been cleaned up less than a year after it hit. I've stayed there 2 or 3 times and for the value, you can't beat it. And if you call enough in advance, you can request one of the spots near a wash house, and your wife would love you even more for it.

If you're looking for places outside the state, try KOA. I've stayed at a few around the country, and for the most part, have had a pretty enjoyable experience. It's like any hotel chain in the sense that every once in a while you might find a dump, but generally, 95% of them are good family friendly places. The farthest away I've stayed at a KOA was in Moab, Utah. Moab is an outdoor enthusiast Shangri-la. You can hike, mountain-bike, hang-glide, white water raft, rock-climb, even rent jeeps and hummers to go ride around the desert in.

Honestly, if you're looking for family friendly environments everywhere you go, stick with the State Parks. They may cost a little more ($5-10 per night) but it is usually well worth it. They're generally much safer and offer a lot more to do.

One place I've always wanted to go and have always heard great things about is The Havasu Falls region of the Grand Canyon. It's owned and operated by the Havasupai Native American tribe. It's probably not a place you'd want to take young children, as it is supposedly a several mile hike. But it's supposedly one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Bamaman-n-KS · August 10th, 2009, 05:22 PM

I have a five and four year old. We tried the tent thing when we got married, didn't work, we like our pop up. We usually stay at KOA and Jelly Stone. Jelly Stone is more for the kids and will get them into camping. State Parks are usually a good bet also.

bamachile · August 11th, 2009, 10:07 AM

Fort Clark Springs, TX

Out of the way a bit, so you have to either be really interested or just in the area. You can go primitive or stay in a motel--your choice.

I went to Brackettville, TX with a friend who was involved in the filming of a low-budget movie. It turned out to be one of my favorite mini-vacations of all time.

This will only appeal to history nuts (Fort Clark Springs itself), nature lovers (the campgrounds), John Wayne fans (Brackettville--google it), and people who like border towns (Acuna is just across the river from Del Rio).

Also--

Gulf State Park

Already mentioned on here, but another favorite. Thought I would give you a link.

Happy Camping!

Tug Tide · August 12th, 2009, 06:31 AM

http://www.floridastateparks.org/findapark.cfm

I live in Panama City BCh and one of the most beautiful places I've ever camped is right here. St. Andrews State Park has it all. Stores , playgrounds, pavillions on both Grand Lagoon and Gulf sides. They have a great fishing pier on the gulf side, big king mackeral, cobia spot. "Kiddie pool" is a jetties protected swimming/snorkleing spot on the bayside. You can also catch a shuttle boat to Shell Island, a pristine primitive barrier island just across the pass. As said before, you really can't go wrong with state parks and Fl offers some great packages on yearly family passes. Also in the panhandle try Indian Pass, it's another st park at Cape San Blas.

wherever you choose let it be known here on TF and I'm sure you'll find a willing guide

derek4tide · August 12th, 2009, 09:30 AM

	Quote:	GreatDanish
	I used to go primitive camping a lot in college. When I got married, those days kind of came to an end, partly because I didn't care to go much at that time. With a two-year old son and another on the way, I want to get my family back into going camping. Wife and I compromised to go to more family friendly camping sites that have water and electricity, and kid-oriented things like maybe a playground and hiking trails. So, any suggested campgrounds to go to - anywhere in America? Any camping advice - things to buy, things to do, etc.? I've pretty much never been camping anywhere except in the mountains. I'm curious about campgrounds on the beach...

Your wife's with child and you have a 2 year old and you want to primitive camp? Are you insane???

Take her to the Holiday Inn - Gulf Shores, that's primitive enough for her at this point. Go real camping with the guys, then when the 2 yr old is 5 and the soon to be is 3 buy a motor home and take them camping.

GreatDanish · August 12th, 2009, 10:19 AM

	Quote:	derek4tide
	Your wife's with child and you have a 2 year old and you want to primitive camp? Are you insane???

Yes, I am...
but I don't want to take them primitive now. Just that I enjoy that more. My wife is in the "happy zone" in her pregnancy - not that uncomfortable yet, so she's actually pretty excited about it.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I think we'll make a run to Gulf State Park sometime in the Fall.

Has anyone been to the Meriwether Lewis Monument campground in Hohenwald, TN? I've been told it is one of the best, and it is free. But, I can't find any info on the web about it, really.

dayhiker · August 12th, 2009, 11:00 AM

What non-beach places do you have in mind? Where are you located?

I know a backpacking friend that has camped at Perdido. You have about a half mile walk from your car to the camping area. I'd love to go with my family.

We camp as a family 1-3x a year. This is typically at the state parks in AL and the Smokies. I backpack a few times a year and cover pretty much the mountainous areas of the SE. Let me know where you have in mind and I'll start passing along gear ideas. I've learned alot from watching the other setups I see in the GSMNP.

dayhiker · August 12th, 2009, 11:05 AM

	Quote:	derek4tide
	Your wife's with child and you have a 2 year old and you want to primitive camp? Are you insane??? Take her to the Holiday Inn - Gulf Shores, that's primitive enough for her at this point. Go real camping with the guys, then when the 2 yr old is 5 and the soon to be is 3 buy a motor home and take them camping.

When 5-6 months pregnant with our last child we camped at Smokemont in GSMNP for 3 days. Our other kids were 4 and 6 at the time. We actually climbed to the observation tower at Clingmon's Dome (2nd highest point in eastern US)