Camping with Kids Might Just Fit Your Bill

Whenever a vacation looms, parents everywhere ponder the age-old question, "What can I do with the kids?" Living here in the mountains of western North Carolina, I'm familiar with some of the choices parents end up making. They all come here!

I've spoken with these visitors when I meet up with them in our little town. "How's it going", I've asked. "Enjoying your stay with us?" The resounding answer has been ,"Yes!" A significant number of these visitors are here to enjoy a family camping adventure. The area, with its multitude of waterfalls, rivers and hiking trails, never fails to deliver.

In general, a camping vacation offers loads of fun and saves the family budget. After the initial investment of a tent or two, unless you manage to borrow one from friends, and a few camping supplies like a lantern, stove, sleeping bags,etc., your on your way to the woods. It's a fun vacation to prepare for,too, by reviewing books about native plants and animals, glancing at some of nature's soldiers you'll be able to then identify when you live among them. Of course everyone KNOWS what a bear looks like and nothing will calm a bunch of city campers when they catch a glimpse of one of our local black bears stumbling by. Again, do a little reading in advance. If you know how to respond to the camp site "visitors", you may just enjoy the experience instead of having a coronary.

Another suggestion is to turn off the cell phone. Quite frankly, they don't tend to work around here anyway. If you're one of those folks who would agree to a cellular transplant, you may not be comfortable without your trusted cell phone at your side. At least, turn it off. If you should need it, in an emergency, at least your battery will still work.

Many camping areas around here are free. Those that do charge are not expensive, and certainly far less than one night in a hotel. The structured campgrounds offer restrooms and running water, shower, etc. You might even come across one with a canteen where you can purchase basic supplies, including bottled water. I'd suggest loading the car with some collapsible water containers if you're heading to more of a wilderness area. Take with you what you need so you won't be at the mercy of the limited supply most campgrounds offer at substantially hiked-up prices, no pun intended.

Cooking over the fire is also an experience. Sometimes it may seem like one of those you need to look back on to enjoy, but if you bring the right items and keep life simple, it can really be fun. Burgers and hot dogs, chips, condiments, even tortillas to wrap everything in is usually all you need for dinners. Lunches can be as simple as a few packs of meats and some bread for sandwiches. Breakfast, go with the old standby of bacon and eggs, and a Wishbone-style coffee pot if needed. A few bags of fresh local produce (peaches, apples,etc.) and you'll be all set for a few days. Of course, loads of marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate chips with supply you with s'mores for all.

Most campgrounds around here are next to or close to hiking trails, and accessible rivers and streams. That means lots of swimming so bring some tubes.
Like fishing? Don't forget the poles. And if it's hiking you long for, be sure to always have some water bottles on you and wear sturdy shoes.

Bring some cards or darts just in case. Most likely, after a full day of activities out there in the fresh air, you'll all be happy to kick back around the fire at night, roast a few marshmallows, and call it a day. Best case scenario...you'll be back again next year. Worst case...you'll try an RV or a cabin. Either way, the woods will get in your blood and provide you with some of the best memories you'll ever have!