Family Camping Moments
Fellow campers share their best family camping experience.
 Stew Night!
For 19 years, the Bucketts (Bill, Heidi, Rob, Andy, & Emily) have camped with the Haugens (Mark, Anne, Justin, Kari, & Kristen). The kids have grown up camping together. Each year, we have "Stew Night". Everyone gathers around the campfire as our stew cooks and garlic bread heats up. Attached is a picture of a few of the gang standing guard.
Heidi Buckett
Making the Bow and Arrow!
 My wife and I took our twin girls Mia & Miranda (6), and son Soren (8) camping at Wekiva Springs in Apopka, Fl. We spent the weekend "unplugged" and went fishing, hiking, biking, swimming in the springs and plain old relaxing. We also saw all kinds of wildlife including a doe with her very young baby. After having soo much fun together, I asked my son what his favorite part of the camping trip was, he said "Making the bow and arrow". I asked why since we did so much. Soren responded with "Because I got to spend time with you Dad!" Needless to say, that really touched my heart, and will be something we will both remember for the rest of our lives.
David LaFaver
 A Cold Night
We camped at the Kohler-Andre State Park earlier this summer. When we left our hometown of Platteville, WI it was a balmy 75 degrees. My husband and I and three girls arrived 4 hours later and noticed that the temperature had dropped 20 degrees. Never having camped along Lake Michigan before, we had packed mostly summer clothing. Little did we know it would get down to 39 degrees that night with blustery winds. Not to fear though, we spent our night sleeping in our minivan alternating the heater every 20 minutes. The kids didn't mind at all and slept well...my youngest daughter awoke that morning and was quoted as saying, "This is the best camping trip ever!" The campground was delightful, but next year...we're coming in August!
Jen Kasper
 Annual Family Camping Trip
My favorite camping trip was our first annual family trip to Big Sur California. My parents had 5 kids. We are all married with children so when we get together there were 24 of us. We all love camping so we decided to plan a family camping trip to Big Sur. We had a wonderful time swimming in the creek, playing cards, hiking, riding bikes, roasting marshmallows and enjoying each others company. We all took a hike up to a beautiful waterfall not far from the campground, you can see some of us in the picture attached and hiked down the coast to explore tide pools and caves. This is a perfect family vacation spot. We enjoyed it so much we made it an annual event and are going on our 4th year.
Alica Goeckner
 We Got Married!
Our favorite site is Hurkey Creek Campground. We loved it so much, we got married there this April. Our kids were the best man, ring bearer and flower girl. It was a small gathering, but even the rangers congratulated us. We camped and fished all week and left before the influx of people on the weekend. We had a great time cooking and enjoying the outdoors.
DiAnne Thrush
  Tinfoil Hats
During a camping trip to Woods Canyon Lake last year with my parents and my brother's family, we got this crazy idea to create tinfoil helmets like the ones we saw in the movie "Signs". Needless to say we got a little carried away. We spent the rest of the afternoon trying to act serious while other campers passed by and then laughing at the expression on their faces.
Colleen Roque
 Camping at Any Age!
My parents used to camping a lot but due to their age, they can not go now on their own. They have mentioned several times to us their children they would like to go. I come from a family of six girls. In July my husband and I told my parents we would go with them. We took my moms wheel chair and walker, and my dad took his cane. We reserved sites back to back and they had the best three days of camping in a long time. They now want to go again. They are both 83 years old. I’m hoping we can do it again next year!
Sheryl Gillette
 My Son and I love to Camp!
We recently stayed at 1000 Trails Resort, Whaler's Rest. We had such a great time crabbing and going to the aquarium. The beach was beautiful also! My 15 year old son and I love camping. We like it all from roughing it with minimal luxuries to the resort style with a pool and clubhouse activities. It's all good - mainly because we always meet such wonderful people that love camping and the outdoors also!
Kara Adams
 Messy Activities
Wyatt and I spent a week at Earth Teach Forest Park in Oregon. This has been the best camping experience to date for either of us. In addition to learning skills such as "fox-walking," making our own debris shelters and bow-drill fire-making, one of the many highlights was a new version of capture the flag. First we camouflaged ourselves by slopping on mud, then rolling around in forest duff (dirt, leaves, twigs, pine needles, etc.). Then the parents hid in the forest to guard the "flag" (the prize being COOKIES and other treats). It was the kids’ job to stalk silently into camp while instructors created hilarious hillbilly distractions for us all. By far the messiest activity of the week, it was certainly the most exciting as well! This photo of Dad after the game gives an idea of how crazy it can get!
Jack Nicklaw
 What Camping is all About!
The 5 grandkids spent time on the river and at the ocean playing together. The adults had a ball playing, cooking and swimming with them. It’s what camping is all about. Family!
Cliff Cray
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