If you think you have to be knee-deep in the wilderness to pitch a tent, think again
Now is the perfect time to bust out the family tent for some backyard camping. Camping is that perfect time to play games, explore outside and bond with family. The kids will be thrilled with the change in scenery and you won’t have to pack the car to the gills full of sleeping bags and snacks. These are our favorite backyard camping ideas to make your camping adventure one to remember!
Whether you need to dig it out of your storage shed or you decide to rent one for the weekend, the tent is the cornerstone of an at-home campout. If you don’t have your own and the weather is warm enough, you can easily make one out of a few tarps, string and tent pegs. Check out our favorite family tents and other camping gear.
Whether you have an outdoor firepit or you bring in the Weber, a fire should be at the top of your backyard camping idea list. Even better, pick a meal you can cook over a campfire.
No need to travel far with this fun printable. A backyard scavenger hunt takes kids on an adventure finding nature's jewels within the comfort of your own yard. Head to Hey, Let's Make Stuff to download for free!
Bust Out the Books
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A backyard campout is a perfect time to read some of your favorite books or discover new favorites.
When the city lights are dim and the stars are out, spread out your blanket and get the kids to scope out the stars. The SkyView app is a super-easy way to teach kids about the stars and the planets that we can see with the naked eye. If you have a telescope, get it set up for an even more impressive show! Here's how to set up a star-gazing session with kids.
Tell a Ghost Story
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Ghost stories don't have to be scary, and they are one of our favorite backyard camping ideas. We've got the best list of not-so-scary ghost stories right here.
You don't have to officially hit the trails to enjoy this camping favorite. Choose your favorite nuts, seeds, Goldfish, and mini M&M's and make it your own. Try the recipe here for some inspiration.
Elevate Your Hot Dog Game
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If hot dogs are on the menu, you don't have to stick with the old ketchup and bun business. Make your dogs upscale by marinating them, turning them into mini corndogs, or topping them with pickled onions and chili.
It's no doubt that hot cocoa is one of the best backyard camping ideas of all time. Whether you like the packets with the mini marshmallows or one of these fancied-up varieties, you gotta have the hot chocolate to start your morning off right.
If your night in the backyard was less than relaxing, you need a nice plate of pancakes to make it all better. Set up the electric griddle in the yard and try one of these pancake recipes that will make you wish you hadn't forgotten to buy the whipped cream.
When kids are along for the ride, having your kitchen and bathroom with you is a huge plus
The promise of an upcoming vacation is often the thing that keeps us going through all the other months. With fall on the horizon and lots of leaf-peeping adventures to take, consider hitting the open road in an RV. Sketchy RV parks are a thing of the past with many of them offering kid-friendly perks like water slides, swimming holes, and jumbo rocks to climb on. You’ll love having your kitchen and bedroom along for the ride when you set out in your house on wheels.
With all the craziness that is air travel these days, traveling in an RV can be one of the safest ways to travel. Imagine, a kitchen to cook meals, your own bathroom, and a self-contained hang-out space just for your family. It's social-distanced travel at its best.
If you are a little intimidated by the RVs that look like tour buses, don't worry! You can still get an RV experience without going so big. Pop-up travel trailers and Airstreams that you pull behind your car offer some of the RV features like indoor sleeping and kitchen facilities without having to learn how to drive a huge vehicle.
If you decide to go big, motor homes offer more sleeping options and conveniences like bathrooms and full-sized refrigerators. Think about what you'd like to do and where you'd like to go with your RV before you rent.
3. Your home base travels with you.
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If you've ever tried to get a grumpy toddler to nap in a hot tent in a busy campground then you'll know, the struggle is real. With an RV, you have a dedicated sleeping spot where you can put the kids down while you enjoy the fresh air just outside.
Tent camping means you are limited to what you can fit in the back of the car, so extras like bikes and kayaks usually have to be left at home. An RV gives you extra space to store this stuff so that you can get out and explore the trails and water when you arrive.
5. You can extend your travel to far-away destinations or enjoy the open road in your home state.
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If you are looking to hit the road to one of the national parks or somewhere more than a day's drive away, then an RV is your answer. As long as you plan out your options for overnight RV parking, you have your own built-in hotel room for the journey. This also allows you to be more flexible and go with the flow on how far you drive each day.
6. The actual travel portion of the trip is part of the adventure.
Trying to fit all the gear you need for your family and your family in one vehicle can lead to a cramped situation. RV camping allows the actual travel portion to be easier for everyone. And, if you go for one of the big bus-style RVs, you can really live it up as you watch the world go by while you play cards at the kitchen table!
These two things can make your camping adventure go down the tubes fast. While you'll want to spend most of your camping time exploring the great outdoors, the RV gives you peace of mind in case nature strikes back.
8. Cooking is easier in an RV.
Cooking while camping requires a hot fire or a propane camp stove, both of which can be iffy if you have wind or any bad weather. RVs offer indoor cooking options that make your job easier. Most have at least a small refrigerator to keep your milk, eggs, and microbrews cold so that you don't have to worry about the problem of constantly melting ice. Some even have microwaves!
9. Power up those devices.
If you can't go completely off-grid for a multi-week camping adventure, an RV provides the option to power up your phone or laptop from your campsite. Either plug the RV into the campground hookups or use the solar-powered options offered by some newer models. That way you can keep all the family and friends back home updated on your adventures.
10. You can bring your dog.
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Most campgrounds are very pet-friendly, so bringing your pup along in the RV is an option. When looking for RVs to rent, be sure to check the pet-friendly box when searching, or confirm with the rental company that pets are okay. And, just like a car, never leave your pet alone in an RV.
11. No more communal campground bathrooms.
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Most RVs and travel trailers offer a bathroom option which is key when you are camping with kids, whether there's a COVID-19 concern or not. If you've ever had to help someone with a middle-of-the-night potty break while sleeping in a tent, you know how awesome having your own bathroom is. It can also make those roadside stops more enjoyable, without having to wait in line to use the bathroom before you take in the view.
Our world has changed a lot in recent years. Things parents only dreamed about having delivered to their doorstep just a few years ago are now a reality. Likewise Seattle families can now rent all kinds of stuff that makes life easier and a little less expensive. It kind of makes you wonder, why buy big ticket items if you’re only going to use them once in a while? Whether you’re looking for a private swimming pool to help you stay cool on Seattle’s hottest days, unicorns for parties, free museum passes or adorable sleepover supplies, our list of unique things to rent is here to help.
It might seem like a dream, but unicorns are real. Sort of. Whether you are looking for a guest star at your kid's next birthday party or are looking for a perfect model for a special photo portrait, there's a pony for you. Dreamland Ponies has a whole fleet of unicorns to choose from including solid white, rainbow, mini, pony, full-size and everything in between. They are available for hand-led pony rides at their home in Maple Valley or your home. They can bring the ponies to just about anywhere from a private residence to a local park. They will dress up the pony to fit your party theme from Pegasus to a western cowboy theme. And yes, they do offer "grown up" parties as well, but your kids will never forgive you (although, they don't have to know, right?)
According to Dreamland, all of their ponies are "super sweet, gentle, safe, sparkling clean and healthy." You may book up to a dozen different ponies at a time! The service providers also donate a portion of all pony party proceeds towards rescuing horses and ponies in need and other therapy services for children and seniors with chronic and terminal illnesses.
While it would be nice to own your own swimming pool, the investment might not be worth the actual splash time your family would use it. That's where swimply.com comes in. Their business model is similar to AirBnb but for pool owners and the people who would like to rent them. The website features hundreds of private pools available to rent right now, including a large handful in the Seattle area, like this one which charges a weekday rental fee of $63 an hour for up to 10 guests. Just like the homes and owners that offer them, each pool and setting is uniquely different. Some come with all of the bells and whistles (think: large patio with picnic tables, barbecues, playgrounds, pool toys, private bathrooms). Rentals range from $49-$149 per hour, and a few even allow up to as many as 40 guests during the rental. Sounds like a birthday party in the making.
Good to Know: You will need to reserve your spot ahead of time, but often arrangements can be made for the same day. Some pools will require you to rent it for more than one hour.
NetBricks was launched in 2015 with the goal of providing an exceptional LEGO-building experience to kids (or their parents, or both) who might not be able to afford every set they want. They are LEGO fanatics themselves, so they understand what LEGO-maniacs want. They have hundreds of LEGO sets of which to rent from on a subscription basis. Pick the set and they'll send them out to your family one set at a time. Start with one, build it, send it back and they'll send another one to your residence, just like the old Netflix movie rental model! ("It's a constant flow of fun" they say.) Or, go for the Pro Membership Experience where NetBricks will send multiple sets at one time and get another new batch 30 days later. And so on, and so on...
NetBricks offer sets that are new, hard to find or retired and range from "Junior" to "Master Builder Academy." Sets offered include the "The Simpson's" House (2523 pieces), "Star Wars" Death Star (3803 pieces), the famous Tower Bridge of London, England (4287 pieces) and many others.
Good to Know: NetBricks plans start at $24 a month (plus shipping) to $65 a month (including shipping).
Hosting that sleepover party at your place just got a whole lot easier because Daydream Teepee delivers everything you need to make it a smashing success. The centerpiece of this delivery service is the individual A-frame tents where kids will slumber (if you’re lucky). Each party package comes with expertly-styled set-up that includes airbeds, sheets (and liners), fairy lights, trays and all the color-coordinated banners and cushions needed to make the sleepover space Pinterest worthy. There are seven kids themes to choose from, each one as detailed as the next. And when it’s all over, the team comes back to whisk everything away, fairy-godmother style. It’s the dreamy rental you need for your next bash.
You know about Free First Thursdays and Free Last Fridays, but sometimes you want to check out your favorite Seattle museums on your terms. Make it happen through the Seattle Public Library, where you can reserve free passes to the Seattle Children’s Museum, The Museum of Flight, MOHAI, even the Woodland Park Zoo (and more!) with just a few clicks. Passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance of your visit (passes go quickly so reserve them as early as possible), and each pass includes at least two admissions but many include up to four.
If you’re a King County Library cardholder, you can reserve passes through their system. This is a great spot to snag free passes to BAM, KidsQuest and the Seattle Aquarium, to name a few. Families can reserve up to two museum passes per month (with the exception of KidsQuest and BAM that only allow one every 90 days) and can sort by museum or date to make their plans.
We’re buzzing with excitement over this Seattle rental service—mason bees. When it comes to pollinating flowers and crops, they get the job done (at a rate 100 times that of honeybees), and you can help them do it by renting a mason bee kit to host in your yard. It’s as easy as hanging up your mason bee block, letting the bees do their pollinating thing and waiting for them to lay eggs in the block, that you then mail back. Those eggs are shipped to farmers around the country where they’re used to pollinate some of your favorite foods like blueberries, cherries and almonds.
The coolest part of this rental kit is the experience you give your kids. Mason bees are docile and non-aggressive, so stinging isn’t something you have to worry about. That means your kids can watch the bees work and lay their eggs, packing them with mud, mason-style. It’s a fascinating interactive experience that directly connects kids with the foods they eat and the eco-system around them. Just think how different those cherries, pears and blueberries will taste to them this summer!
Good to Know: Although Rent Mason Bees 2022 season is over, you can keep the 2023 season in mind. Pick up takes place in March and the kits get returned in June.
If you're itching to take the kids for a night in the great outdoors, but don’t know where to start when it comes to gear—no problem. Get everything you need for the perfect car camping or backpacking experience from Back 40 Outfitters. Simply choose your camping adventure and they’ll pack a kit that has the equipment you need to make it successful. Car camping kits ($270-$440) include your tent, sleeping bags, air mattresses, a kitchen kit, cooler and more. All you need to do is reserve the perfect campsite. Plus, with pick up/drop off locations in Kent and South Seattle, you can easily grab your stuff on the way out of town. Yep, it’s that easy.
Good to Know: You can add on extras like sunshades and pillows to make it that much easier. Just bring your crew and your sense of adventure.
Maybe you don’t get quite the right sun. Or your postage-stamp city yard won’t support the garden of your dreams. Whatever the reason, you crave fertile space where you and the kids can grow veggies, herbs and flowers. So why not rent some through the city’s P-Patch garden program? With 90 gardens throughout the city and over 3,000 plots, totaling 15-acres of grow-able land, you’re sure to find a garden spot that’s right for you. Can you dig it?
If you’re used to checking out books from your local library, get ready for something different. Seattle is home to five tool lending libraries that (you guessed it) lend tools to members for free or next to nothing. Like a library, tool libraries require a membership. Once you’ve joined, members have access to the library inventory where (between the five) you’ll find every tool you’ve ever needed and them some, including typical household tools, garden and automotive tools, even odds and ends like juicers and sewing machines. Memberships are free, but most suggest a donation between $20-$60 with flexibility, as each library is committed to making tools are accessible to all community members. Additionally, each library has different rental limits, but a week is pretty standard.
Good to Know: The West Seattle, Southeast Seattle and Capitol Hill tool libraries have workshop space members can use too. And many of these tool libraries host fix-it workshops where people can bring broken appliances, toys and clothes in need of mending in an effort the keep them out of the landfill and practice sustainability.
Summer is San Diego’s love language and it’s kicking off next week so we’ve pulled together a list of things to do to keep your little ones entertained and smiling all season long. Grab the sunscreen and get ready for a fun-filled, adventure-soaked summer.
1. Go berry picking and use your bushels of strawberries or blueberries to make a pie or other berry delight. You'll really taste the fruits of your labors.
2. Check out San Diego's newest theme park! Visit Seasame Street San Diego but first, read our insider's guide for all the tips and tricks to enjoying the awesome amusement park.
16. Put your head in the clouds in these California treehouse rentals! We help you satisfy your wanderlust and indulge in your childhood dreams without ever leaving the state.
There’s no better time than now to head into nature, pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. Camping is one of the best ways to disconnect from your screens, and reconnect with the outside world. In doing so, it’s important to protect and preserve wild spaces for future generations to enjoy. Camping sustainable means minimizing your impact on the environment around you and leaving no trace.
Here are some recommendations for making your next camping adventure as sustainable as possible:
1. Gear: Buy Used Gear, Borrow & Donate
If you don’t camp more than a few times a year, try borrowing or renting gear rather than buying your own. If you have your own gear and it’s older or damaged, reach out to the manufacturers to inquire about repair programs. When I look for “new to me” equipment, I check used online marketplaces, it’s amazing how many people camp or hike only a few times and then decide to sell their equipment.
2. E-waste & Fuel: Bring Rechargeable & Solar Products
When you are in the market for a new lantern, look for one that is rechargeable or solar powered—or best yet, both! In this way you can avoid the use of non-rechargeable batteries. You can find rechargeable headlamps, speakers, and charging blocks to help you avoid battery waste. One pound propane tanks are popular for small camp stoves and grills, but the resulting single-use canisters are hazardous waste. Refillable small propane tanks are more difficult to find, but if you live in an area serviced like Little Kamper or another similar company, take advantage of the ability to avoid waste.
3. Food: Minimize Packaging
Pack your food in reusable containers rather than relying on small packaged goods. Try chopping your fruits and vegetables in advance if you can, so you can compost the food scraps at home. If you’re eating meals on reusable dishes and have to wash them in the wild, be mindful of the soap you’re using. Standard dish detergent is hard on the environment. Bring biodegradable soap, and keep it at least 200 feet away from natural water sources.
Opt for compostable tableware like from World Centric, including plant-based plates, cups, bowls, cutlery and more can make campsite eating a little easier. Just be sure to properly bag and pack out all of your compostables and food scraps, and leave no trace.
4. Stay Local
You don’t have to travel far to get offline, and you may be surprised at the beautiful open spaces that are right in your own backyard. Camping locally reduces the distance you have to travel, thus reducing your emissions. It can also help you better explore your own surroundings and community. During the height of the pandemic when travel was more restricted, I found the best remote campsite just a couple hours from my home. My county parks’ campgrounds offered a great easy car camping experience within minutes from my house.
5. Build Responsible Campfires
If you see a fire ban in place where you’re camping, it exists for a reason. This year has been one of the hottest and driest years on record in many parts of the world. With dry seasons comes the risk of wildfires, so please respect these bans. Keep campfires where permitted and contained to fire pits, and never burn toxic materials like trash, paperboard or anything plastic.
6. Respect the Wildlife
When hiking, going off-trail can be harmful to plants and animals. Be sure to stay on the trail and leave rocks and other artifacts where they are. If you encounter wildlife while hiking or camping, keep your distance for your own safety and theirs. Never leave food out around your campsite overnight, as it can attract animals.
7. Use Refillable Water Jugs & Bottles
Skip buying prefilled single-use water bottles or gallon jugs of water. Bring reusables and refill your own. You can pack enough filled bottles with what you anticipate needing, or invest in a water purifier.
8. Reduce Gross Waste
It’s not fun to talk about, but toilet paper is a source of litter at parks and recreation areas. Avoid using toilet paper in the wild by investing in a small refillable bidet, and for women, buying a reusable antibacterial cloth. Always bury your waste and compostable toilet paper (if using) according to local guidelines, which usually include burying it at least six inches deep and 200 feet from water.
Lauren K. Olson is the Zero Waste Manager at World Centric. Lauren holds a Master's degree in Community Sustainability specializing in decision-making about waste, and a Bachelor of Science's degree in Environmental Economics-- both degrees from Michigan State University
There’s nothing quite like sleeping out in the great outdoors with a campfire crackling nearby and the stars twinkling above. If you’re ready to pitch a tent, fire up an RV or go glamping in the woods, we’ve got the ultimate guide! We’ve put together an epic list of the best places to go on a family camping adventure near Washington, DC.
Go Off the Grid
Bull Run Regional Campground
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Soak up a little of our area’s civil war historical lore when you set up camp at Bull Run in NoVa’s Centreville area. Besides traditional campgrounds, family’s can reserve ahead to take advantage of cabins and enjoy trails, a frisbee golf course, and Atlantis Water Park. Check out also the cabins at Pohick Bay near Lorton, or riverfront cottages at Algonkian Regional Park near Sterling.
You barely have to leave the city to get to this family-fun-filled campground with 350 full hook-up sites, 25 tent sites, 12 premium log cabins and three cottages to choose from. No one will be saying, “mommy, I’m so bored,” because there are two pools, a splash park, minigolf, playgrounds, exercise areas, a café and more.
No car? No problem, you can still go camping. Greenbelt Park lets you get away from it all without ever leaving the Beltway. This 1100-acre park, just 13 miles northeast of the city, has 175 campsites, plus a bathhouse with hot showers, several picnic areas, and nine miles of forested hiking trails. Take the Greenline to Greenbelt and hop on a short 2-mile bus ride.
If you like the view of mountain peaks in the distance, but the kids want to sink their toes into a sandy beach, you get the best of both worlds when camping at MD’s Greenbrier State Park. Greenbrier features a 42-acre man-made lake and beach where you can swim, canoe, and build sand castles. There are 165 campsites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire ring and parking area. Forty sites have electric hookups. There’s plenty of shared bathhouses with hot showers to go around.
No list of camping destinations would be complete without the Shenandoah National Park. Just 70 miles outside of D.C. and a beloved destination for nature lovers far and wide, Shenandoah National Park offers beauty, convenience and just about any camping experience you can wish for. Loft Mountain campground at mile 79.5 is the park’s largest campground and sits atop Big Flat Mountain with incredible views to the east and west, plus two waterfalls and hiking trails that lead into the Big Run Wilderness area nearby. Each campsite comes with a picnic table, fire grate and parking area. There are no water or electric hookups at the campsites, but there are shared utility sinks, water supplies, showers and restrooms.
Cost: $15/night
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Luray, VA Online: nps.gov/shen
Lake Fairfax Park Campground
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If your family requires multiple entertainment options with your camping experience, then Lake Fairfax is the place for you. Enjoy the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole, a Western-themed activity pool, complete with twisting slides and fumes, and a lazy river.There’s an 18-acre lake with paddleboats to rent and plenty of fishing, plus an intricate skate board park. There are 136 camping sites each with a picnic table and fire ring, plus nearby bathhouses with hot showers and flushing toilets.
Woods, water and endless activities await you at this beautiful RV campground in North Carolina. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the countryside, you will find everything you need for an enjoyable lakeside vacation. Let the kiddos stay up late for an epic sunset or two before you rent a boat to get out on the lake the next morning. Grab a kid-friendly movie from the clubhouse and finish off your vacation with a movie night under the stars.
The campground celebrates Christmas in October, offers hay and trolley rides around the resort and has tons of activities for all ages every week. In other words, this place has it all. Book a site for laser tag weekend, pool party weekend or their version of the summer Olympics. Don't have an RV? No problem. There are themed cabins available for rent. You can even say goodnight in a double-decker bus.
A small family campground nestled in the Shenandoah Valley is the perfect place to make special summer memories. With the mountains as your backdrop, you can visit local caverns or hike in the nearby national park. Ask for a site at the back of the campground, and the morning view from your window will make your coffee even sweeter.
Minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this camping spot is full of adventure for the whole family. Ziplines, rafting, and one of the country's best aquariums are all right in town. LeConte is a glamorous camping destination where you can stay in a luxury treehouse, European safari tent or a 1960's retro camper. Bring your RV or camper and stay in one of their full hookup sites.
Cost: Varies
1739 E Parkway Gatlinburg, Tennessee Online: campleconte.com
Explore the spectacular 600-acre resort offering quaint cottages, vintage RVs, RV and tent sites and tons of memory-making, family-orientated activities. Pick one or all of the pools, playgrounds and lakefront fun for your crew to enjoy. If you're ready for some fun outside the campground, head to downtown Fredericksburg for a trolley ride.
Cost: Varies
9220 Plank Rd Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA Online: wpresort.com
While the location makes it feel like you’re far from civilization, the perks make you feel as if you’re staying at a hotel. Spend your days in the swimming pool or hike through the picturesque trails. And while the forest is filled with natural beauty, it’s also home to rich history- some of it dating back to 8,000 BC. Want even more history? DC and all of its fascinating museums are a short drive away.
If you've ever longed for a 5-star hotel experience in the great outdoors, check out Hideaway Co., a Western MD-based glamping experience created by regional boutique hoteliers. For those looking for a kid-free getaway (which is ALL of us after a year of 24/7 childcare!), Hideaway Co. hosts romantic weekends and girlfriend getaways filled with massage appointments, wine and cheese pairings and curated excursions. There are also a handful of family-friendly weekends for those looking for a no hassle way to camp with kids (hint: the next one is Labor Day weekend). Family weekends feature arts-and-crafts, outdoor movies (with s'mores, of course!), kid-friendly excursions (like horseback riding and river floats) and kid-favorite menu items.
If you like sleeping under starlight and moonshine, minus the cramped tent and hard ground, glamping is the way to go. Savage River Lodge features stylish yurts and cabins nestled in 700 acres of woods. Each yurt has a king bed, full bathroom, deck, and gas fireplace. The cabins are beyond luxurious. It’s the perfect place to unplug in comfort and style. You’ll even get robes and house-made hot chocolate. There’s a spacious lodge with a restaurant and bar, a library, comfy reading nooks, and plenty of board games. It’s pet-friendly too!
Head north to this retreat in the woods. The family-friendly glamping site has everything your gang needs to get away and unplug. This family-owned spot provides unique luxury camping accommodations that combine elements of traditional camping with some of the creature comforts we all crave. The best part, after you slide down the slide, you'll be able to say you went camping without actually sleeping on the ground.
Located about two hours from D.C., Rose River Farm offers the ultimate glamping experience. The property features three large luxury yurts. Yes, your fam can stay in a yurt! Yurts include amenities like A/C and heat, two full bedrooms and two full baths, a full kitchen, a flat screen TV, and high speed WiFi. Each yurt also features a wall of windows and a big porch to capture the spectacular views of Old Rag Mountain, the Rose River Valley, and a pond full of fish. There is even a charcoal grill and a big outdoor fire pit so you can cook outside and hang with your crew. While this Virginia getaway caters to a more posh posse, outdoorexploring and adventuring can still be a big part of the agendawith nearby guided kayak tours and horseback rides.
Ever wonder what it would be like to live in a caboose?Come spend some time in an authentic refurbished, modern, railroad caboose along the Blue Ridge Parkway! Your kids will drool over this experience. Spend the day hiking down to Grassy Creek where you canhang among the trees. Play “I Spy” with the kids to see if they can spot does, turkeys and bucks. Sit outside at night and see the thousands of stars that light up the serene skies. The site has three cabooses that sleep two guests each. Each caboose is fully furnished with a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. There’s even a Jacuzzi! The cabooses each have decks with rockers and charcoal grills so you can enjoy being outside.
Take Pennsylvania Ave. and keep going, turn left after Solomon’s Island, and you’ll end at the confluence of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Staying in one of the six four-person camper cabins at Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary’s County, you’ll be serenaded by songbirds from the leafy trees near your cabin. Not an ace at fire-building? No worries! The friendly rangers can help get you started (hint: use pinecones). After climbing on the jetty rocks near the lighthouse, kiddo will find sandcastle bliss at the small beach on the riverside of the peninsula. If your family is feeling really adventurous, ask about snagging a license to do some night fishing. Bonus: Two cabins are ADA accessible.
If you need a unique, off-the-grid weekend, the Getaway home might be your cup of tea. Created by two Harvard grads, these homes are geared towards folks that need to escape the city, and dive into nature,but without having to wrangle their own camping gear. The stocked cabins ( ideal for 2-4 people) are tucked away near Shenandoah National Park and are designed to let you unplug, but not tooseverely . Homes have a full bathroom, kitchen, running water and queen bunks where your family can hide away!
$125+/night
2010 Madison Rd Stanardsville, VA Online: getaway.house
Little Bennett Campground
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Thirty miles north of DC your campsite is set up and awaits your arrival. Little Bennett Campground, which is part of the Montgomery County Park system, offers to pitch your four-person tent and set up your campsite with two camp chairs, a propane stove, and a lantern. You just bring the happy campers, bedding, cooking gear, and food supplies. And, get this, you only need to give them one week’s advance notice for a two-night minimum stat.
Yes, there is a Hobbit House inMaryland…for reals…and you MUST go! Truly, there’s nothing quite like the hobbit house at The Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree Campground in Rohrersville, Maryland. This uniquecottagewill make you and your family feel like you’ve stepped into the Lord of the Rings and we mean that in the best possible way. You’ll arrive to find a thatch covered porch, outdoor fire circle, grill, and picnic table.Everything you need for a most unique camping experience. Step inside and you’ll find a wood stove, Woodland mural, and a hand-made harvest table that can seat up to eight people. Accommodations include two queen mattresses that can sleep up to four people.The wooded area around the hobbit house provides plenty of enchanting oppsfor outdoor adventures.
Cunningham Falls State Park is located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains in Maryland. Next to Great Falls, Cunningham Falls might be the shortest distance to D.C., just an hour’s drive from the city. Cunningham falls offers hiking, off-road trails and tubing in the summer. The waterfalls are a must see! The campsites offer everything from cottages, cabins, and other unique venues April through October.
After a day of zipline flying through a hardwood forest in Shenandoah River State Park in Virginia and then sitting around the fire, your kids are gonna love you for this camping trip. Forever. Kiddos over 10 years old and that weigh over 70 lbs can get this “you and your folks did what during the summer” cool cred if they pass the ground school, can walk about a mile and are in reasonably good health. You could do the rustic cabins (no kitchen, ac or bathroom) but after a heartbeat racing zipline tour you’ll be glad you booked one of the of cabins that are equipped with a kitchen, including a microwave and coffeemaker (tip: bring your own coffee filters), bathroom, fireplace and linens on the beds. In prime season these cabins require a weeklong stay. Bonus: Fido can stay at the cabin for an extra fee. To get the zipline tour ($42-$84) you need to reserve it separately from Virginia Canopy Tours.
Cost: $708+/a week (2 bedroom cabin for the week)
n50 Daughter of Stars Dr. Bentonville, VA Online: dcr.virginia.gov
What little kid doesn’t love horses? Or the beach? Together, and you have a destination fit for the youngest set. Camping is allowed on the Maryland side of this island, famous for its wild horses. Oceanside walk in sites are approximately 200 years from the parking lot. While you can stake your tent on the beach, the sites that are sheltered by shoreside shrubs and grass experience less wind. The grasslands are also easier to pitch a tent on. Oceanside sites do not have a view of the ocean, but seeing horses is nearly guaranteed; the famous ponies are known to roam the campground greeting visitors (and nosing for food). Don’t let your kids pet the ponies, though (they can kick or bite). Campsites do require an advanced reservation (sites are $30). Assateague Island is approximately a three hour drive from D.C.
Cost: Varies
6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy Berlin, MD Online: nps.gov
If you have experienced the great outdoors with your kids and are ready to take it to the next level, look no further than False Cape. This area of the Atlantic coast is so undeveloped, you have to hike or bike in to access camping sites. This State Park features 15 miles of hiking trails and 6 miles of beach to explore. There are only 12 campsites along the shore line and reservations are required. This is primitive camping at its best (there are no showers; only pit toilets). Due to the primitive nature of this beach, camping here is best suited for children 8 and older. For day visitors, there are beach trams which include a tour of the area ($8 a person). False Cape is a four hour drive from the city.
If you want to take the family camping — and we mean the whole family, fido included — head to Virginia’s most popular State Park, First Landing. You won’t get a secluded experience on these grounds, but you will have access to a number of (little kid necessary) amenities (think: electric hookups, showers and restrooms, grills, picnic tables and more). There are 200 campsites; spots range from $24 to $32. This beach is approximately a three and a half hour drive from the district.
You don’t need to travel towards the ocean to hit the beach. This park, nestled along the Rappahannock River, offers 28 well-equipped, private camping sites (sites cost $30). Onsite you’ll find private showers with hot water, restrooms, washers and dryers, a playground and more. The park boasts seven miles of shoreline. Kids will enjoy exploring the areas tidal pools and sandbars. Biking and boating are also popular past times at Belle Isle. The park is a two and a half hour drive from downtown.
If not everyone in your family is “outdoorsy,” Collective Retreat, a new “glamping” experience nestled along New York harbor, will let you and your family relax under the stars without all the work. Well-appointed, luxury tents feature private bathrooms (starting at $500 a night; breakfast is included). Luxury tents can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children (rollaway beds are available for children 12 and under for an additional fee of $100). While the Island’s sandy stretch, Water Taxi Beach, is just short bike ride away, the real lure of this site is the skyline view. We’ll repeat that: The. New. York. Skyline. There are a number of playgrounds on the Island, along with family-friendly bike paths.
You don’t need to go out to have an awesome date night. And bonus: Staying in means saving money on a sitter and not being stressed about having a stranger watch your child. Keep the spark alive with these eight ideas for fun date nights you can have right at home.
1. Facetime Double Date Chances are, you two have couple friends who are in the same boat. You know, the boat that contains a baby and prevents you from leaving the house except out of necessity? The bad news is, it’s sometimes a struggle to get together. The good news? You don’t have to suffer alone! Schedule a Facetime double date, setting a time for some shared screen time to commiserate and laugh together. Each couple can prepare their own meals at home, uncork a bottle of their favorite beverage, and share an hour or two together in conversation. Of course it’s not as great as seeing your friends in person, but it’s the next best thing and it can be done in sweatpants.
2. Date in a Box
There are several “date in a box” subscription products on the market right now, including DateBox, a curated box of goodies that provides a unique date experience right in the comfort of your own home. On the company’s website, you fill in your likes and dislikes and a little about your couple personality, and then just wait for the magic to arrive. Packed neatly in a box that ships right to your door, Datebox is the ideal way to try new date ideas without ever leaving the house (which is perfect when your little ones are sleeping and you can’t go anywhere). An example DateBox might include an “indoor camping adventure,” complete with a s’mores kit, a pour-your-own-pine-scented candle making set, a deck of cards with game suggestions, and even a playlist suited for romance in the great outdoors.
3. Epicurean Extravaganza
There’s something really sexy about cooking together (think Chocolat), and all you need is a kitchen, the right ingredients, and a good recipe to make it all possible. When you’re usually planning meals that appeal to a younger crowd (hello, mac and cheese), it’s nice to make something for a more mature palate, like a complicated recipe that actually requires measuring cups and more spices than salt and pepper. Think of all the sparks that can fly while spoon-feeding each other samples of your creations.
4. Good Old-Fashioned Sleepover
Some of the most fun times while growing up are sleepovers with your BFFs, and who could be a better friend that your partner? Go old-school with it by slathering on face masks and doing homestyle pedicures while watching a cheesy romantic comedy and waiting for your delivery pizza to arrive. You might be surprised at how much fun you can have when you take the pressure off and just be silly for a minute. Sure, you’re adults now with all the adulting you can handle, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put those responsibilities aside for a bit and have a sleepover with your best friend. And who knows? It might just inspire a rousing game of Truth or Dare.
5.Game Night Unleash your competitive sides with a game night. And before you roll your eyes and think “boring!” take a moment and consider all the possibilities Twister has to offer. Okay, so maybe most board games aren’t as flirtatious as that, but the competition that traditional board games offers can be pretty stimulating. You might be surprised how having someone sink your battleship can get your blood rushing. And with an unending supply of games (expand to table games like foosball if that’s more your speed), you can each bring a unique choice to the (literal) table.
6. Give Each Other a Massage
It’s stressful being parents, and all that tension you’re holding in your shoulders and neck (you know what we’re talking about) is only going to get worse. A massage might just be what the doctor ordered. And if you’re not a pro, check out YouTube for instructional videos or just tell each other what you like. Once the massages are through, you’ll be relaxed enough to curl up together for a good snuggle.
7. Netflix and Chill (No, Really…Watch Netflix and Chill Out) With several streaming options including Netflix and Amazon Prime available for a small fee, the possibilities for movie night are endless. And while the “Netflix and Chill” movement of recent years suggests jumping straight to the nookie, a fun night in can really be about comfy sweatpants, a good movie or TV show, and some serious couch cuddling. If your tastes differ (he’s more GoldenEye and you’re more Golden Girls), write a few choices on slips of paper and then draw one to decide what to watch.
8. Getting to Re-Know You You’ve folded the last towel, walked the dog, scrubbed the pink marker stains off the couch, washed the mud out of tiny little jeans, put away the last toy, and started the Crock-Pot dinner for what seems like the millionth time this week. And somewhere in the middle of the survival mode you’re currently living, you’re hoping to make time for your partner, something that can take a back seat during this time in your lives together. It’s okay, you still love each other, but there are only so many hours in the day.
But making time for each other is important, and these date nights, however few and far between, are a way for you to connect during a time that can make you feel, well, disconnected. Take the opportunity to spend a date night every now and then getting to re-know each other, talking about things that have nothing to do with diapers or dry cleaners, mortgages or rent payments. Talk about each other, your hopes and dreams, hobbies and interests, your future plans together. Take a moment to revisit the kind of talks you had in the beginning of your relationship. If it’s hard to get the conversation going, take a few minutes to write starter questions on slips of paper and then draw them out one by one. Or grab a book made just for this purpose, like Questions for Couples: 469 Thought-Provoking Conversation Starters for Connecting, Building Trust, and Rekindling Intimacy.
Calling all thrill-seekers! It’s time to create incredible memories on one of these epic family-friendly adventure vacations. From a Nascar ride-along and cowboy lessons to a vacation where the destination is a surprise, these top family vacations are made for big-time fun. Jump into the action, and scroll on to check out the best adventure family vacations in the U.S.
Giddy up! Time to lasso in some adventure at Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa in Western Colorado. This first-hand ranch experience includes daily guided trail rides and cowboy lessons on more than 500-acres of horseback riding trails. Jump into the saddle while experienced guides take riders of all skill levels, ages 8 and up, through picturesque deserts and red rock canyons at the resort's onsite Palisade Ranch. Families can also participate in roping lessons and cattle drives.
Prefer your adventure with a different kind of horsepower? Buckle into one of the resort's UTV's or Jeep Wrangles and set off on an off-roading adventure through the canyons. No matter which style adrenaline rush you choose, you'll love knocking off the dust and retreating to luxury accommodations, onsite restaurants and solar-heated pools to recap a day well spent.
Reconnect with nature (and each other!) on a backcountry hike to hut camping adventure with Maine Huts & Trails. Families start their trek by selecting one of four off-the-grid eco-lodge "huts" and choose a trail to get there. Trails have varying levels of distance and difficulty, and families must hike in their own gear and food. Families can choose to hike, bike or even snowshoe from trail to hut and will be treated to the stunning natural beauty of the area no matter the season.
The Flagstaff Hut is a great first choice for families with little hikers. Located about two miles from the trailhead, this welcoming respite on Flagstaff Lake has European-style accommodations, boardgames and self-service kitchen. Once at the hut, daily activities include swimming, fishing, hiking and paddling. Don't forget to unplug, as huts are a cell phone-free zone for optimum reconnection.
Discover the wonder of Niagara Falls from a totally thrilling perspective––on a zipline! Adults and kids age 7 and up can take a breathtaking ride toward the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls on one of four parallel ziplines 220 feet above the Niagara River Gorge. Gravity will then take riders on a 2,200 foot thrill ride at speeds over 40mph to the Falls Landing and Observation Deck. Getting up close to one of nature's wonders has never been so thrilling!
Up, up and away! Get a birds-eye view of breathtaking desert sunrises and sunsets with Hot Air Expeditions in Phoenix, Arizona. With 300 days of sunshine a year, this desert oasis boasts the most flyable days per year of anywhere in the country, making it an ideal spot to take to the skies.
Once your balloon inflates, guests gently soar between 400 to 3,000 feet in the air for unparalleled 360-degree views of the Sonoran Desert. The knowledgable pilot will guide families through an air journey pointing out desert landmarks and plant life. After you momentously land back on solid ground, a table with linens and a gourmet meal awaits flyers. First-timers are treated to a Balloonists Ceremony, a tradition carried out by balloonists for over a century. Hot Air Expeditions welcome families with children ages 5 and up.
Prepare your crew for an epic hike with jaw-dropping views at Zion National Park. The famed steep red cliffs of this southwest Utah preserve provide memorable hikes for all ability levels. Before you board the shuttle to the trails, stop by the Visitors Center to receive a Junior Ranger's booklet to be filled out by your little adventurer. Once completed they'll take an oath and become a Zion Junior Ranger. Now it's time to choose your adventure level, whether an easier trail like the beautiful Emerald Pools Trail or a more daring hike through the waters of the Virgin River in the famed Narrows. Take it up another level, and book a half-day or full-day canyoneering trip with Zion Adventures, who provide guided trips for families with kids under 12 years.
Enjoy the best of both worlds (total relaxation and major thrills!) on Norwegian Cruise Line's epic new ship, Encore. Onboard, you’ll put the pedal to the metal with the largest race track at sea, Encore Speedway. When you’re ready for a dip in the pool, big kids can plunge into the over-edge waterslides and little ones can get into a splash waterpark just their size.
The fun continues in the Galaxy Pavilion with jaw-dropping virtual reality games like the Jurassic Park Jeep experience and custom-designed VR race car. For a little friendly competition, form your team and head to the lost city of Atlantis for a game of laser tag on the open seas. When you need a break from the action, the kids will love hanging at the complimentary Splash Academy kids’ camp while you relax poolside with a mojito or schedule in a romantic dinner at the acclaimed Onda by Scarpetta. Total relaxation and epic adventure? That’s a family vacation we never want to end.
With the jaw-dropping Sierra Nevada mountain range as a backdrop, a trip to Mammoth, California is a thrill ride the whole family will love. Start your adventure off the beaten path with Mammoth Mountain's Snowmobile Adventures. Kids age 5 and up can ride along with a parent as they cruise through tree-lined trails and take in epic mountain views. Once back at the base, riders cheer the awesome ride with well-earned hot cocoa. Just down the hill, a thrill ride of a different kind awaits at Woolly's Tube Park. Here, adults and kiddos 42" and taller will soar down six groomed lanes in a high-speed snow tube. Whether you go as a group or get a super-spin from the friendly staff, this is big-time fun for the whole family. For little ones too small to hit the big hill, check out the adjacent Snow Play Area with sleds and Woolly's Merry-Go-Round.
When you're ready to hit the slopes, Mammoth Mountain offers an exceptional day of shredding for all skill levels. Sign new skiers and boarders up for a half or full-day lesson while you and your partner explore over 3,500 skiable acres. After a day of snow-filled fun, chill out at the well-appointed Juniper Springs Resort. Located steps from the Eagle Lodge, Juniper Springs Resort is the perfect home-base for families with ski-in/ski-out access, a full kitchen, hot tub and ski and snowboard lessons right outside your doorstep. Don't forget to check out Woolly's Party every Saturday with music, face painting and complimentary cocoa!
If your idea of a thrill is aquamarine waters and sandy beaches, consider a trip to the breathtaking islands of Turks and Caicos. Here, you'll find kayaking adventures and can enjoy stand up paddle boarding over coveted Caribbean waters with Rising Tide Tours. This overwater experience starts in Providenciales where local guides take guests on a guided tour through the national parks of Turks and Caicos. From your water-level view, you'll encounter sea life such as turtles, barracuda, lemon sharks and puffer fish. This stunning look into the local ecosystem will be a trip to remember.
Calling all space lovers! The whole family can channel their inner astronaut with a memorable mission to Family Space Camp. Here, you'll train like an astronaut on the 1/6th Gravity Chair, launch simulated missions to the International Space Station and construct and launch your own model rocket. This two-night camp is for kids between the ages of 7 to 18 and at least one accompanying adult.
Say hola to adventure as you and your family discover the natural aquarium known as the Sea of Cortez with REI's 7-day Baja Family Adventure. The action-packed week starts off at the beach with surfing lessons for all skill levels and then heads to the kitchen for lessons on preparing (and eating!) Mexican cuisine. Families will camp on beautiful Espiritu Santo Island in deluxe safari-style tents, and days are spent kayaking on clear-blue waters, taking scenic hikes and snorkeling with sea lion pups. All accommodations and meals are included, and kids receive an REI day pack for their adventure.
Buckle up for a speedy ride with a Nascar racing experience at Daytona International Speedway. Adults can take their turn around the track by themselves, and kids between 4 to 5 feet and under 100 lbs can sit back and hold on as a professional driving instructor takes them on a top speed ride around the speedway. On your mark, get set, go!
Surprise, you won't know where you're going until hours before your vacation! If this makes your type-A personality break into a sweat, don't worry. The surprise is part of the adventure with a family-friendly trip planned by Pack Up + Go. This surprise travel agency plans three-day trips around the United States and keeps the destination a surprise. Guests fill out budgets, dates and a quick survey, and the Pack Up + Go team goes to work planning travel arrangements and accommodations.
Panicking about packing? Don't worry, one week before your trip you'll receive an email with what items to pack, the weather forecast and starting point for your mystery destination. The whole family will feel the thrill of not knowing where they're going until it's time to go. With 96% of travelers saying they'd do it again, a plan-free vacation might just be the only way you'll want to travel from now on.
Nothing says summer vacation like a family road trip camping adventure. Whether you’re all in for s’mores around the campfire or you prefer glamping with a few more creature comforts, we’re telling you about five of our fave SoCal locales in the great outdoors that will get you in that vacation state of mind––faster than your kids can ask ‘are we there yet?’ From soaking up serenity in the Sequoias to a Catalina island getaway, read on for our top spots for where to go camping with your kids this summer.
Big Time Mountain Fun in Big Bear
Kerry Cushman
Kick summertime into high gear and head up the San Bernardino mountains to Big Bear, where winter-favorite Snow Summit turns into a playground for mountain biking, scenic chair lift rides and picturesque hiking. Take a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain, enjoy lunch with a view and make your way down the mountain by mountain bike, hike or chairlift. Check their calendar for family-friendly events, including Movies in the Meadow and Adventure Academy Summer Camps. When the weather heats up, it’s time to hit Big Bear Lake. Rent a pontoon boat at one of the local marinas and enjoy the cool lake breeze and awesome mountain views. When you need a refresh, stop in at The Copper Q cafe downtown for coffee, gourmet wraps and sandwiches and oogle over the delicious sweet treats, like homemade carrot cake and apple pie.
Ways to stay: We like Pine Knot Campground for its convenient location right next door to Snow Summit, and for $37/night, the price can’t be beat. Bring your tent or RV under 26 feet and don’t forget the s’mores! Or try Serrano Campground on the Fawnskin side of the lake for showers and RV hookups. Reservations for both can be made at Recreation.gov. While the hairpin mountain turns on the 330 provide some epic views, they are a bit intense for some. If that’s the case, try Highway 38 for a still-gorgeous scenic drive dotted with campgrounds and without the heart palpitations.
Adventures in Avalon on Catalina Island
Kerry Cushman
Part road trip and part awesome island adventure, this road/sea combo feels like you’ve traveled to the Mediterranean, a short jaunt from SoCal! To get there, ride in style via the Catalina Express' fleet of modern, fast boats from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point. Opt for the Commodore Lounge tickets for VIP service, including a snack and a drink. Once you've arrived at this island paradise, get up close to fish and marine life at Undersea Expeditions. This semi-submarine takes passengers out to nearby Lover's Cove where fish swim by the portholes to the delight of passengers of all ages. Ticket booth is located on the big green pier. When you're back on land, get into a little friendly competition at Avalon's Golf Gardens, a mini-golf course located a short block from the beach with perfect pint-sized clubs for your little golfers. And to capture that beach-club vibe, head to Descanso Beach Club, where island time is in full effect. Opt for a frozen cocktail and lunch or hit the beach and rent cabana. While the little ones play at the beach, big kids up for an adventure can try the thrilling Zip Line Eco Tour, with stunning views of the island and sea.
Ways to stay:The Pavilion Hotel is steps from the sand, boardwalk and main pier. With a tropical vibe and daily made-to-order omelets at breakfast and nightly wine and gourmet cheese hour, it's the perfect home base for your Avalon island adventures. If you really want to getaway from city life, bring your tent and try one of the island campgrounds.
Serenity in the Sequoias
Kerry Cushman
While big sister Yosemite gets up to four times as many visitors per year, a road trip to the equally awe-inspiring Sequoia National Park is a vacation your family will never forget. Majestic redwood trees soar through the sky on your drive through the Redwood Forest and hikes for all abilities lead to epic mountain-top views. Take the Sherman Tree Trail for an up-close view of Earth's largest living tree, the mighty General Sherman. Stop in at the Giant Forest Museum on Generals Highway for giant sequoia exhibits and interactive discovery. There's endless ways to explore this beautiful natural playground, including the stunning Moro Rock hike and a docent-lead tour through the Crystal Caves. Fun Fact: Sequoia National Park was California's first national park!
Ways to stay: There are over 1,200 campsites available and the majority are first-come, first-served, however some reservations can be made in advance at Recreation.gov. Or opt for the Sequoia's signature hotel, the striking Wuksachi Lodge in the heart of the park. The lodge has over 100 guest rooms and a restaurant with stunning views.
Get out of the city and into stories around the campfire in less than two hours from San Diego. Located in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild has that small mountain town charm and is a perfect respite from urban dwelling. During the day, pack a picnic and try one of the many local hiking trails, like the Erine Maxwell Scenic Trail, which is great for families with shade and lots of nature to explore. After you’ve worked up an appetite, hit the artistic downtown and opt for grass-fed burgers at Mile High Cafeor if you’re feeling those plant-based vibes, try Plant Food Super Club Cafe, which boasts live music on weekends.
Ways to stay: Reserve a campsite at Recreation.gov (or try your luck for a walk-in) at one of the state parks like Idyllwild Park or Stone Creek campground. If you fancy a little more indoor comfort, try the Idyllwild Bunkhouse, a boutique motel with a continental breakfast delivered to your door every morning. If you really want to feel pampered, opt for the Grand Idyllwild Lodge. This luxurious mountain retreat has an on-site gym, sauna, spa, panoramic views and includes a gourmet breakfast.
Off-season in Palm Springs means posh hotels with epic swimming pools at deeply discounted prices. To handle the triple-digit temps like a local, splash in the pool in the morning and early evening when the weather is warm and beautiful. In the sizzling midday sun, head up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a whole different climate! Summer temperatures are about 30-40 degrees cooler than the desert floor, which means you can spend the day hiking and exploring in cooler mountain temperatures. There's even a restaurant, gift shop, snack shop and state park visitors center. Once the midday heat cools off, head back down the mountain for margaritas and Mexican food under the cool-air misters at Las Casuelas. For other indoor kid fun during the peak heat times, hit the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert for hours of thoughtful STEAM fun.
Ways to stay: If you have older children and are up for a hardcore camping adventure, take the PS Aerial Tramway up to the mountain top (an elevation of 8,516 feet!) and hike-in to Round Valley Campground. While the 2.1 mile hike to the campground is fairly flat, it's not for the faint of heart. Campers must hike-in their own gear and bring their own water to one of the 28 primitive campsites. For something a little more luxe, check out the Omni Rancho Las Palmas with three pool settings including Splashtopia, featuring waterslides, a lazy river, sandy beach and tot splash pad. Or try the desert oasis at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa and ride the indoor/outdoor gondola to dinner!
When it comes to summer adventures, it’s a toss up between boating and camping for your family. This summer, why not combine the two and maximize your adventure quotient? Scroll down for nine superb spots to take your crew boat camping. Sleeping bags, buoys and boats at the ready!
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
San Juan Islands
Head north for boat camping that ranges from primitive island campsites to luxe dockside accommodations, complete with restaurants and shops.
Clark Island State Park
Beach side camping is what this small marine park island between Orcas and Lummi Islands in the San Juans has to offer. It’s remote and accessible only by boat. And even then, there’s no dock, just moorage bouys on the east and west sides that are first come, first served. If a bouy is open, tie up your ride and raft over to the expansive pebble beaches, where kids will find plenty of space to beach comb and throw rocks while you prepare the evening meal. There are 15 campsites in total on the island, and they can accommodate anywhere between four and eight campers, depending on the site. It’s a great spot to enjoy views, watch for whales and generally unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Jones Island State Park
Set sail for Jones Island State Park, a marine park on Orcas Island where you’ll find fruit tree orchards and wildlife abound. It’s hard to beat the view from the park’s cliffside campsites, so arrive early to claim one of these coveted first-come-first-serve spots. Or take a chance on one of the other 24 campsites. They don’t have quite the same view, but they’re still a great place to start out for a round the island hike. If sleeping on the boat is on the docket, try a mooring buoy in one of the island’s coves. There’s nothing quite like being rocked to sleep by Puget Sound.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Odlin County Park
This county park on Lopez Island is a great spot to pull up a mooring buoy (there are 5 available for overnighting) and stay a while. If you’re lucky, you can get one of the 10 beach front camp sites (prime camping real estate!), but if not there are 21 others to choose from. It’s a great spot to launch kayaks or canoes from, and there is plenty of beach to roam and comb to keep the kids occupied while you set up camp before you explore. Making a reservation for campsites ahead of time is recommended, especially during the busy summer weekends.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Deer Harbor Marina
More of a boat glamping experience, Deer Harbor Marina has all the amenities you need to make sleeping on the boat a cush experience with the kids. The store and café on the main dock are well stocked and can keep you in ice cream and freshly cooked food for as many days as you need it. Plus, a few walkable options mean you can get off the water and sit down in style if you want to change up your summer boat lifestyle. This is a busy destination for boaters from around the area all summer long, and the wooden boat shows, salmon derby and summer fireworks displays don’t make getting reservations any easier. So once you’ve got your dates picked for this trip, reserve a dock spot online ASAP.
Close to home options are great for first timers and tots. Consider them the dry run for next year’s longer boat camping adventure!
Blake Island
Sure, you can spot Blake Island from the ferry out of Elliot Bay. Maybe you’ve even taken Argosy Cruise’s Tillicum Excursion to the island for a salmon dinner. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be an easy boat camping destination this summer too. It’s a quick bay crossing and you’re worlds away from the city with plenty to do. The kids will find plenty of sandy shores to explore and the playground is always a hit with the toddler crew. Exploring beyond the known becomes the mission on this trip, and the elusive west side, where you’ll find the tent camping sites, has Olympic Mountain views that are hard to find anywhere else. Our advice is to get there early, especially on the weekends, as campsites fill up fast and they’re all first come, first served.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Fort Flagler
Add a bit of military history to your boat camping experience when you tie up at Marrowstone Island’s Fort Flagler and camp at one of their 59 spots. One of three former military-bases-turned-state-parks, Fort Flagler puts a different twist on the typical marine adventure. Here, you can explore the park’s military museum and gift shop just as easily as you can the beach, and the gun emplacements can be explored on your own or through a guided tour (during the summer months). Bring your scooters, so the kids can explore the area without getting tired, and a crab pot if you’ve got one. It’s a boating experience they won’t soon forget!
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
South Sound
Head south for cozy campsites with easy dock access. Don’t forget your crab pot!
Jarrell Cove
If remote is what you’re looking for, but you’re not sure your crew is ready for primitive camping, head to Jarrell Cove. The bursting-with-amenities campsite is just up the ramp from the out-of-the-way dock on Harstine Island. It’s a hot spot for lawn games and short hikes where you might find snakes and salamanders. The cove itself is protected enough to paddle board or kayak around without having to worry about wakes and currents making things tough on little kids. The campsites fill up quickly on summer weekends, so reserve a spot early. Then, load up the lawn games alongside the tent and sleeping bags on your boat. There’s plenty of room to play!
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Joemma Beach
If you consider boat camping an excuse to crab, then Joemma’s the spot for you. Campers hang crab pots right off the dock and pull them up for dinner. Meanwhile, clammers are busy digging up appetizers on the expansive beach. When the sun’s out, there’s no better place to dig in for the day than this rocky shoreline. Bring a sunshade and float toys if you’ve got them, as families often float between their boat and the shore in these mildly protected waters. Be sure to reserve one of the 19 tent camping sites before you head down to the Key Peninsula to enjoy this special state park.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
Penrose Point
Another Key Peninsula find, Penrose is a clam and oyster digger’s dream spot, so bring a bucket and your appetite to this boat camping destination. It’s especially exciting to dig for your dinner here because of the other marine wonders your kids will find in the process—moon snails, sea stars and hermit crabs abound. And it’s hard to beat the protected inlet, just off the camping area, that turns into a perfect trial zone for kids to take out kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards when the tide is out. You can find a few miles of hiking trails just off the grassy picnic area (psst…one leads to a secret lagoon) that are tame enough for little feet, but long enough to give you something to do for the afternoon, and a special marked mushroom trail that keep the sun off your back as you go from sign to sign. As for camping, you’ll find plenty of sites, even a few set aside for groups, so grab your boating pals and make a reservation soon!
