There are many ways to camp with the kids. Here are five to consider.
• REI Signature Camping. For those families that want to go deep into a national park but appreciate a deluxe experience, there are options. Oversized tents are outfitted with cots, comfy bedding, floor coverings and lighting. Community areas are a great gathering place for families as hammocks, covered dining areas, outdoor games and twinkle lighting create a festive atmosphere. French-press coffee will be delivered to the tent, and regional cuisine is served to hungry explorers upon return to camp. Destinations include Zion, Yosemite and the Great Smoky Mountains. Contact: rei.com/adventures
• Starlite Classic Campground, Canon City, Colo. Take a trip down memory lane while staying in a vintage camper. Think pink during an overnight in the Classic Sally camper. Explain the antics of Lucy and Desi Arnaz to the kids when visiting the 1950s-style Tacy camper, reminiscent of the “long, long trailer” the famous pair used for their traveling escapades. How about snoozing in the Flamingo Lounge, complete with the iconic pink yard ornaments out front. Plan a visit to the nearby Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the country. You can also catch the gorge and Arkansas River views from aboard an historic train during a scenic 24-mile outing. Contact: starliteclassiccampground.com
• Georgia State Parks. New to camping? The Georgia State Parks First Time Camper Program goes a long way toward making the experience as stress-free as possible by offering loaner gear. Thanks to donations from Coleman, REI and North Face, newbies can spend two nights in a campground with all the right gear, marshmallow roasting sticks included. Park staff and volunteers will provide help first-time campers might need setting up a tent or getting settled before leaving them and the family to enjoy the starry night’s sky. Contact: gastateparks.org/firsttimecamper
• Mount Washington Valley, N.H. By day, campers can discover natural swimming holes and waterfalls, hike in the expansive White Mountain National Forest or paddle along the Saco River. Home base is chosen from among eight family-oriented campgrounds in Mount Washington Valley, each of which is in the shadow of the tallest peak in the Northeast. Campers can bring tents or an RV, or rent a family cabin. The campgrounds offer themed events and amenities with families in mind. Contact: mtwashingtonvalley.org
