2 . 4 Kid-Friendly Campsites for a Fun Family Vacation

With the largest concentration of hoodoos (石林) on Earth combined with certified dark skies, this camp will make your family fall in love with our world and nature. Hiking is the most popular activity at this scenic park, with the best day hikes being Mossy Cave (0.8 mile) and Navajo trail (1.4 miles).

Acadia National Park gets 3.5 million visitors a year, and for good reason too. From its famous fall leaves to beautiful winter landscapes, it’s the perfect place for scenic drives and hikes. In the winter, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are very popular activities. In the summertime, you can go swimming in the Atlantic at Sand Beach. But if you would rather hike, Wonderland Trail is a 1.5-mile hike that is perfect for families and beginner hikers. Remember to bring your binoculars to take in all the wildlife.

Not only is it probably the most iconic (标志性的) and scenic National Park but it offers very comfortable wooden houses with modern conveniences. After you take in the amazing views of the world’s largest canyon, there are many things to do with your kids. You can watch Native American dances that are absolutely beautiful.

It offers beautiful rustic treehouse cabins. This park is a stargazer’s dream because they offer an Astronomy Lodge with its own observatory that has a high-powered telescope. You will also find hammocks (吊床) to sleep under the stars.

I tried something new

9 . Tips for First-Time Campers

Nature provides for us in a variety of ways, whether we recognize these gifts or not. But nature isn’t just there for us to explore.     1    

While the saying “always be prepared” is a noble enough guideline for activities like hiking and camping, sometimes, less is more. But depending on the area where you’re staying, the weather can be unpredictable,     2    . Having a simple repair kit and a first-aid kit may save you from minor headaches and injuries, as will doing your homework when planning where to go and what to take camping.

If you’re hiking, be sure to bring plenty of clean water along, as well as nutritious foods to keep you going. For coffee, cheap instant coffee packets can lessen the mess. You may also be able to use running water or river stones to keep items cooler longer (or simply use a thermos).

Become familiar with different trees and what they offer. Some trees provide wood that’s good for whittling and making walking sticks and canes. Some wood is good for starting fires, while other wood is good for keeping them going.     3    . You can use pine needles in tea or rub them on your skin if you’re trying to be stealthy while hunting deer. If you spot elm trees near a creek or river, you may be able to find the famous morel mushroom nearby — just make sure you can positively identify the mushroom or are with someone who can!

    4    . Some places charge a small fee to park or camp or they require conservation fees to keep the area clean. Depending on where you live, you may want to invest in a metal detector or a boat for a bit of additional fun. You can also purchase a fishing license, which helps keep areas clean and lakes and rivers stocked with fish.

I don’t like to hunt or party; I enjoy simply sitting on a sand bar at dawn, watching the mist rise from the water. I see and hear all kinds of wildlife, such as deer, owls, bats, birds, squirrels, and beavers. I listen for the beavers making splashes at night with their wide, flat tails. I hear coyotes howling at night too. I’ve seen cottonmouth snakes and even panther tracks! I love the serenity and the small thrills, the kinds of experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.