
Taking a camping trip is a great way to do some family bonding and get in touch with nature. It is very relaxing and can be a lot of fun. There are all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed or you can simply do nothing at all. It’s totally up to you.
We take at least two annual camping trips a year. One on Memorial Day weekend and the other on Labor Day weekend. We submerge ourselves in the wilderness and try to disconnect from the outside world for a few days. It is very relaxing and we always have a blast! This year we had a large crowd of friends and family encompassing three campsites.
If you are new to camping, you are probably thinking “Why do I want to go sit in the woods and stare at trees?” I know, I used to think the same thing. Until I was bitten by the camping bug! That happened in my late teens and I have loved camping ever since. Trust me, if you give it a try, you will probably get hooked!
One of our favorite activities is the camp fire. We roast marshmallows, make Smores, make camp pizza, tell stories and just have a good old time! We also enjoy riding bikes, hiking and playing in the water.
Make Some Smores
You will need:
- 1 Box of Graham Crackers
- 1 6 pack of Hersey Chocolate Bars
- 1 Bag of Marshmallows
Directions:
- Roast a marshmallow over the fire
- Break off 2 Graham Crackers, 1-2 pieces of chocolate
- Sandwich marshmallow & chocolate between 2 Graham crackers
- Eat & enjoy!
One of our favorite campgrounds is John H Kerr Dam And Reservoir campground. This 50,000-acre lake is on the Virginia - North Carolina border and is one of the largest man-made lakes in the southeast. It is noted for its record striped bass catches and excellent camping facilities. The scenery is beautiful!
Some Camping Tips
- Book your camping reservations well in advance for best sites.
- Pack all of your camping gear into plastic crates. When it’s time to go, simply load the crates and run!
- Try to find camp grounds with water, preferably a small lake. This increases available activities.
- Get a bicycle rack for your vehicle and take your bikes along.
- Buy camping accessories at the end of season to save some $$$
Things You Will Need For Basic Camping
- A tent
- Tarps
- Sleeping bags
- Pillows
- Air Mattress (much more comfortable than the ground)
- Cooking utensils
- Cooler w/ ice
- Fire wood (can usually be purchased at camp store)
There are many different camping options:
- You can go primitive with no electricity and water
- You can “tent camp”
- You can take an RV, with all the amenities
- You can take a “Popup Tent”
- You can take advantage of State run camp grounds
- You can go the more commercial route, like KOA or Holiday Trav-l-Park
These are good for people with children. They offer live bands, pools, game rooms, mini-golf, hay rides, etc.
Some Things To Do
- Go hiking
- Go biking
- Go fishing
- Go swimming
- Play horse shoes
- Build a camp fire
- Cook marshmallows
- Make Smores
- Tell ghost stories
- Enjoy the stars
So, I hope this gives you some ideas. Give it try! Anyone out there have a camping experience you would like to share? Please do, we would love to hear it!
Pictures from Our Memorial Day Trip:

Cooking marshmallows around the fire.

Life on the beach.

Me, caught by surprise by my daughter.

Our little girl Missy with her life jacket on.

My daughter (on right) and her friend.

My brother-in-law cooking dinner.
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My name is John. I am a devoted husband and father in my late thirties.










Wow great information, I am an RV camper personally-I know really adventurous there, but even that has some family members complaining. I just love gettin away, we usually do it with big toys, like boats, quads, and the like. Camp fires, family time, eating all day-good times.
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