| FAMILY CAMPING NEAR WASHINGTON, DC THOMAS J. HILLEGASS (2472 Words) I. TOGETHERNESS Family camping can mean good, fun, together time for the modern, pulled-in-all-directions, family. Away from the distractions of home, only tasks that are immediate to "survival", like putting up tents and cooking meals, will demand your attention. The phone will not ring, the lawn will wait. When you're camping, basic chores require everyone to work together in a way that doesn't often happen in today's hectic home and, amazingly, it turns out to be fun. Younger children get to explore nature and to test their independence in an open and safe environment. There are creeks and critters to examine and natural places to swim, accompanied by real fish and the occasional salamander. At night, there are campfires and marshmallows, plenty of darkness to pierce with the flashlight and a billion stars that don't come out in city skies. Even teens, if they grew up with fun and exciting camping experiences, will not want to miss out, especially if they are allowed to take a friend along. The whole family will develop a new appreciation for the natural environment, its beauty and value. II. QUESTIONS Ask yourself these questions before you try family camping: Do you have the patience? You (and your spouse) must be able to adopt a "laid back in the outback" attitude to have a rewarding camping experience with children (or with anyone, for that matter.) Be patient. Let the children help with EVERYTHING. Don't rush them-let them make mistakes. This is not a military exercise, just fun in the woods. If you cannot keep cool, family camping is NOT for you. Do you have a sense of adventure? One of the main attractions of camping is setting out on your own for a (very safe) adventure. By camping, you can explore places where motels and restaurants are not nearby. Another dimension to this adventure is that you are experiencing nature in the night and morning, times when most everyone else has retreated to their motel and is watching TV or floating in chlorine for lack of anything else to do. Camping will mean the occasional nuisance and some discomfort and this is part of the adventure. Do you enjoy planning and preparing? A lot of any hobby or sport has to do with the joy of anticipation, planning, procuring and tinkering with the "gear" involved. If you get to be a regular camping family, you will spend a lot of time on preparations and gear and at least one parent should enjoy each of these aspects. III. EQUIPMENT You don't need to go overboard on equipment to have a great camping trip, but some basics are essential. It is assumed that if you are a beginning camper you will start with a tent, not a $50,000 motor home. Some good places to get camping equipment are: * Borrow from camping friends. They will be glad to help you with gear and advice and maybe go with you to get you acclimated. * Yard sales are a good place to get beginning camping gear being unloaded by all those families who discovered by trial that their answer to some of the questions posed above was "no", or at least "no longer". * "Play it Again Sports" stores buy and sell used camping gear. There are several in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs; see your phone book. * For low prices, try Sports Authority, Hermans, K Mart or Wal Mart. * For high quality, more pricey gear, try REI Cooperative or Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS). * If you want to see more camping gear than you ever thought possible, go to "H & H Camper Surplus" in downtown Baltimore at Franklin & Eutaw Streets (a few blocks North of the Lexington Market). Drive a little - see a lot ! Equipment you need to start will include: TENT: Dome tents are good, spacious, easy to set up, all around family tents. If the kids are old enough not to be frightened, get them a separate one. Note that a "3 person" tent actually sleeps 2 people, a "5 person tent" sleeps 3. If the tent has sleeves that you push the poles thru, avoid poles that have raised joints because they bind frustratingly in the sleeve. Make sure the tent has plenty of netted ventilation under a large rain fly. Get a spray can of waterproofing ("Camp Dry" is one brand) and a tube of seam sealer and use both on the top of the rain fly and underside of the tent floor the first time you set it up and every Spring thereafter. Cut a piece of plastic tarp and put it under the floor, making sure that it DOES NOT extend beyond the floor or it will channel the rain right under your tent. Put the tent up in your yard before you go camping with young kids. It is a good environment to learn AND if you let the kids sleep in it in the yard first they will sleep better when you are camping later. STOVE: Don't figure on cooking meals over an open fire, romantic as this may seem. Get a two burner stove. The propane kind are easiest for a beginner to use, the "white gas" kind (some use regular unleaded gas) make the most heat but can be temperamental. LANTERN: Not necessary. Take 2 good flashlights and a candle in a jar (like the citronella kind sold at drug stores) for on your table. COOLER: Get a good one if you don't have one. You'll need it for picnics/beach/etc. anyway. The new soft sided cooler bags take up less room but don't have the capacity and insulation of the solid ones. SLEEPING BAGS: If you camp only in mild weather you can get by with very inexpensive sleeping bags. The parents may want a matching pair that can be zipped together. Any two matching bags that can be unzipped and laid out flat can also be re-zipped together one on top of the other. Take pillows; you'd be surprised how hard it is to part with your pillow. MATTRESSES: An air mattress or sleeping pad is a "must" for the folks and a good idea for the kids as well. Sleeping on the ground is a bummer. One option is an air mattress (or "air bed"), a double is nice for the folks. Get fairly good ones ($30-$40 for a double) but figure to replace them every couple of years anyway because they all get leaks with time. Try not to get ones that are too "slick" on top, you want a little texture to keep the sleeping bags from going South while your head is pointing North. Oh, and don't try to blow them up by mouth or even by manual pump. Get a pump that works from your car cigarette lighter. You don't want the kind of pump that inflates car tires, you want a high volume pump made specifically for inflatable toys and the like. You can get one for about $10 at Wal Mart. Some auto vacuums blow air out a round hole in the back and if it even approximately mates to your mattress it will work great. Another option is the self-inflating sleeping pad. You don't need a pump, but they tend to be thin and expensive. For the older folks, look for ones that are about 2 1/2" thick, you can get one least inexpensively at Wal Mart. KITCHEN GEAR: Get one of those all-in-one camping pot sets (includes pots, dishes and cups) at the yard sale. Most are aluminum but if you can get stainless steel it will keep you from exceeding your daily requirement of aluminum, which incidently is zero. Supplement it with items in your list (see below) and any food items you need for your menu. DINING FLY: You can buy a reinforced polyethylene tarp to cover your table, complete with poles, cords and stakes, for $20 on sale. Do it! Rain, especially at mealtime, can be a real nuisance without one. PS: The first time you put up your dining fly, enlist the whole gang and be patient as you'll feel like Lilliputians trying to stake down a squirming Gulliver. LAWN CHAIRS: Do take folding lawn or beach chairs with you, one for each person. Sitting on picnic table benches or upended logs (especially after a rain) is not conducive to relaxing times and near a fire a stable seat is essential for all. IV. LIST Keeping a list of stuff to take is an important part of happy family camping. Make yourself an initial list (on your word processor so you can update it), print it out AND TAKE IT WITH YOU CAMPING. As you find items you need but don't have, add them to the list right then and update your list when you get home. If in doubt, add it anyway, you can always cross it off if you are not going to need it for a particular trip. Here is a "starter" list for you; you will want to delete some and add others right from the start: KITCHEN: Kitchen pot kit (see above) Frying pan (the one in the kit is minimal) Flat ware Large, sharp knife Large spoon Spatula Can opener Pot holder Ziploc bags Trash bags Paper cups and dishes Table cloth (plastic) Dish cloth (wash dishes in the big pot) Dish towels Dish soap Scour pad Salt and pepper Sugar Tea/coffee Matches Condiments (as your menu requires) Marshmallows GEAR: Tents (inc`l poles, stakes, ground tarp) Spray can of waterproofing & tube of seam sealer Sleeping bags Pillows Air mattress Pump Dining tarp (inc`l poles, stakes, ropes) Plastic drop cloth (cheap, light, emergency rain protection) Rope and (spring, wooden) clothespins Hammer or hatchet (for stakes) Work gloves (to protect hands while staking, fire tending, etc) Candle in a jar (like citronella) Stove Fuel for stove (funnel if needed) Cooler Water jug (2 gal or more) Charcoal and starter (if you will grill) Saw (an inexpensive bow saw beats a hatchet every time, and is much safer) Folding chairs (one for each person, don't skimp on chairs) Flashlights (extra batteries) Newspaper (to start fire) Firewood (Coals to Newcastle, you say, but incredible as it seems you will often NOT be able to take firewood from the woods !) PERSONAL: What you would take in your shaving kit or cosmetic bag for any trip but for camping be sure to add: Soap (in holder) Face cloth, face towel, bath towel Tissues or toilet paper (emergency) Any emergency medications family members might need (consider bee stings, allergies, car sickness) First aid kit Insect repellent Sun screen Calamine (Calohist) lotion Rain gear (ponchos are good) FUN STUFF: Hats Sunglasses Bathing suits River shoes (old sneakers or "reef runners", double as shower togs) Beach umbrella Books Fishing gear Life jackets Inner tubes Bird/flower ID books Roadside geology books (available for several states) Cameras Games Binoculars Family trip record (write down a record of your trip each day, you'll be glad you did years later, if not sooner) V. PRIME CAMPING LOCATIONS NEAR D.C. For an exhaustive list of private and public campgrounds and their features, be sure to get the Rand McNally or Woodalls camping guides at any bookstore. The campgrounds recommended here are all public (State or Federal) and are a reasonable travel time (3 1/2 hours maximum; all distances and times are approximate) for a weekend trip. All have the following "basic" amenities: * Wooded sites * Bathrooms * Usually clean * Flush toilets (no pits) * Sinks and mirrors * Picnic tables * Fire places * Towns nearby A. VIRGINIA 1. GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST ELIZABETH FURNACE Features: Beautiful valley in Massanutten mountain; swimming in creek, showers, reservations (800)280-2267. Directions: (85 miles, 1:45 hours) * I-66 to Front Royal, take the exit for Rt 340/522 South. * Rt 340/522 South about 1 1/2 mi, turn right on Rt 55. * Rt 55 West about 10 mi, turn left on Rt 678. * Rt 678 South West about 4.8 mi (past Day Use Area) to Elizabeth Furnace family camping. CAMP ROOSEVELT Features: Also in Massanutten mountain; nice, small campground, not far from South Fork of the Shenandoah River (impromptu wading/swimming possible in river; nearby commercial tubing and canoeing trips), no showers, no reservations. Close to Furnace Creek. Directions: (100 miles, 2:15 hours) From DC: * I-66 to Rt 29/211 at Gainesville. * Rt 29/211 South West to Rt 211 in Warrenton. * Rt 211 South West through Sperryville to downtown Luray (don't take Rt 211 bypass around Luray). * Rt 340 North a short distance, turn left on Rt 675 West. * Cross Shenandoah River on Rt 675, careful to stay on Rt 675 up the mountain (great view at the top). * As you come down mountain, look for Camp Roosevelt sign. From Elizabeth Furnace: * Continue on Rt 678 to its end at Kings Crossing. * Go left on Rt 675 to the sign for Camp Roosevelt. TODD LAKE Features: Mountainous, very nice setting, lake swimming, no reservations, no showers. Complicated directions but worth getting a bit lost. Directions: (140 miles, 3:00 hours) * I-81 to just south of Harrisonburg, take the exit for Rt 257 West. * Rt 257 West to Bridgewater, turn left on Rt 42. * Rt 42 South about 2.7 mi and bear right onto Rt 809/Rt 747. * Rt 747 South West through Mt. Solon about 6.5 miles and turn right on Rt 730. * Rt 730 North West about 1.2 miles where it will run straight into Rt 718 (no turn required). * Rt 718 North West about 1 mi and turn left at the sign for Todd Lake onto Forest Route (FR) 95. * FR 95 about 5 miles to Todd Lake. 2. SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK * MATTHEWS ARM (CLOSED UNTIL 1999) Features: On Skyline Drive, no reservations, no swimming. Directions: (90 miles, 2:00 hours) * I-66 to Rt 29/211 at Gainesville. * Rt 29/211 South West to Rt 211 in Warrenton. * Rt 211 South West through Sperryville to national park entrance. * North on Skyline drive about 10 miles to campground. BIG MEADOWS Features: On Skyline Drive, no swimming, reservations required in Summer and Fall from Mistix (800)365-2267. Directions: (100 miles, 2:15 hours) * Same as Matthews Arm as far as national park entrance. * South on Skyline drive about 20 miles to campground. LOFT MOUNTAIN Features: On Skyline Drive, no reservations, no swimming. Directions: (120 miles, 2:30 hours) * I-66 to Rt 29/211 at Gainesville. * Rt 29/211 South West to Rt 29 in Warrenton. * Rt 29 South West to Rt 33 in Ruckersville. * Rt 33 West to national park entrance. * South on Skyline drive about 14 miles to campground. 3. VIRGINIA STATE PARKS WESTMORELAND STATE PARK Features: Wooded Potomac riverside setting, swimming in the river or a pool, hot showers, restaurant, reservations (804)493-8821. Directions: (95 miles, 1:45 hours) * I-95 South to Fredericksburg, turn East on Rt 3 * Rt 3 East to signs to park B. MARYLAND 1. MARYLAND STATE PARKS CUNNINGHAM FALLS STATE PARK Features: Lots of activities, lake swimming, water falls, camp store, hot showers, reservations (301)271-7574. Two areas; Manor and Houck (Houck is near the lake). Even has "camper ready" sites (with tent, dining canopy, stove and fire wood) for $25-$30; good if you want to try camping with a minimal investment in equipment. Directions: (70 miles; 1:30 hours) * To Manor area: From Frederick, MD take Rt 15 North for 15 mi. Manor area is on Rt. 15. * To Houck area: Pass Manor area on Rt 15, turn left at Rt 77, turn left on Catoctin Hollow Rd, follow signs to Houck area. GREENBRIAR STATE PARK Features: Lots of activities, lake swimming, hot showers, reservations (301)791-4767. Directions: (60 miles, 1:15 hours) * I-70 to North West of Frederick, take the exit to Rt 17 North (Meyersville exit). * Rt 17 North, go short distance, turn left on Rt 40. * Rt 40 North West to Greenbiar Park. WASHINGTON MONUMENT STATE PARK Features: A nice, small park, no showers, no swimming. no reservations. Near Greenbriar. Has "original" Washington Monument, not the big one but a smaller cousin. Directions: (70 miles, 1:30 hours) * I-70 to North West of Frederick, take the exit to Rt 17 North (Meyersville exit). * Rt 17 North, go short distance, turn left on Rt 40. * Rt 40 North West, turn left on Rt 34. * Rt 34 South West to Boonesboro, turn left on Alt Rt 40 * Alt Rt 40 South East 3 mi to the park. POINT LOOKOUT STATE PARK Features: Sandy, wooded area where the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay converge, swimming in the river (jellyfish in mid summer), hot showers, reservations (301)872-5688. Directions: (85 miles, 2:00 hours) * Beltway (I-95/495) to Rt 5 South. * Rt 5 South, continue straight onto Rt 235 South. * Rt 235 South to Rt 5 South (again). * Rt 5 South to park. VI. RESOURCES A. VIRGINIA: STATE PARKS Info: (804)786-1712 Reservations: (800)933-PARK B. VIRGINIA: GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST Info: (703)564-8300 Reservations: (800)280-2267 C. MARYLAND: STATE PARKS & STATE FORESTS Info: (410)974-3771 Reservations: Call park D. WEST VIRGINIA: STATE PARKS & STATE FORESTS Info & Reservations: (800)CALL-WVA |