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    Seven campsites that won't let you down

    By Carolina Buia, Shine staff | Haven – Mon, Jul 19, 2010 11:54 PM EDT

    It's a great way to get away from the daily grind, commune with nature, and keep the kids far from the tube. With thousands of campsites across the country to choose from, how do you narrow down which one is right for your family? In today's episode, we showcase some of our favorite spots from around the nation.



    Do you have a favorite campsite? Let me know in the comment section below. Here are ours:

    California's Joshua Tree National park     www.nps.gov/jotr
    Eight hundred thousand acres filled with endemic trees and ancient, wild rock formations. The best part? No need to be an expert climber. Jumbo rock is a blast to explore. There is also horseback riding, birdwatching, and mountain biking.

    Florida's John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park www.floridastateparks.org/pennekamp
    Located in the Florida Keys, this original undersea park features 178 nautical miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. A perfect place to scuba, snorkel or take a glass bottom boat tour.

    Idaho's Warm River Campground www.recreation.gov/warmeriver
    Surrounded by willow and pine trees, a fishing enthusiast's heaven. While Dad is busy catching brook and rainbow trout, the kids can go sailing or tubing. There's a river regatta in July. Natural springs and waterfalls dot the scenery and in winter the frozen falls are spectacular.

    Montana's Glacier National Park www.nps.gov/glac
    This park is named for its glacier-carved terrain and remnant glaciers from the ice ages 10,000 years ago. Bike, boat or horseback ride along spectacular vistas. There are also a wide range of weather conditions at the park thanks to the mountains, lakes and the Canadian cold fronts.

    California's Channel Islands National Park in Santa Cruz Island www.nps.gov/chis
    The Channel Islands National Park at Santa Cruz Island in California boasts one of the largest and deepest sea caves in the world. Called the Painted Cave, and named after its colorful rocks and algae, it is nearly a quarter-mile long and 100 feet wide. You'll also get to see the island scrub jay and eight plant species found only on Santa Cruz.

    Maryland's Assateague Island National Seashore www.nps.gov/asis
    The Assateague Island National Seashore has over 48,000 acres in Maryland and Virginia. It's a great place to camp and kayak, swim and surf , but it is best known for its wild horses. There are over 300 wild ponies roaming free. Don't forget your waterproof cameras.

    Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park www.nps.gov/romo
    There are over 350 miles of hiking trails and there is something for all ages and skill levels. From gentle lakeside walks to high mountain summit ascents-and even vertical rock climbs, this park will give you a workout. There's also plenty of wildlife to see, including elk and the Rockies' big horn sheep.

    For more information on these and other campsites, check out the links below.

    National Park Service

    Public Lands Information Center

    US National Parks Travel Guide

    RANGER WRAP-UP
    Haven's Camping Checklist, Don't Leave Home Without It

    1) ON YOUR MARK: You don't need to go crazy, but make sure to have some basics such as a first aid kit, Tylenol, sunscreen, insect repellent, Hydrocortisone cream, water bottles and water purifying tablets, sunglasses or sun hats.
    2) KEEP IT LIGHT: Try to bring clothes that are quick drying and multipurpose, such as light t-shirts and cargo pants. Make sure you have comfortable shoes.
    3) ACCOMMODATIONS: If you are using a tent, make sure it is in working order before your trip. Make sure you take the right kind of sleeping bag for your trip: a lightweight one for back-country or rugged trips, a heavily insulated one if the temperatures drop. If you're in a campground, a Mayan hammock is light on weight, yet heavy on the relaxation quotient. Taking a bike? Don't forget a sturdy lock.
    4) FEED: Bring minimal cooking equipment, such as a multipurpose pot (for boiling/ sterilizing water and utensils to cooking a can of chili), lightweight plates and utensils. Take along some portable snacks, such as power and granola bars. And don't forget the tummy-first aid kit: all the ingredients for delicious s'mores!

    See you next time on a brand new episode of Make Home a Haven.


    Can you guess what Rocco's grilling up for summer? Do you know the seven summer solutions to entertaining?

    Turn these into "Mr. Frank-n-Footer" Affordable and easy grilling menu upgrades

     

    106 comments

    • Mike2
      Mike2  •  1 year 3 months ago
      Maybe you should highlite some of the VERY beautiful private owned campground around the U.S. National and State Parks are funded by the private owners. Remember, that includes ALL there advertiseing and employees. Give the private sector a thumbs up. We at least care!
    • Mike2
      Mike2  •  1 year 3 months ago
      POPE HAVEN CAMPGROUND...Western New York www.popehaven.com in Randolph,NY, North of Allegany State Park ,which we fund. Amish country, Hiking, Biking, Heated Swimming Pool, fishing pond hot showers, rv, cabin rentals, planned events, game room, laundry, store, very clean restrooms, handicap bath and shower, geocashingetc...,
    • B
      B  •  1 year 3 months ago
      silver lake state park in mears michigan, great sites, lake and sand dunes to hike and off road on!!! also grand mere state park in the u.p. of michigan, camp only a few feet from beutiful lake superior and see the norhern lights as well!
    • Not JAFR !
      Not JAFR !  •  1 year 3 months ago
      Skip Big Meadows on the Skyline Drive VA. Instead go south to Loft Mountain Campground if you enjoy a more natural, less commercialized type of campground. Oh, I know, they have less glitz, less "attractions", less things "to do", but they do have lots of open, wild-animal-rich areas. The view from on top (less used sites) is tremendous, and the breeze will invigorate you.
    • Mike
      Mike  •  1 year 3 months ago
      I agree never share your very favorite place! The Midwest has some of the most accesible and affordable places to camp. Almost every county in Iowa has a county run campground. Iowa DNR has a list.
    • annoyingcat
      annoyingcat  •  1 year 3 months ago
      I know it's small, but Jenny Jump State Forest in NJ is where we always camped with our children. Easily reached for a weekend camping trip (off-season is better-really crowded in summer). Tent sites, and a few "cabins" with wood stoves. Love it!!
    • Corny
      Corny  •  1 year 3 months ago
      Chimney Pond campground in Baxter State Park in Maine. It is a 3 mile hike into Chimney Pond from Roaring Brook but is well worth the hike. They have Adirondack Lean To's in the shadow of Maine's tallest peak, Mount Katahdin. Breathtaking view. Make reservations early in the year as all of the Baxter Park campgrounds fill up fast. Governor Percival Baxter donated the park in the 1920's- to be kept forever wild- so expect narrow dirt roads. Lots of wildlife viewing and no hunting here so this a good spot to spot a Maine Moose.
    • Richard
      Richard  •  1 year 3 months ago
      Hobo camp grounds in Kern County may be a bit primative but, of all camp grounds I've been, Hobo is my number one choice on the Kern River!
      Too bad there are some who choose to be distructive that after everytime someone takes time to build (form) a tub at the hot spings (Mircle Hot Springs) they think they have to tear it down. They aught to be shot!
    • jerry
      jerry  •  1 year 3 months ago
      Hunting Island state park in S. Carolina,,,,,,, JFK campground at Heber Springs,Ark.
    • Morpheous
      Morpheous  •  1 year 9 months ago
      I agree with SW C. I camp (alone) to get away from people, not to run into of crowds of noisy folks with unruly children. I would much prefer a small funky place where I can fish in solitude rather big fancy parks with all those 'amenities'
    • B JW
      B JW  •  1 year 9 months ago
      Our favorite is Flaming Gorge on the Wyoming/Utah border. Beautiful sunrises, sunsets, star gazing, perfect boating, swimming, excellent fishing. A herd of antelope "camped" right beside us.
    • kathleeng
      kathleeng  •  1 year 9 months ago
      oh, you forgot Big Meadows in Skyline Drive - Shennandoah
    • K.K.
      K.K.  •  1 year 9 months ago
      I agree with the Mid-West comments. Missouri has great camping spots. Current and Jack's Fork Rivers. Ozark National Senic Riverways. Alley Springs , Akers Ferry, just to name a few.
      What about the Buffalo River area in Arkansas?
    • Kelstercat
      Kelstercat  •  1 year 9 months ago
      What about Ruth Lake California this a beautiful place if you enjoy the out back and great for the whole family.........
    • Gabriel
      Gabriel  •  1 year 9 months ago
      What about Pismo beach. Its awesome camping there.
    • SnakePrisKin
      SnakePrisKin  •  1 year 9 months ago
      Joshua Tree is great, even if you don't camp. Spending a night in this park is truly a magical experience. Nothing there to block your view of the universe. I was there the last time Halley's Comet came by... in 1986. Joshua Tree was one of the best places in the world to view it (for the cost of a tank of gas). One of the best displays of wildflowers during late winter early spring.
    • knowitall
      knowitall  •  1 year 9 months ago
      The rocks are 100 million years old Is that a fact? or another educated guess by science. Did they carbon date test them and is Carbon dating a fact or again an eductaed guess
      The earth is not that old.
      If you want to know about this Planet don't ask science ask God
    • Not Manny
      Not Manny  •  1 year 9 months ago
      According to the President's wife, it's in Spain.
    • Doreileen R
      Doreileen R  •  1 year 9 months ago
      My favorite is Orman Guest ranch, because the camping grounds are always clean, neat, and friendly staff, and the cost is low. It is on the coast of Crescent city, in California http://www.ormanranch.net/
    • Marge
      Marge  •  1 year 9 months ago
      Mt. Charleston in the Toyobi Nat'l Forest, about 40 miles N.W. of Los Vegas is a little known gem.
      Campsites at 8000 ft. feature tables, water pumps, indoor toilets, paved parking places and few insects; among groves of mahogany, pondrosa and bristlecone pines. Temperatures at 80 degrees when it is 110 down on the Las Vegas strip. Summit is about 10400 ft and a 10 mile hike from the campsites, start early to avoid afternoon lightning possibility and carry at least two gallons of water per person. (DeathValley is only a couple of ridges to the west.)
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