*as published in North Canton Living Magazine April 2023
The smoke curled lazily in the night air as I listened to the lament of a young woman seated next to me. I was comfortably wrapped in a warm blanket and sipping a spiced apple cider. I was not inclined to move.
“I just don’t know why my in-laws like camping so much.” She sighed. I then heard her tale of driving four hours to a campground in West Virginia with a toddler and a new tent. I nodded empathetically as I watched the group of campers mingle at the campground’s Halloween-themed social gathering.
I’ve been there. Kind of. I had a lifetime of experience camping. But if you are new to this world and you add a young child then you could be in for a rocky trip. Here are my tips to ease your way into this life.
This article also answers that question I am often asked – where do you stay when passing through town?
First and most importantly, don’t go far. Keep your excursion to less than an hour from your home. Preferably less. That way if your little one misses home, you can have them in bed quickly. There is no shame or embarrassment here. Just try again in the future until they get used to the sounds and smells of a campsite. Hey, leave your stuff there and go back in the morning for breakfast!
There are some great places to camp in your backyard that are affordable; quiet and clean.
For the rustic experience, stay at Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park Campground near Portage Lakes State Park. There is running water but only pit toilets. The campsites are level and distanced well apart. It is a small peaceful campground set among the pines. Best of all, about twenty minutes from North Canton.
Guilford Lake State Park is near Lisbon, Ohio, and only 40 minutes away. The campground is small but there are lovely waterfront camping spots. The bathhouse is older but spotless and a short walk from any camping spot for short legs.
Mill Creek Campground at Berlin Lake is a large campground with a worn but clean bathhouse. It is about an hour away from North Canton and a lovely drive. This campground is large and there are almost always available spots for the last minute, let’s go this weekend trip.
West Branch State Park is an hour away and set on Kirwan Reservoir near Ravenna, Ohio. The state has invested substantially in this campground. The campsites are well maintained and paved. The bathhouse is newer, clean, and large. Reservations are recommended and it books out easily. So plan ahead!
Second, keep it short. Start with a sleeping bag on the floor of the living room. Then move to a tent in the backyard. Do this several times so they get used to the sounds, smells, and feeling of being outside at night. When they are able to stay in their sleeping bag all night outside; then move to a single night at a nearby campground. Before you know it, you will be able to plan a trip to Yellowstone knowing you won’t have to turn around.
Third, start them very young. Even as infants. Take a pack-n-play and put it right next to you. You may have to pack more with babies but they like the outdoors as much as you do.
Fourth, recruit them in the planning. When my children were in their preteens, I put them in the front seat with a paper map and instructed them to navigate. I asked what they wanted to see and do and we created a family bucket list. They had to research ability level; expense and time commitment. Based on my daughter’s research and wish, we lay on blankets and watched the Perseid meteor shower at a dark park in Pennsylvania. Amazing.
For those of us with loved ones with disabilities, the aforementioned tips are vital. There were times when we had to turn around and head home. While it is disappointing, you try again with a little better plan next time.
What I Learned
Babies are portable.
You need less than you think. And there is always a store close by.
Necessity is the mother of invention. There were camping trips where I forgot the pillows. You get creative.
Bubbles and sidewalk chalk are great entertainment.
Keep it simple. This is the time to take a walk and talk about everything from why acorns are shaped that way to where frogs live.
Nutrition can be suspended for the night. On one trip I left the cooler in the garage. We lived on canned gas station chili for a night. Everyone lived.
Before You Go
To make a reservation for Nimisila, go to reserveamerica.com. Additional information at summitmetroparks.org.
For more information on Guilford Lake State Park or West Branch State Park, ohiodnr.gov. If you have a Golden Buckeye Card, you can receive a discount on camping.
Mill Creek Campground can be reserved at recreation.gov.
I recommend you take an afternoon drive to the campgrounds. I have a file with campground maps and notations on the campsites. I do this for every place I have visited. I make notes on the distance to the bathhouse and water as well as what is surrounding the campsite. Sure, there are apps and photos but real viewing helps. This also helps you visualize what and where you will be. It may get your kids excited and help with the transition.
Last, make a list. Start with a list on your phone or your refrigerator. Google it and begin with someone else’s list. Keep the list and adjust it with each trip. Eventually, I developed bins that kept the basic camping gear so the loading and unloading went easier.
Most of all, relax. Have fun and enjoy each other.