Let’s Go Camping!
With the weather warming up and Spring Break right around the corner, I am feeling the urge to reconnect with nature. That’s right, I want to go camping! Ah, campsite coffee and pancakes cooked over a propane flame. The sound of mosquitoes buzzing in the air and the tossing and turning from the other non-sleeping campers helping to lull me into a peaceful sleep. Sounds delightful.
We’ve camped on the beach on the Oregon coast a few years back for several days (yes, they had showers- nice ones!) and also a couple of times here in the Austin area, but, since having my daughter three years ago, camping has been a bit off the radar for us. Just imagine lugging around all of the gear that goes along with a baby: the porta crib, bouncy seat, swing, a box of diapers. Scratch that last bit; I’d leave the diapers at home to teach the baby how it really is to be one with nature. Now that she’s older and needs way less equipment, I’d like to introduce her to this thing called outdoor living.
We’ve camped at Emma Long Park here in Austin a couple of times, and I’ve heard lots of nice things about McKinney ad Pedernales Falls. We’d be going with a group of kids, ages ranging from eleven to two years old. I’m inlcined to head back to Emma Long, but am hesitant about being that close to the water with all of the little ones running around. Are there any family-friendly camp sites for families with young children that you like? What is your favorite park to camp at within a 60 mile radius of Austin? Any tips you’d like to share with us before we head out into the wilderness?
March 6th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Not within Austin, but for those who are adventurous and craving a trip to the beach, check out Padre Island National Seashore http://www.nps.gov/pais/index.htm (just under 4 hours away near Corpus Christi). It’s $10 unlimited entry/exit for 7 days per car. The main campground is only $8/night with near bath facilities. It’s nice but there isn’t much distance from your neighbor. We preferred the free open beach camping located a short drive from the main visitor center. The visitor center is complete with showers, toilets, and mini-convenience store. There are also lots of wonderful things to do and we’ve seen sea turtle releases and meteor showers while camping in the park. It has become a yearly trek for us even with infants in tow. For heat reasons I recommend late spring and early fall. October is wonderful!
March 7th, 2010 at 7:22 am
We have learned over the last few years to make advance reservations, especially when group camping. Canyon of the Eagles has a nature center and lots to do for all age ranges. We also went to Colorado Bend SP awhile back and they have some awesome sites. Far enough away from the water for the lil’ ones but close enough older ones could go explore. There is a large grassy area good for crawlers and walking barefoot. We have taken both kids since they were wee babes and I guess I would just say less is more. We also keep our “camping” box stocked and ready to go.
March 7th, 2010 at 9:39 am
I heard Inks lake area/Burnet is the place to go to camp..also,Lost Maples, and I LOVE Gruene!
March 8th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Catherine, did you know you can camp at Lake Pflugerville? I just saw a sign saying so the other day. I know it’s practically urban, but it might be a fun way to do a trial run where you can cut your losses and be home quickly if things go south.
March 8th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
That would have been a great option, Shannon. Unfortunately, they said (I just called them to check) that the council voted against it because they didn’t think it was an appropriate location for camping. That would have been convenient!!
I can’t find any available sites, especially for just one night, during Spring Break so it looks like our camping trip will be slightly delayed. I think we may just take a little road trip and make it a day at one of the parks- Inks Lake sounds really nice. Will have to check out Lost Maples.
March 10th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
That stinks! There was a sign by the fishing piers intimating that camping was allowed and had a number to call. Sorry to mislead you.