Camping in North Carolina

Camping in North Carolina

Did you know that the great state of North Carolina is home to 39 State Parks and Nature Areas? There are 5 more in the works. The majority of the NC State Parks offer camping. Many of them also include boating activities, hiking trails, mountain climbing, Jr. Park Ranger programs, swimming, and well..... Just relaxing under the stars. Camping is a wonderful way to spend some quality time with your family. My family loves camping! Our goal is to visit each park in NC and camp in those that we can. So far, our favorite is Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury, NC. We love Hanging Rock because they offer many great trails that the entire family can enjoy, and often the trails include waterfalls (my favorite) and breathtaking views.

There are so many wonderful places to camp in North Carolina. From the Mountains to the beaches. You can go as Primitive as you want or you can RV it. You can take as much stuff as you want, or a tent and sleeping bag. Heck.... If you enjoy sleeping under the stars, you may not even need a tent!

If you decide that camping is something your family is ready for, there are lots of things to remember.

• No matter where you decide to go, I highly recommend Mosquito Repellent. You just never know when you will need it, and if you don't need it..... Good for you!

• Check out the weather ahead of time, and if rain is in the forecast you will need to plan ahead. You will need a tarp to place under your tent, you will need a tarp to hang from the trees to canopy your eating and cooking area and offer a dry place to play checkers or cards while you wait out the rain.

• If you plan to take your dog(s), check with the Park ahead of time, to make sure they allow pets. If they do allow pets, always keep your dog on a leash, clean up after your pet, and respect the other campers. If your dog is a barker (like mine), it is probably best to leave the dog at home or in a kennel while you enjoy the great outdoors.

• Respect other campers by being quiet. I'm not suggesting you sit at your site in silence, but keep the music turned to a reasonable volume, teach your children to play without running around screaming, and if you decided to bring your barking dog along, maybe keep them in the tent while others are around or try a bark collar (I love the Citronella collars......No pain to the dog, but they are very effective).

• Don't forget your first aid kit! It may sound too easy, but I can't tell you how many times I have loaned my First Aid Kit to someone at a campsite. I buy a kit each year and always add a few items like Children's Tylenol, Benadryl tablets and spray, Visine (Camp Fires and New plants can really do a number on your eyes), extra band-aids, etc. You'll be glad you have it when your child gets bit by a spider, or your allergies go haywire.

• After each hike or contact with the woods, make sure your entire family (including pets) is checked completely for ticks. Ticks can carry lyme disease and many other things.

• Avoid Wild Animals, wear bells on your shoes to help scare them away while you are hiking. Keep all food in air tight containers and place out of reach. If you are camping "Primitive", Hanging food and trash from a tree branch is a great way to accomplish this. If your vehicle is close by, you can just place the items in your car, and make sure the windows are rolled up completely!

• Protect yourself from the sun! We keep sunscreen in our cars, in our backpacks, in our first aid kit...... When the weather starts to get cooler or is overcast, Many folks don't remember that the sun is still damaging. Always wear sunscreen and apply every couple of hours.

• If a water source is not available, make sure you remember to take a lot of bottled water with you for drinking, washing up, etc. Carry along Hand Sanitizer too.... It will come in very handy for cooking and staying germ free!

• Always remember Camp Fire safety, never leave a fire unattended, and whatever you do..... Don't forget the Marshmallows!

• Make a checklist prior to your trip, and check it twice. For a printable checklist, visit camping.about.com.