For most of us, the first time we remember going camping was with our families. Family camping trips tend to be one of our earliest and most vivid memories, and it’s no surprise why. It’s a shocking experience. Our parents drag our reluctant bodies far away from home to some unfamiliar place that has bugs and feels either too hot or too cold. It can take some time for us to warm up to the idea of camping. Eventually, however, we change our minds about wanting to be back home.
Maybe it’s the excitement of exploring the woods that shifts our perspective. Or the thrill of sleeping in a sleeping bag outside. Maybe we decide we’re glad we’re away from civilization when we look up and can actually see what the night sky looks like for the first time. Whatever the reason, camping out with our family tends to bestow us with a sense of adventure that burns our entire lives.
For this reason, family campgrounds are hallowed grounds. They are the birthplace of some of our first encounters with adventure, memories we cherish. Here are where we think the destination for your next family camping trip should be.
USA’s Best Family Campgrounds in 2017
Waubeeka Family Campground
Credit: Waubeeka Website
Waubeeka Family Campground sites on 150 forested acres in peaceful upstate New York. The staff offer tons of fun and creative games and activities for children and adults alike. Its grounds include lake frontage on two lakes, one great for fishing, the other for swimming. The campground also has a giant chess set, a giant jumping pillow, gaga ball, a playground, a kids craft club, sports courts, and much more!
Ayers Lake Family Campground
Credit: Ayers Lake Website
Ayers Lake is a quiet, family campground located on 15 secluded acres in Barrington, New Hampshire. With sites right on the lake, you can wake up and enjoy the cool, clean water and enjoy activities like swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and sailing. Your older children over 16 can take advantage of great bass fishing available. Younger kids will love the onsite playground.
South Isle Family Campground
Caption: South Isle Facebook
This family campground, located two miles south of Isle, Minnesota, right by gorgeous Mille Lacs Lake. It features fantastic free family activities like sports fields, a large playground, a frisbee golf course, horseshoe pits, tetherball, wagon rides, Rainbow Express train rides, and a pond for paddle boating and children’s fishing.
