By Crissy Dopkowski
This year my family went camping over spring break. We had been waiting to go as a family until our youngest was a little older. This spring break seemed to be the perfect time to go with our son, now 8 and our daughter, now 4 1/2. We camped for two nights and it could not have been a more perfect getaway!
We headed out on the Friday morning before Easter to Hanging Rock State Park located in Stokes County, N.C. a little over 2 hours away, just passed Winston-Salem. We are not huge campers, so we had to get a few supplies, but luckily Bass Pro Shops at Concord Mills is on the way.
We arrived to the park in the afternoon and once we set up camp all that was left to do was sit back and enjoy the outdoors, no phones, no iPads, no electronics whatsoever. It was the simple life, at least for a couple of days, and I was loving it!
As my husband and I prepared dinner over the fire our daughter entertained herself by filling acorn shells with dirt and having an ice cream party for the squirrels. My son built forts in the woods behind our tent with the boys from the campsite next to ours. It felt so good to be with nature and watch the kids having such fun!
The next day we hiked and fished all day. There are many different trails ranging from easy to strenuous, but all of them offer spectacular views with several of them ending up at waterfalls.
In addition to hiking trails and fishing, there is also a small lake that is open in the summer for boating and swimming. Rowboats and canoes can be rented in the summer as well.
While we did not venture away from the state park, there seems to be lots of other activities ranging from horseback riding to antique shopping to take part in all over the Stokes County area. Click here for more information.
In all, this was a great mini vacation and one that I think my family will always remember.
Smarty Helpful Hints
Bring a little cash to buy firewood ($5 buys a pack of firewood which is plenty for a night.)
Make Reservations: There are two loops of campsites; the more private campsites are on the outer loop facing the woods. This campground also offers cabins that may be rented by the night.
Bathrooms are a little old, but they seem to do a great job keeping them clean. Bring your own soap or hand sanitizer.
The gates to the park close at 8p in spring and 9p in summer.
For more information on Hanging Rock State Park visit www.ncparks.gov
Or call 336-593-8480
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