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4/22/2010 4:40:46 PM EDT
looking to take a camping trip this spring. looking to go somewhere a few hrs away from tidewater. will be taking a toddler. plan is to hike a short distance and set up camp. may do the "car camping" first to see how the boy does. can anyone recomend a place that might be ideal for this or who have done it before. thanks
4/22/2010 5:40:54 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
looking to take a camping trip this spring. looking to go somewhere a few hrs away from tidewater. will be taking a toddler. plan is to hike a short distance and set up camp. may do the "car camping" first to see how the boy does. can anyone recomend a place that might be ideal for this or who have done it before. thanks


Shenandoah national park and george washington national forest are always good places.
Here is a great site for finding hikes.  It will tell how difficult, length, camping, views and such all about the hikes.

hikingupward.com
4/22/2010 7:34:33 PM EDT
[#2]
I've taken toddlers camping before.  I'd do the car camping thing on the first trip for sure.

I don't know if you want to drive 5 hours, but Lake Moomaw has a nice little camp ground and good fishing in the lake.
4/23/2010 3:48:16 AM EDT
[#3]

the GWNF, just outside of Harrisonburg is a good place to go. if you plan to be in the area let me know, i'll set you up with a few of my favorite places.



4/23/2010 3:48:29 AM EDT
[#4]
Crabtree Falls has great car camping spots, right along the Tye River.  Decent size tent spots right on the river.  They also have small cabins that can be rented. I've been there several times with my (then) 3 year old.  He loved it.



http://www.crabtreefallscampground.com/
4/23/2010 4:55:27 AM EDT
[#5]
For the 1st time you may want to try a place close by. Newport News City part has a really nice set up. You can hike the trails, use the paddle boats, fish, ect and it's close by if thing don't go so great! Just an idea.
4/23/2010 6:05:32 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
For the 1st time you may want to try a place close by. Newport News City part has a really nice set up. You can hike the trails, use the paddle boats, fish, ect and it's close by if thing don't go so great! Just an idea.


I'd agree with this.  For a first time with a toddler, it's nice to just know if it doesn't work out, you're only a couple minutes from home.  First Landing state park is nice as well.
4/23/2010 8:50:11 AM EDT
[#7]
my son likes to walk and take hikes. so he has some experience with it. not sure how the whole over nite part will go. he will sleep anywhere tho.
4/23/2010 9:29:37 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:

For a first time with a toddler, it's nice to just know if it doesn't work out, you're only a couple minutes from home.  First Landing state park is nice as well.


First Landing is a great state park, and agree with the advantage of being close to home.  Have you thought about getting a cabin?  I've seen them at a lot of state parks, and they look pretty nice (better than a car).
4/23/2010 11:40:16 AM EDT
[#9]
I don't know where you live, but if you have a back yard, use that.  My first two "campouts" with my kids were in the back yard.  Granted, we have several acres and live a bit outside of suburbia.  But I know many families have "camped" in the back yard.



Many advantages:  VERY close to home if things don't go well.  Familiar setting to the first time sleeping outside.  Don't have to do a lot of packing or driving.



Just a suggestion.  Good luck, hope your kids enjoy it!
4/24/2010 2:53:03 PM EDT
[#10]
Head up the Eastern Shore over the BBT. Stop on the island to fish and sight see. Head up from there to the state park or to Cherry Stone to camp. Just an hour's drive. Plenty to see. Good camping and fishing.

Our kids loved that when they were younger.