This Camper’s Life
One of the things that I find to be so helpful as we are progressing through this pandemic is to get outdoors. I love nature and wildlife so the best way I could think of to enjoy both is to pack up the trailer and go camping! In Virginia, we are blessed with amazing state parks. We have loved exploring many of them and look forward to seeing the rest! We also love traveling to other states and visiting their state parks. State parks are usually well maintained and have many sites to camp. Most have electric and water hookups and clean shower and restroom facilities. Some even have washers and dryers for campers to do laundry if needed.
Camping is a great way to social distance and to get out in fresh air. Many parks have water recreation like boating, fishing and swimming. Others are in the mountains and have great hiking trails and breathtaking views. Depending upon your interests, you can easily find a state park in most states that have recreational activities that you enjoy and will get you outdoors.
We also like to go bike riding around the campground and in some of the local parks near the campground. Some of the small towns that are located near the campgrounds are accessible by bicycle and allow you the opportunity to explore the area without dealing with traffic.
Besides state parks, another opportunity for camping includes the Corps of Engineer facilities. These facilities have campgrounds and are usually near water. Their campsites commonly have hookups. Some sites are right on the water and others are close enough. Many have boat launches right in the park or at your site. It gives you easy access to launch your boat, kayak or canoe!
If you are 65 or older, you can get a senior Golden Age Pass that allows you free access to most national parks, national forests, national seashores and wildlife areas as well as discounts for some of the national and Corps of Engineer campgrounds.
You may say, “I don’t have an RV”! That is OK. There are yurts and cabins available for rental in many parks. A yurt is a round tent structure that is on a deck. They usually have beds, a table, electricity, and air conditioning. A great alternative to a tent!
Typically two different types of cabins are available for rent in a campground. One is a camping cabin that has beds and a table. Most of these do not have bathroom or cooking facilities. The other is a full cabin that has bathroom and kitchen facilities inside the cabin. You need to look at the different campgrounds to see what they have available. Most of these facilities have picnic tables, barbecue grills, and fire rings. You may have to provide your own linens. Usually, yurts and cabins are close to the bathhouses. These facilities are well maintained in most places.
The beauty of camping is that you can enjoy the outdoors and explore places you have not been too at a reasonable cost. We are so fortunate to have so many beautiful places to explore in our national forests and state parks.
In my upcoming blogs, I will share some of my own personal adventures at our beautiful parks. When you are planning your next vacation, consider camping! It is a great way to explore our country’s incredible natural resources.
By Marie Giammarco
Marie Giammarco is a mid generation Boomer who came of age in suburban New York, 50 miles north of the city. A child whose mom and grandparents were Italian immigrants, her close knit family defined her growing up years. The product of an environment that revolved around food, health, and physical activity, she saw many elderly people age before their time because they lacked these things. She has a passion to help Boomers and Seniors to be active and live a longer, more healthy life.