My son melted into my lap as the fire flickered, his head nuzzled into my neck and arms flung over my shoulders, the smell of smoke filling the air.
At age 3, Kai has about a dozen outdoor overnight excursions under his belt. The sleepy fireside ritual started when he was just an infant, a curled-up ball on my chest, and it still happens even as he’s grown into a lanky toddler.
Camping with kids isn’t easy. Most children don’t like to be taken out of their comfort zones, into foreign places where odd sounds chirp in the night. Then, there’s all the packing that comes with toting the kiddos along for a camping excursion. Did we bring enough diapers? What about an extra sweater in case it gets cold? What food can we pack for our picky eater?
Before kids, my husband and I were adamant that we wouldn’t let parenthood deter us from taking trips to connect with nature. Kai would simply have to come along for the ride, and his sister, now 7 months old, recently had her first taste of camping too.
And we’re so glad we still camp. It’s good to pull kids away from the television and get their hands dirty. These days, Kai is a pro. He strategically packs up his backpack with all his favorite monster trucks for the journey, and on our latest trip he even mastered roasting his own hot dog over a fire – with careful supervision, of course.
Just the sight of the squirrels, who bravely inch toward our snacks, is a great opportunity for our children to see wildlife up close. There are many sights, sounds and smells our kids soak in, creating lifelong memories.
I try to find campgrounds that are somewhat close to home, just in case things go bad and we have to pack up. We haven’t had to do that – yet – but it’s good to know we can be home in an hour or two.
In Orange County, my favorite spot is Doheny State Beach. It’s not easy to get reservations here since beachfront campgrounds are in high demand. The campsites are a bit tight, but I like the added offerings such as the free aquarium at the Interpretive Center by the park’s entrance. The best part is the nearby tide pools where toddlers can explore during low tide. The cost for a campsite ranges from $45 to $65, depending on the location.
Another nearby campground we recently enjoyed was at Newport Dunes. There are nearly 400 spots, along with 24 cottages for people who want more of a “glamping” experience.
I really liked having the Back Bay within walking distance, a mellow body of water where we didn’t have to worry about our kids getting knocked over by waves. There’s also a swimming pool available for guests, and a gym if parents need a quick workout. This isn’t exactly roughing it, but it’s a nice way to ease into the camping world if you’re testing it out with little ones. Winter campsite rates start at $64, and summer rates start at $79.
If you want a bit more authentic camping experience, check out Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, up the Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano. The campsites sit on 8,000 acres of protected wilderness. There is a great nature center here, as well as ranger-guided walks, critter talks and a playground for the kids. And the price, $20 a night, can’t be beat.
The most important tip: Have fun. If things don’t go as planned, shrug it off and call it part of the adventure.
Contact the writer: lconnelly@ocregister.com
