I invite my sisters and their families, friends, neighbors and they all have kids.Originally Posted by iconicflux
The place, group camp area, is large enough to handle 100 folks and has 4 communal fire pits. Usually there will 2, perhaps 3 fires and at least one them is family friendly. Lots of laughs, story telling maybe some music.
I've camped with my nephews and nieces for a week before the hang and on other occasions, the week after. Wrapping some time around the big hang weekend has been fun every time. If we go early, we do a little back country camping (no fee, just registration for the back country sites), then pay to stay at the family sites for a few days. (reserve the sites in advance they go quick, great bathrooms, clean, heated) Sometimes well stay for a couple days after the big hang is over and we have this huge pine grove to ourselves. The Park Office has been very accommodating with the last minute add on, we just have to pay the site fee for the additional day(s). There's room for another 15-20 folks when we rent just one of the 4 available group sites, so folks are welcome to join us. The fall calendar seems to work out with the days kids have off from school but the Spring gathering has me calling in the 'Uncle's prerogative' and yanking them out of school for a day or two.
On average I'll have a pair of 9 year olds, pair of 13 year old and maybe a 18-20 year old in tow with me, along with one or two of their parents.
There's lots to do in the area if you enjoy hiking. The AT passes through and it's an easy drive to various hiking locations that follow some trout streams or are up on a ridge. There are a few lakes and ponds in the area for paddling or hiking. When the weather cooperates it's great for stargazing.
The kids tend to find each other and work something out to do. As kids will. Around feeding time at the pavilion, just bring the kids over to another bunch, sit down, say hello and that's about all I've ever had to do.
I've never heard of anyone ever having to go to ground. Arriving early allows you to choose a prime spot but none of them are bad. Turtle dog stands just give you more flexibility.
When you arrive, there are always folks willing to lend a hand with setup and scouting sites. I've rarely made it out of the car, let alone the parking lot before folks are offering to help. Very generous and friendly group this is.
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