Search Results for: rv camping

A stay in a KOA Kamping Kabin

Full disclosure: I dislike purposeful misspellings (like 'k's replacing 'c's), and I haven't stayed in a KOA Kampground (there we go again) in a very long time. That said, when we needed a no-frills overnight accommodation en route to the Mt. Hood wilderness, I'm really glad I gave their Kamping Kabins a try. We stayed in a two-bedroom cabin at the Culver-Redmond KOA in Central Oregon, … [Read more...]

Small ship cruising: a travel philosophy that holds water

The following is the first in a two-part interview with AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president Todd Smith. In the past decade, cruising has morphed from a dowdy vacation your grandparents took to one of the most popular family options on the travel market. It's not hard to see the appeal: the ease, all-inclusiveness, and high entertainment value of cruising makes it a tempting … [Read more...]

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

The following pit stop is submitted by reader Erica Smith. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is located along the shores of Lake Michigan and is easily accessed from I-94. With 15 miles of beach, outdoor activities, and park programs, there's plenty for families to do. Stop for a few hours en route on I-94, or make it an overnight! Things to do: Hike the sand dune of Mt. Baldy, then … [Read more...]

Great Basin National Park

Near the Utah-Nevada border, at the end of the 'Loneliest Highway in America' (Hwy 50), in the midst of the stark Nevada high desert, lies Great Basin National Park. Arguably one of the furthest destinations off the beaten path featured on Pit Stops for Kids, Great Basin is remote enough that the greater national park area only boasts one tiny town, a scattering of motels and RV parks, and a few … [Read more...]

Six reasons to love Great Wolf Lodge (plus Great Wolf Lodge tips!)

Our family thinks the Great Wolf Lodge offers the perfect antidote to dreary winter and spring days, making it an ideal location for an easy family getaway! If you're on the fence, we have six reasons to love this family-friendly resort chain, plus Great Wolf Lodge tips you need right now! Read our full review of our experiences at the Grand Mound, WA Great Wolf Lodge location. 1. Great Wolf … [Read more...]

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

The summer tourist crowds have left beautiful Northern California, leaving near-empty (and ever inviting) state parks and recreation areas behind. If you're looking to take an off-season road trip or family weekend getaway this autumn, consider a stay (or day trip) in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. We love this state park (located right along Highway 199 and not far from Highway 101 and … [Read more...]

Sunset Bay State Park

Sunset Bay State Park on Oregon's beautiful scenic coast is one of our family's favorite destinations. Situated between the tourist hot spots of Bandon to the south and Cannon Beach to the north, it works as a wonderful pit stop along Hwy 101, whether for a picnic, a whole afternoon, or an overnight (or two). If you plan to stay only a short while, park at the picnic/group camping area and … [Read more...]

Mesa Verde National Park tips

In honor of upcoming National Parks Week, today's Off the Beaten Path post features beautiful Mesa Verde, Colorado. Mesa Verde National Park tips: Mesa Verde National Park is located in the southwestern section of Colorado, one hour from the town of Cortez, off I-160. With so much to see, families can easily plan to spend 2-3 days exploring this park! Why it's worth the drive: Mesa Verde is … [Read more...]

Kid Time! Discovery Experience

Kid Time!, previously K.I.D.S, is a great place to stop and play while driving I-5 or just visiting the Rogue Valley, especially if the weather isn't cooperating. A large, hands-on kids' museum and play space, Kid Time has lots of imaginary place areas, including a store, a kitchen, a lemonade stand, a full stage and costumes, a camping set-up complete with tent, picnic table, and camping … [Read more...]

Bear Creek Recreation Site

Highway 42 Oregon You won't find a better place to stop along windy Highway 42 on your way to the Oregon coast than the Bear Creek Recreation Site. Located between Roseburg and Coquille off Highway 42, look for the sign on the right-hand side directly after the Bear Creek bridge. There's parking for several cars, a picnic area, bathrooms, and a beautiful foot bridge over Bear Creek ending in a … [Read more...]