Baxter State Park is Maine's largest expanse of untamed public wilderness. With almost 210,000 acres to explore, where do you start? Our Baxter State Park backcountry itinerary for families includes days in the frontcountry enjoying Baxter's car camping options, several days in Baxter's backcountry, then a rest day to play and explore before departure. Baxter's scope and size is on a national … [Read more...]
Family camping hack: Dispersed camping tips
July 23, 2018 By
Have you ever been on a road trip, paid around $100 a night to stay at a basic motel, and thought to yourself that you’d rather pay less and see more nature along the way? Or have you ever camped in a campground amid loud neighbors and wished you could find a place to pitch your tent away from the masses? If either question has crossed your family’s minds while traveling, dispersed camping might … [Read more...]
Lakedale Resort: San Juan Islands glamping
July 11, 2018 By
After a stay in 2015, we listed Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes as our #1 kid-friendly resort pick on San Juan Island Washington. And guess what? In the years since, they've only improved their offerings. New this summer, Lakedale has become the premier location for San Juan Islands glamping, as well as continuing to offer a diverse list of additional accommodation options. Located … [Read more...]
Tips for getting your RV summer-ready
May 4, 2018 By
Summer has arrived, and while you might be ready for a family camping trip, or road trip, can the same be said about your RV? If your Class C camper or trailer is still winterized, it’s time to get it summer-ready. You’ll want to begin your preparations a week or more before your first camping trip of the season, to ensure you have time to replace any necessary parts and pack for your … [Read more...]
Where to stay on Orcas Island: a review of Doe Bay Resort and Retreat
October 4, 2017 By
Popular Orcas Island, WA can get busy during the summer season, and lodging on this less developed San Juan Islands vacation destination can fill up fast. Families will find they don't have too many options: only a few established hotel resorts, lots of B&Bs (not all of them kid-friendly), and two campground choices exist. Camping at Moran State Park and Doe Bay Resort fill up as fast as the … [Read more...]
Three northwest backpacking routes for families
July 17, 2017 By
Parents with young children: you absolutely can backpack with kids! Our family has found success by choosing backpacking routes that are short on distance but big on rewards, whether that be in the form of a fun lake or river to swim in, dramatic scenery, or both. The following three northwest backpacking routes for families deliver. Before you read on, check out our tips for backpacking with … [Read more...]
How to prepare meals in a camper van
January 31, 2017 By
When your family hits the road in a camper van, you want your kids to be well nourished throughout your journey. After all, well-fed kids are generally happy kids, which can make your road trip more enjoyable. However, a small campervan kitchen might pose a challenge and leave you scrambling for diverse and delicious meal options that your youngsters can enjoy. Once you’ve devised your road trip … [Read more...]
Born Wild: The importance of getting our kids into the outdoors
January 2, 2017 By
Happy New Year! I'd like to start 2017 with what I believe is an important subject: the value of getting our kids into the outdoors. Long-time readers of Pit Stops for Kids know that as often as possible, our pit stops, destinations, and adventures are of the outdoor variety. We ski, hike, snowshoe, mountain bike, camp, backpack, kayak, raft, and fish, and while we'd be crazy not to enjoy … [Read more...]
What to do on Mt. Hood in summer: a three day itinerary
August 15, 2016 By
Mt. Hood Oregon is a winter playground, but it's an amazing outdoor destination in the summer months as well. Located just an hour from Portland, Mt. Hood National Forest offers stunning mountain vistas for hikers, backpackers, campers, and kayakers. The central 'town' is Government Camp, which is a smaller community of outdoor-focused shops and dining, but the actual towns of Welches and … [Read more...]
Leave No Trace principles every family needs to know
April 6, 2015 By
With Earth Day coming up later this month, April is the perfect time to talk about caring for our public lands. My kids have heard the Leave No Trace mantra since early childhood, but it's always good to brush up on best practices for preserving the wilderness we love. This season, Leave No Trace launches a multi-year, Leave No Trace in Every Park campaign. Subaru/Leave No Trace … [Read more...]
