Where Else Do You Camp Other Than Your Home State
While Im the guide for Iowa, I certainly dont camp JUST in Iowa! This is one of my favorite non-Iowa parks. Kohler-Andrae State Park is right on Lake Michigan, and boy is that significant when camping during shoulder seasons, let me tell you! Because the lake is so close, it can be quite a bit colder there in the campground than just down the road. Whats nice is that the campground is protected by the dunes so you get all the benefits of the beach/lake just a short walk away, without some of the biting winds you might otherwise experience.
- Wonderful spot to rest.
- From the top of the dunes.
- Boardwalk to the dog beach.
Black Mesa State Park Oklahoma
You can hike to Oklahomas highest point at Black Mesa State Park and Preserve. You can also see beautiful scenery where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains. The panhandle of Oklahoma at one point was called No Mans Land, but dont listen to that. The mesas rise out of the plains dotted with black rocks from a layer of lava rock that once covered the area 30 million years ago, making for scenic vistas.
Black Mesa State Park is a smaller state park but has a few hiking trails, including the Black Mesa Trail where you can bag Oklahomas high point. It has campgrounds with RV sites and tent sites.
Travel Wisconsin Selfie Stands
Make sure to grab a family picture at the selfie station! These stands are located throughout Wisconsin and can help you get a picture with everyone and provides a perch to set your camera on. Set your timer and snap away! Find the selfie stand near the Sanderling Nature Center . Walk north on the cordwalk and then turn left at the first T intersection.
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Get Out And Explore Kohler Andrae State Park
ADVENTURE OF THE WEEK!
Katie Here! This past Saturday, my family and I went and visited Kohler Andrae State Park. This park holds a special place in my heart from all the special memories made there during my childhood. Every summer we went family camping with all my aunts, uncles, and cousins from my moms side of the family. To this day, I credit my love for the outdoors to the camping trips with my family. This park, in particular, is so fun to explore. You can hike through the sand dunes or swim at the beach. There is an awesome playground that is great for kids. As kids, we played ghost in the graveyard, swam to sandbars with my grandma, biked around the campground, and hunted for skunks. Haha dont ask me why, but we did. Coming back here as an adult, it was so fun to watch my own kids fall in love with Kohler Andrae as much as I did. My husband and I visited the park for a day back in college, and I hadnt been back since. Im not quite sure why, but I know I wont let it be that long before I make it back again.
What we did
Kohler Andrae is a 2-hour drive from where we live in the Madison, WI area. We left around 9:30 in the morning. Our intention was to get to the park, hike for a little bit and then eat lunch while relaxing on the beach for the afternoon. However, when we got there we wanted to just find our own spot on the beach.
We packed a small cooler with sandwiches for everyone, watermelon, cheese and sausage, and plenty of water.
Note:
Five Cool State Parks Off The Beaten Path
There are so many great places that we hear about over and over again. Sometimes it feels like you only hear about the same places. And some places are becoming so overcrowded that you have to reserve a permit just to enter during peak season, like Yosemite National Park. Or you have to get a permit to do the main attraction, like Acadia National Parks Cadillac Mountain or Glacier National Parks Going to the Sun Road. But there are some great state parks off the beaten path that are worth spending some time in.
These are five state parks that I have visited that are worth checking out. Whether you plan a special trip there or make it a stop on a road trip, they are a great way to see beautiful and unique nature. Exploring state parks off the beaten path can help you find gems that you end up loving.
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Great State Parks Off The Beaten Path
When driving across the country, I always try to find interesting and unique places to check out. Exploring state parks off of the beaten path can lead to some cool places. And you may just find some parks that youll want to come back and explore more. Or you might just find a place youll want to stay so you dont have to deal with the crowds.
Babcock State Park West Virginia
Tucked into the folds of Appalachia is Babcock State Park. Adjacent to the newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Babcock State Park has a history and beauty of its own.
The state park has 20 miles of hiking trails and wonderful campgrounds. Cabins are also available within the park. It also has the Glade Creek Grist Mill, which is a replica of the original Coopers Mill that once stood on the grounds. It is comprised of parts from other West Virginia Mills and is in operation for visitors to learn how these mills are used.
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State Parks To Camp In Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers campers wonderful weather, breathtaking scenery, and several opportunities for outdoor activities. There are several state parks to camp in Wisconsin that are suitable for individuals and parents going with their kids. These state parks are well kept and have lakes, rivers, and cliffs that are perfect for exploring.
Going to camp in Wisconsin is usually pleasant in the spring, summer, and fall. At the same time, Wisconsin state parks camping gives campers the opportunity to enjoy winter activities such as ice fishing and skiing.
Some of the best parks in Wisconsin for camping include:
Shoulder Season Can Be Unpredictable
We usually camp here in late April or early May with a large group of people from another camping club hubby and I belong to, and group meals in unpredictable weather can be a bummer.. But this campground has a beautiful stone shelter for rent with a big fireplace, tables, and electric so you can gather in warmth and comfort! It has a great view and is centrally located near the bathrooms in the campground. So definitely consider that for your next group camping event!
- Shelter available for rent.
- DOs and fireplace what more could you ask for?
- So nice for group meals!
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Devil’s Lake State Park
Address:S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913
Devil’s Lake State Park is generally thought to be one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful natural landmarks. It has beautiful views of Devil’s Lake and unique rock formations.
The park is located on 360 acres surrounded by large quartzite bluffs and hardwood forests. It has two large beaches that are visited by campers, kayakers, and beachgoers in the summer. There are three campgrounds that have hundreds of campsites between them.
The Devil’s Lake State Park also has one of Wisconsin’s most exciting hiking trails. There is the Balanced Rock Trail that rewards hikers brave enough to tackle the steep and rocky trail with exciting views of the lake. They also get to enjoy the “balanced rock” formation that never stops astonishing visitors. The East Bluff Trail takes hikers across the ridge and to the other side of the lake, where they get to see the Elephant Rock. The park is also home to the Ice Age National Trail that connects trails at the Devil’s Lake.
Reservations and inquiries can be made by sending an email or calling +1-608-356-8301. The North Shore visitor’s center is open everyday from 8 am to 4 pm.
Camping At Kohler Andrae State Park
Kohler Andrae State Park is located in northeastern Montana about an hour south of Missoula. The park itself was named after a local copper mine that operated in the past. The massive spill took place in 18 recounting to the tragic death of miners who worked inside of the mine. The area surrounding the park has been cleaned up to make it safe for camping.
Camping at the park is very popular, but there are many other things to do besides just staying at the campground. Miles of hiking and bike trails make up the park. Many areas have streams and rivers where you can fish, camp, or just relax by a crackling fire. If you like to hike, you will likely find a trail that goes through every scenic area. Most campgrounds offer bathrooms, water, and electricity.
Another fun thing to do at the state park is enjoying its natural beauty. Miles of hiking trails will take you to a variety of different scenery. The Andraez Canopy Walkway offers a wonderful view of the mountains in the distance. This campground is closed in winter months, so be sure to book your spot before the season starts. There are also a couple of mountain bikes available for rent.
Being able to camp at such a beautiful park is going to make your camping vacation even more enjoyable. Kohler Andrae State Park will give you just what you came to expect from a campground. Miles of hiking and biking trails, playground equipment, swimming pool, and picnic tables make this park the perfect getaway.
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Our Favorite Detail Features Included
We often overlook the significance of a family vehicle, but they become portals for our family memories. We bring our babies home from the hospital. Hear stories about school. Make pajama ice cream runs. Clean out sand after summer trips to the beach. Make the most out of road trips. When we are ready to consider our next family vehicle, the Highlander will be a strong contender. In just a week, we added stories to our family chapter of adventures with pickups at school and a trip to Sheboygan.
Makoshika State Park Montana
Dont think of eastern Montana as a boring place with no natural beauty for adventuring. I loved driving through the plains of Montana. Prairies and badlands are extremely beautiful, and youll see why they call it Big Sky Country.
Makoshika State Park near Glendive is the states largest state park and home to some of its badlands. Its also a place where dinosaur bones hide, including T-rex and triceratops hide.
The park offers scenic drives, hiking trails, and camping. Visiting this park is a great way to see and learn about the Great Plains and paleontology.
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Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park California
Prairie Creek State Park has some of the most magnificent stands of redwoods. The park is combined with Redwood National Park which also connects it to Jedidiah Smith Redwoods and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Parks.
With numerous miles of hiking trails, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park includes the popular Fern Canyon Trail and Cathedral Trees. The Tall Trees Trail is also a great way to immerse yourself in the redwood forest. The park is also home to herds of Roosevelt elk.
Prairie Creek State Park has two developed campgrounds, one being on the Pacific Ocean.
Kohler Andrae State Park
Kohler-Andrae State Park is located at and is open 6AM 11PM.
My favorite place in Sheboygan this scenic gem on the shore of Lake Michigan offers a peaceful getaway. The park features wooded campsites, epic sand dunes, miles of sandy beach, hiking and biking trails and cross-country ski trails. Kohler-Andrae is the perfect place to experience adventure and connect to nature.
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High Cliff State Park
Address: 9562 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212
This park has over a hundred family campsites and eight group campsites. It is located on Winnebago Lake. It offers campers the choice of different activities such as kayaking, fishing, canoeing, boating, and swimming. You can also enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding, and hunting at the High Cliff State Park.
Ensure that you clear your schedule and pay a visit to the 12-foot tall statue of Red Bird, the Winnebago Indian Chief. The 12-foot-tall statue overlooks the lake. The eastern shore features limestone cliffs that give the rocky shoreline a breathtaking view.
Some of the campsites have electricity, while other facilities such as showers, restrooms, and dump stations are scattered across the campgrounds.
Name, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses are part of the required contact information to reserve a campsite. You would have to indicate the type of campsite required, the number of people, the name of the campsite, the date of arrival, and how many nights you wish to stay. These would determine the cost of the site and would require a $7.95 reservation fee.
Campers can call 989-1106 or send an email to make campsite reservations.