Summer. Long, sunny days. Clear, starry nights. Swimming at the pool, attending summer camps, visiting relatives – they are all part of the season. But for some families, summer isn't summer until they've pitched a tent and set up the firepit or cookstove to make s'mores. Whether it's the lure of the woods as a living room, or frying flapjacks in the breakfast pan, some families camp as often as they can. For them, being away from the comforts of home is what it's all about. And there are plenty of places to camp in New Mexico.
Christine Meek, mom to two boys, finds camping a good fit for her active family.
"We have a car-top carrier already packed with essentials," says Meek, whose boys Taran, 8, and Hunter, 7, keep her on the move. A pre-packed car allows Meek to hit the road with little prior planning. "That way, when we get the whim, we just pack enough food for a couple of days and go!" she says.
Like many families, the Meeks have some favorite camping spots, but they prefer to camp a little off the beaten path. "We hate campgrounds," she says. "We usually find a place off the beaten path, and set up our site (in a more primitive area). There are lots of 'off the beaten path' places around Jemez and Santa Fe."
Many families choose the Jemez area because of its close proximity to Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and because of its many amenities. The Jemez Mountains boast a National Scenic Byway Trail. Besides camping, families can enjoy day trips to Bandelier National Monument, fishing at Fenton Lake, or hiking in alpine meadows. In the Jemez area, there are Las Conchas Campground and Redondo Campground. The San Antonio Campground is at Fenton Lake. Contact the Jemez Ranger District Office at 505-829-3535 for information. Be forewarned, though, that on holidays and weekends, Jemez is not for the faint of heart. Campgrounds get crowded, so if you're looking for someplace quieter, there may be better options a little further afield.
Several campgrounds close to Albuquerque are sometimes overlooked and prove to be less crowded. One that kids love is Coronado Campground, at Coronado State Monument, off Route 550, between Bernalillo and Rio Rancho. Coronado is a quieter state park that has learning opportunities for kids as well as the beauty of the nearby river, hiking and camping. The park contains the partially reconstructed ruins of an ancient Tiwa pueblo. Native American and Spanish Colonial artifacts are on display in the visitor center, and a Children's Wing provides kids with a history of the area. For information, call 505-867-5351.
On the east side of the Sandias, the Turquoise Trail campground in Cedar Crest is on the National Scenic Byway which runs between Tijeras and Santa Fe. The campground has secluded tent sites and is close to attractions such as Sandia Crest and the Tinkertown Museum. Contact 505-281-2005 for more information.
Many families who enjoy camping pick destinations that provide activities for children in the "off" hours, or at times when the weather turns sour. Bonnie Barsun is mom to four children ranging in age from 2 to 11. Her active family camps with a propane stove (an essential, Barsun says) and they always bring their bikes. Durango has a bike path "that gives us the same view of the river we would get on the train tour," Barsun says, but at no cost. And with a large family, a destination with many off-hour, free activities is a must. "I look for community centers with a pool, or local children's museums," she says. "Some sort of indoor attraction is vital, as well as kid-friendly restaurants for when we get tired of camp food."
Barsun also plans ahead in case of bad weather. "My favorite way to 'cheat' is to camp at a KOA campground," she says. "Then we can move to a cabin if the weather turns south."
New Mexico's State Parks are a popular destination for camping families. They are as diverse as the state itself and offer many day and night activities and programs. Local astronomy clubs, volunteers, and often the rangers themselves will interpret the heavens once the campfire has died down. Day activities include youth fishing clinics, rattlesnake tales and music. Contact 1-888-NMPARKS for more information.
BLM parks are often overlooked and provide unique environments and special places for kids. South of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, the Three Rivers Petroglyph site provides families with direct access to more than 21,000 glyphs of animals and abstract designs. There are plenty of hiking trails and access is close to the nearby Lincoln National Forest. The site lies 28 miles south of Carrizozo and provides a great base camp for visiting special New Mexico destinations such as the home of Smokey the Bear in Capitan. Call 505-525-4300 for information.
Just a few hours west of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, the Grants area has campgrounds that are less frequented and offer a variety of places to visit with the kids. El Morro National Park's Inscription Rock and loop trail provide kids a place to look for some 2,000 inscriptions and petroglyphs. From the 1600s, when the Spanish Colonialists traveled the area, to later in the 1800s, the rock became the place for visitors to inscribe names and dates. Colleen Wallach, mom to Elana Jane, 7, likes El Morro campground. "I like the fact that it's a small campground, good for kids, very clean, has a great attraction, and easy hikes. And it's only a few hours from Albuquerque," she says.
El Morro has a nine-site campground that operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are accepted. Each site has a picnic table and a ground grill for fires. Firewood needs to be brought in, as firewood collection is prohibited. Or families can bring their own cook stoves. Being part of the national park system, kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge while enjoying their stay.
Near Inscription Rock lies another national park, El Malpais. The only campground at El Malpais is primitive, and requires a high clearance vehicle, so camping at El Morro and visiting El Malpais may be a better option unless you are an experienced backpack camper. The area has hiking trails and many caves to explore. Be sure to bring the right equipment for caving, such as hard hat, leather gloves, and sturdy hiking boots. Cavers also need to have a non-heat source of light. Entry into caves requires a permit, so contact 505-285-4641 in advance of your visit. And contact the El Malpais Information Center at 505-783-4774 for other information about the park.
Outside Santa Fe, Hyde Memorial State Park is a popular camping destination for locals and tourists alike. Contact 505-983-7875 for information. Black Canyon campground lies in the Ponderosa-Douglas fir forest and has wonderful hiking trails. But many locals who prefer a less crowded camp experience opt for the Pecos area, east and north of Santa Fe. "We go to Panchuela," says Colleen Wallach. "If nobody's there, it's perfect. It's private and has lean-to's." Shelters can help keep children warm, dry and comfortable in case of rain.
The Pecos area lies in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, making summer camping there cool and serene. Holy Ghost and Jack's Creek are popular family spots. In addition to hiking, there are opportunities for horseback riding and fishing. And Jack's Creek campground has several double sites so camping with a group becomes possible.
"The best way to camp is with a group," says Wallach. "Lots of kids make the trip fun." She and her daughter pack up several times a summer with a core group of friends who bring their children. "The best part of camping with a group is you have lots of kids," Wallach says. "They keep each other company."
Sometimes their group ventures outside the state. Marie Meakin, mom to Liam, 8, and Chloe, 3, is part of Wallach's core group of camping moms. Meakin sets her sights on camping several new destinations per year. "Our plan is to see White Sands and the Four Corners/Mesa Verde area this year," she says. And "we LOVED the Grand Canyon."
Wallach agrees. "The Mother of all Camping is the Grand Canyon," she says. "We went Memorial Day weekend and it wasn't too crowded." Many families strive to hit the more crowded destinations such as the Grand Canyon on fringe seasonal weekends to avoid crowds. And camping allows them to visit famous destinations within budget.
National parks appeal to the Barsun's large family. They enjoy the open spaces for recreation and hiking, and the national parks offer families a junior ranger program so kids can earn badges while they learn about the parks. Barsun's favorite destination is Zion in Utah. For her, the natural grandeur more than makes up for the distance from home. "It's our top destination," she says. "A bus takes you through the park on a tour. It's all included in the price." At the same time, her children learn to appreciate the natural world.
When camping, certain equipment is a must. A tent and cookstove are givens. GPS systems have become more the norm. But many parents swear by a compass. This inexpensive tool provides hikers and campers with a sense of direction and a teachable lesson for kids. With a compass, children learn direction and how to find their way when lost. Local camp equipment outfitter REI has many compass options for a modest cost.
But more than any other items, when camping with kids, all parents agree that Boredom Busters are a must. "Baseball glove and ball, team sport games, Frisbees, fishing, and going for walks," Wallach says when asked about her stock in trade activities for kids. "Cards, workbooks, and a Rubik’s cube," says Meek. "A book of songs and a 5-in-1 game set with checkers," says Barsun. "Leave the electronics at home."
Camping families also emphasize that pre-packing essentials goes a long way. Both Meek and Wallach have standard gear pre-packed and ready to go at all times. Meek keeps items in her car-top carrier: tents, sleeping bags, rolls of duct tape, a camp stove and propane cans, a box of plastic dinnerware/plates, pots and pans, tarps, a box of matches and a lighter. Wallach keeps her prepacked box by the back door. "All I have to do is fill up the hatchback," she says.
Pre-packed foods kept in a pantry box, ready to go, also helps families get on their way more quickly. Standard camping staples such as oatmeal, pancake mix, GORP, cookies and canned foods should be supplemented with perishable items that can be packed into a cooler. Traditional dinner favorites are mac and cheese, hot dogs, and potatoes baked in aluminum foil. But don't forget the fun foods. Wallach swears by Jiffy Pop popcorn. And s'mores are an essential. "You have to have marshmallows," says Wallach. Parent necessities should be remembered as well, such as coffee or tea.
Other items you shouldn't forget: tinfoil, wipes, biodegradable toilet paper, and musical instruments.
The most important items found on a camping trip can't be packed, though, Wallach points out. The experience itself and the memories a trip leaves with the children keeps these families going back for more.
Emily, 7, one of the campers in Wallach's group of kids points out why she likes to camp: "It's really fresh. And there's lots of butterflies and squirrels."
For more information on how to family camp, visit your local library or bookstore for general how-to books on camping and local guidebooks. Or visit the following Web sites:
www.explorenm.com/camping/
Provides information on some of the more family friendly campgrounds throughout the state.
www.koa.com/where/nm/
For information on locations of KOA campgrounds and their amenities.
www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm
The national parks have a Junior Ranger program that's fun for kids. Chaco Canyon is limited in camping for 2008 while work takes place onsite.
www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/
New Mexico State Parks are abundant in programs and natural beauty.
www.blm.gov/nm/st/en.html
BLM information on campgrounds and destinations.
S'mores
2 Graham crackers
3 squares Hershey milk chocolate bars
1 Marshmallow
Long tongs
Lay the chocolate on a cracker. Toast the marshmallow until light brown. Place the marshmallow on the cracker with the chocolate. Place the other cracker on the marshmallow to make a sandwich. Squeeze and enjoy!
Variations: spread peanut butter on the crackers, use cookies instead of crackers, use coconut marshmallows. Visit www.hersheys.com/smores for more ideas.
Tips for camping with kids
–Safety is a priority. Teach young children to stay within eyesight. Older kids should stay within earshot. And many adults teach their kids to carry a whistle around their neck, just in case. Three blows on the whistle means a child is lost or needs help.
–Children should know what to do if they are lost. Have a game plan and go over it with the kids.
–Children should have their own flashlight. It eases them into the dark, allows for easy trips to the bathroom, and can be used for shadow games.
–Pack a child's daily clothes in individual plastic bags in a suitcase. It's easier for your child to grab a bag in the morning, and put dirty clothes in the bag at day's end.
–Kids should dress in layers so they stay warm, or can easily cool down. Don't forget hats.
–Kids should have a healthy respect for the outdoors. Be sure they know to clean up after themselves so they "leave no mark." Pack in, pack out.
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