Now what do I do...LOL! Leaving from Sacramento area on Saturday, August 2nd, with a Cruise America return date of August 8th. I'm feeling a bit under the gun and like I should be making reservations this week. Any expert advice on the best parks would be appreciated. From my brief research, the following parks have piqued my interest: Valley of the Rogue, Turtle Rock, Indian Mary, Elk Haven, and Emigrant Lake. We have twin 6yo boys and a 9yo daughter who will need some form of entertainment either in the form of swimming, fishing, or general running around and exploring. Given our time-frame I expect to limit ourselves to 2 different parks. One inland, and 1 coastal.
Wife, 3 kids, and Otter the Chocolate lab
Currently road-trippin in the very thirsty 2005 Chevy Suburban, 3/4T, 8.1L
1996 Chevy Impala SS
1970 'Cuda 340
Close to buying a new toy hauler
Our 7 1/2 yo GD is having a ball spending the summer with us. Every weekend there are "new friends" to play with. Get yourself some walkie-talkies. I've found them to be the BEST electronic gadget we need with her.
2006 DRV Elite Suite 36TK3....our home
2008 Ford F450 Lariat CC 4x4......his office
Working Fulltimers since 3/2005
"Shoot for the Moon! Even if you miss it, you will land among the Stars."
Ah yes...walkie talkies. Thank you for the suggestion. We have some cheapo versions the kids play with around the house, but I never thought to take them camping. Might have to upgrade though.
I think I would save the inland regions for another trip and spend all my time on the coast!....Wait a minute, that IS what I plan to do in July.....LOL!
Seriously, I only have 5 days vacation and there is just SOOOO much to do on the coast that I have changed my itinerary 100 times, lol!......Fort Stevens near astoria really sounds like a fun place for kids of all ages. Unfortunately, I can't get all the days I wanted cuz I waited too long.....BUT, the KOA across the street sounds fun too.
If you make it that far up, Long Beach Wa just across the river from Astoria, has a weeks worth of fun kid activities....My daughter (11) and niece (10) are really looking forward to a visit to Marsh's free museum.......A hokie tourist trap that the kids will enjoy!
Wherever you decide to go, I'd get on the ball and make some reservations now!.....Have a good trip!
Unless you have already been there, you should plan to hit the Crater Lake area. And if you want to go to north Oregon, visit Mount St. Helen for the volcano event.
Also agree that mix of coast and inland is a good idea. We always liked Honeyman State Park for the children. Nice lake with a sand dune running into it so you can bring tray sleds if you want. To the south is the dune area with dune buggy tours and rentals.
Also like the Sunset Bay area around Coos Bay.
But I must admit that we have never really spent much time inland because the coastline of Oregon is so great.
Don't overlook the north Calif area around the redwoods. Great camping areas and there are rivers to swim in too. We rode the Skunk Train at Fort Bragg last time but I suspect you have already done that.
Ok, I think you have all got me looking to spend all of my time on the coast. Now just a matter of where to stay. Our first day (Sat) will be spent picking up the RV, getting the tutorial, driving home and loading, and a realistic goal of only about a 3.5hr drive to a layover at the Mount Shasta City KOA. So our 2nd day (Sun) should get us to our first coastal stop.
With that age of kids, I would have to agree that the beach is better. In a few years I think your kids would love Crater Lake and especially the Bend/Sisters area. Emigrant Lake could be a great stop for an overnight on the way back. The new RV park the county opened is much nicer than the dusty old tent CG. But there is also an inexpensive, moderate-sized water park their that is perfect for that age group.
As for the coast, you first should look to the Oregon State Parks which are exceptional. Harris SP in Brookings, Sunset Bay SP in Coos Bay, and Honeyman SP in Florence are all great parks in the southern half. Beverly Beach SP, Cape Lookout SP and Ft. Stevens are some favorites in the northern half. There is plenty of information on these forums about camping on the Oregon Coast.
Family that loves to camp 30 days a year! Two kids, 12 and 9
Bullard's Beach State Park near Bandon (and old town Bandon) is a great stopover. Also, 9 miles north of Gold Beach is a private campground called Honey Bear....it features a family style German Restaurant and entertainment.
The "mail boat" trips in Gold beach (up the Rogue River) are well worth your time.
All righty then...looks like I have a good laundry list to choose from. Sunset Bay has been mentioned a few times. I've also read a few other postings stating that Florence is a great town to visit. I like the suggestion of using Emigrant Lake as a return stop. My kids would love the water slides. I think I will head up I-5 to Hwy42 and then hit the northernmost stop first. Then probably down to Gold Beach Area. I camped in Oregon with my parents back in the 70's as a kid, and have very fond memories of the mail boat ride, Prehistoric Gardens, and the Sea Lion Caves. Once again....all on the coast.
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