Why do we camp?  It is not for the mounds of laundry it creates or the endless packing and unpacking.  It is not for the requisite bug spray or the long hike to the bathroom.  We camp because we love to be outdoors and our kids love it even more.  I put up with the sand on my air mattress to see the sheer joy of a toddler scooping dirt for hours on end.  We camp for the camaraderie found around the campfire and the "naughty" foods that are consumed in quantity out in the woods.

It is not too late to get a quick trip in this summer!  August and September are wonderful months to camp.  Even better, it is an inexpensive getaway.  Borrow a tent and some gear and head out.  Here are some local places that you might want to try...and if you have a favorite camping spot in the area, leave a post in the comments.  We'd all appreciate it!

Duke Creek Campground
Cedar Springs
heated pool, woods, hayrides, biking & hiking trails & more
Rates start at $26.50

Grand Rogue Campground & Paddlesports
Belmont
The campground is a quiet, family park...NOT a party park. There are sites with electric and water hook-ups ($33.50 per night), no hook-up sites ($24.00), as well as wilderness sites ($20.00). The nightly rate is based on 2 adults and 2 children. The campround is open from May1 - the end of September each year.

We have a man-made lake for fishing and swimming, bathhouse and laundry facilities, a camp store, a pavilion with ping-pong tables, legos, lincoln logs, checkers etc., a train (which is FREE) that takes campers on a fun ride throughout the park, paddlesports, pedal kart rentals, basketball and beach volleyball.

We offer tube, kayak and canoe trips down the Rogue and Grand Rivers as well. The prices for these trips are listed on the website. All paddlesport trips are done by reservation only and are no alcohol trips. The campground number is listed on the website for reservations.

They still have openings for Labor Day weekend so perhaps this will pique your interest!

Woodchip Campground
Byron Center
grassy, shaded camping sites, wagon rides, playground, swimming pool, free WiFi

Hungry Horse Campground
Dorr
heated swimming pool, hayrides, horseshoes, 90 acres