A City Mom's Guide to Camping: July 2012

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

LGBT Friendly Camping

Enjoying the camping experience should be available to all. But sadly, if you are a member of the LGBT community, there are other factors that need to take into consideration when embarking on a camping trip. I have many gay and lesbian friends who enjoy the outdoors. I have also heard some sad tales of homophobia ruining the outdoor experience (and in one case, damaging physical property). So, I recently came across this article and thought I'd share some resources for those LGBT singles, couples and families who are interested in the camping experience. Camp Gay USA also lists campgrounds by state which are either exclusively gay/lesbian or gay friendly. You can also read my post on Watch Hill, Fire Island which is very friendly to all and you will often see a mix of singles, couples and families, both straight and gay, and in every color of the rainbow. Hopefully one day all campgrounds can be enjoyed freely and without fear by everyone. Until then, I hope this information helps and happy camping!

Campground Rating System

DISTANCE:

Average driving distance from NYC.

AGE: Ranks the child-friendliness of the campground.

Infant = 0 - 2

Toddler = 2 - 5

Child = 5 - 10

Pre-Teen = 10 - 13

Teen+ = 13 and older

PARTNER: Do you need another adult to camp here or can you go solo?

Y = Yes a partner is needed to camp here

N = No partner needed to camp here

COMFORT: What type of comfort facilities are available?

None = squat in the bushes, bring your own water

Basic = pit toilets, potable water

Comfortable = Flush toilets & running water but no shower

The Works = Flush toilets, sinks & showers

PRIVACY: How private are the campsites?

None = sites are open with no cover between sites

Some = certain sites offer limited privacy

Moderate = sites are wooded not clearly visible to others

Heavy = you won't even know anyone else is there

SWIMMING:

Y = Yes there is swimming available

N = No swimming available

BOATING:

Y = Yes there are boats for rent

N = No boating available

BYOB = Boating allowed but bring your own boat

Introduction

I'm a mother to four daughters living in Brooklyn, New York. After my twins came around, it became more difficult to afford the road trips so I decided to try camping as a way to enjoy family vacations.

Now I am in my 5th season of camping - primarily car camping and I have learned a great deal. I hope to share my experience and expertise in future posts to help guide and inspire any reluctant single mom's out there who are thinking of taking their kids to the great outdoors.

While I am in a serious relationship now, and have taken him on several camping trips, I have also gone camping alone (as the only adult) and I have camped with other single mothers. To ensure a successful camping trip with children, whether you have another adult with you or not, involves careful planning and work. It is totally worth the effort as the experience you can have bonding in nature with your children will stay with them for a lifetime.