Posted by: Family Camping in Family Camping Tents on August 7th, 2011
Ive been looking online at nearby areas to go camping (northeast ohio) Ive found a couple private family campgrounds…They seem like they have alot to offer. But I have also found state park camping…Whats the difference? Would one be better than the other? We wanna go tent camping with our two little kids.
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State park campgrounds usually offer just the basics: in the midwest that usually includes showers, water, and sometimes electricity (none of these are available if the campground is marked "primitive" or "rustic" though). They tend to be inexpensive, and they are usually pretty scenic.
Private campgrounds can vary a lot. Many are more geared for RV camping than tent camping and lots are spaced more closely (with fewer trees and other natural features). They may not be in a particularly scenic location, but some offer more activities: pools, game rooms, basketball courts, etc. They tend to cost a little bit more.
Just as a slight basis of comparison, we’re going camping at Yellowstone next week. The national park (pretty similar to state parks) charges $18.50 per day for our tent site. Here out west, electricity and showers are not included in a tent site. Showers are available for $3-4 each, and water can be carried from nearby. We checked out a KOA nearby, which charged $47 a night, including showers, water, and electricity. It also had a pool and other available activities.
In my area a lot of private campgrounds are more expensive but have areas like playgrounds for kids maybe a pool in addition to lake or river, water and power to all sites and possibly more "group" events for all campers. State campgrounds here mostly offer power and water but if you tent camp you will just have a spot of ground as a campsite unless you want to camp in with motor homes travel trailer and such with AC units and generators running all time. If you have a National Forest in your area check it out they may have campground just for tenters. Private camps sometimes have better security and cleaner facilities and often have "year round" campers at them.
Probably from my experience State Park Camping you’ll more likely get what is offered with out the hype. And it can be a learning experience for the whole family. I’m from Missouri and we have well cared for state parks and if you go to some of the less popular ones even on the 4th weekend you can have privacy or go to the popular ones if you like to people watch. I’ve stayed at private and they ususally are lacking or just not the same as the state parks. Either way the little ones will love the experience…
Better would be completely subjective. And it would depend on the individual campground. Most have similar features and functions. There are generally small, semi-private (meaning partially surrounded by trees and bushes) cleared areas for each campsite with a picnic table, and possibly a fire pit or grill. Most offer restrooms with showers (centrally used and located by all campers).
Both will usually have both RV sites, and tent sites that are generally separate. RV sites will usually have electricity available for an extra fee.
If all you are going to do is camp and eat, it shouldn’t matter one way or the other, particularly if your kids are small and you just want them to have the camping experience. In this case, I’d recommend whichever was closer (particualrly if there’s a chance your kids won’t enjoy it and cry until you take them home).
If you want to do something recreational though, in most cases you’re better off at the state park, because there are usually more services (better/longer trails, possible canoing or lakes that are better maintained than you may find on the private parks, etc), and in many cases, it might also be a little cheaper.