Shenandoah Family Camping

Family is a difficult word to describe. I feel like most of us go through life trying to figure out exactly what it means. My family is not one of blood, though there are some who share some with me, but instead is a collection of people who in one way shape or form needed one another. So for the purposes of this post, I am going to be writing this as dad, brother, and son. Seningen will be Uncle Andy. So my story here is being told from that perspective, not my usual adventurous tone.

The family made their way to Shenandoah National Park’s Big Meadows Campground. The campground was very nice and was extremely close to the trailhead for Dark Hollows Falls and the Rose River Loop. Both of which my family took advantage of. Pictured here is my son and my parents by Dark Hollow’s Fall.

After the hike, which was pretty tough for some of the people in the family (I will explain in my trail review) We made an attempt to go tubing with Shenandoah River Adventures. I say attempted because my son (right) hit some rocks and had to be rescued by his Uncle Andy, his grandmother, me, and Abbie. So instead we skipped rocks for a while.

On Sunday, we spilt up. The majority of the family went to Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia. They highly recommend it and I would suggest it as a family activity. Seningen and I opted instead to climb Old Rag. That is not a recommended family activity. Wait until that trail review comes up to see why.

Overall the trip was very nice for everyone. To make sure you have an opportunity to make your family trip as fun, here are a couple suggestions:

Be prepared to not have a bear box, even if the website seems to indicate you have one. This will save you some time figuring out the transportation issue.
Tubing is a great post-hike activity, but make sure to be careful of the rocks.
Big Meadows is an excellent campground, but be aware that there is a $5 quarter charge if you want to shower.
Make sure that everyone is equipped for any hikes you take. This means prepared physically and with plenty of water.