We only had two children at the time. Our daughter was about 2 1/2 years old. Our son, who is now a teenager, was merely five months old. I was still treading into camping rather gingerly and this seemed like a great way to get my toes wet. I had been doing some research and heard that yurts, rustic cabins, and platform tents were becoming very popular. I had also learned that Washington State was just developing their alternative camping accommodations. Oregon State Parks, on the other hand, had been building their alternative accommodations for some time. They were proving to be wildly popular.
Intuitively, I knew it made sense to give these alternative accommodations a try. Even though my hubby had camped quite a bit, I had not. I was a bit overwhelmed by the thought of packing tents, poles, cookware, diapers, binkies, and bottles. So, I figured I’d have to pack less if at least my structure was ready for me when I got there. Luckily, I was right, because it was a pretty simple operation to organize and pull off with babes in tow.
Aside from being a convenient alternative to tents, our platform tent featured heat, a futon, a bunk bed, and a table. When we arrived at our platform tent that April weekend many years ago, I was impressed with the size and the warmth. My son’s portable crib fit inside beautifully, and there was plenty of room to spare. My daughter had space to romp. I was happy because the heater offered a little extra comfort. Cooking was not allowed inside the tent, but we easily managed at the site’s fire ring and on the picnic table.
So, I guess my advice is this: Even if you are an experienced camper, it is worth being aware of the alternative camping accommodations that are out there. Yurts, teepees, platform tents and cabins are a little more expensive than basic campsites, but they offer a lot of added value for families who are treading into the wonderful world of camping. They are great for folks who want to camp but don’t yet want to invest in the whole kit and kaboodle. They are also great for hesitant urbanites who aren’t sure they want to pitch a tent and sleep on the ground. And, they are a nice option for singles who want to camp but also want the added security of knowing that they can lock the door at night.
For additional information check out this link from Oregon State Parks.