High Point State Park

High Point State Park is yet another beautiful place. I feel like every other post I write starts with these words.  It is especially true of High Point!  With breathtaking views, it is the highest point in NJ. There is camping, miles and miles of hiking trails, a lake to swim in and sand to play with.

We come there just as a trip on it's own, or just make a point to stop by there when we are passing by.  Not once have we left dissappointed.  Make sure to visit their visitor center for more info.
Here is their website:
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/highpoint.html

We always have a lot of fun there. Even though the water is often icy cold the kids splash and swim, and build amazing sand castles.  The lake is always clean. 

Nearby is the Space Farm Zoo (which is on my bucket list for this coming summer to visit), and if you are in the area make sure to stop by the Holland American Bakery.  The pasteries they have are amazingly yummy: http://www.hollandamericanbakery.com/store/

Ithaca, NY

Ithaca, NY.  We went to Ithaca, NY in September 2012.  We went cabin camping in Robert H. Treman State Park. The reason we came up was to hike, so while we didn't get to see the town much, we thouroughly explored and enjoyed the wonderful park that we were in. We only had two days to stay there, during a long weekend. This place was amazing, and hard to believe, until you see it with your own eyes.  While NJ, NY and PA offer many beautiful places to visit and see, I honestly didn't expect something like this so close to where we live.  It is breathtaking!

We got there by about 3 in the afternoon. The cabin wasn't ready yet, so instead we went to the swimming area. It's right under a waterfall, and the water was cold, about 60 F. It was the last day to swim. Despite the cold, it was an amazing place to swim. The water was so clean, and just beautiful.

The cabins were simple, just 4 beds and a small fridge. It was raining, but that never stops us from enjoying things. There was a playground nearby with a good old fashioned seesaw. The kids had a blast on it, with the two of them on one end and me on the other. I am surprised that thing didn't break under our combined weight. We took a few small hikes around the swimming area with our umbrella and a rain jacket, it was lovely. We had a nice fire going outside. The kids roasted hot dogs on long forks. It was a nice evening. Right before bed time we were visited by a skunk. Everyone stayed really quiet, and then slowly moved into the cabin for night time. No one got sprayed.

 

The night was tough. I think a combination of an unfamiliar place during the night, plus the excitement and how tired we were from the ride. The kids had a hard time falling asleep, but once they did they slept the night through more or less. My husband and I couldn't fall asleep, and then couldn't stay asleep. I think we sleep better in a tent as a rule.

 

 

In the morning we woke up, and since it was not raining we decided on making the hike we came there to do right away. We didn't have much breakfast, but packed a few sandwiches, cereal bars, and water, just in case.
We set out on the Rim Trail. It goes all along the rim of the cliff, hence the name. It opens up some really beautiful views onto the waterfalls below:

The Rim Trail goes all uphill for the most part. About a half way through we came to a small detour toward this lovely little waterfall, where we were able to cool off, and rest:

We headed back to the trail. From there on it was all the way up. It was green, the air was amazing. At some point we came to a staircase. It is called the 'Cliff Staircase'. We almost turned around because of how daunting they looked. I am really glad we decided to keep going. Many amazingly beautiful steps:

On the top of the stairs there were some unbelievable views onto the Lucifer Falls and the gorge below.

The rest of the Rim trail went a bit downhill, and was easier. Finally we came to an old mill, there were bathrooms and a parking lot. It's the Upper Park of the state park. Behind the mill there was a small waterfall. I had a calendar as a kid with the picture of that waterfall on it. I always felt like the pictures on the calendars were in far off, unattainable places.

 

We crossed the lot, went across a bridge, passed the camping/cabins area and got on the Gorge Trail. The vista that opened up was beyond anything that I have ever seen. The trail was going on the side of a cliff, with a bridge over the falls, and then more cliff trail. Again really high, and the water was amazingly clear.

The treck was long and with two kids it was not easy, but worth every step of the way!  I hope to come back there again soon!

Spruce Run and Round Valley, NJ

We love camping! My husband and I used to go with friends before we were married. Then, after we were married, it was with our nephews when they were young, then with our nephews and their friends. After that it was our nephews, their friends and our kids.  Now for quite a few years it is just us and our two kids, even though friends and nephews make a brief entrance once in a while, it is mostly just us.  However, no matter who we go with, it's always relaxing and fun.

 Usually, when I say "camping", people think "no showers, pooping in the brush, and eating wild caught, possibly raw fish".  It is not what I mean by camping.  Over the years we have tried several places in NJ. Found out that we love Spruce Run. It is clean, family friendly, has a playground, beach with a beautiful lake, rangers that help you in time of need (like when you're being chased by a rabid gopher), decent bathrooms, and a good crowd of familes with kids. Our kids usually make a few friends and hang out with them either on the playground, or running back and forth.  One year we brought bikes with us, and they really enjoyed riding around the park.  Especially the older one, who was able to go off on his own. On the same lake you can rent a boat (they have several different kinds) and enjoy a nice boat ride, or go fishing.  It is a wonderful place to take the kids for a few days and get away from all the electronic devices, and just enjoy the nature. 

We have looked in to other places. Most of them are farther away, and more expensive. Most of the time we decide not to bother, and stick to the place we know and love. Can't be blamed for it, because this is what it looks like:

 

 

 



It is not an expensive place to go camping, but you do need to make reservations ahead of time.  If you are just starting out camping, this is a great place to start.  You do need to read their rules and follow them. 

Here is the website for their information: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/spruce.html

This past year we decided on not going overnight, but that doesn't stop us from coming to the beach and enjoying a swim.  Keep in mind that there is a small fee per car to go into the park.  Look at their website for more information!

Near Spruce Run there is another great state park: Round Valley.  Similar to Spruce Run it has a lake, playgrounds, food stand, bathrooms and showers.  There is also hiking trails, and camping.  As I understand, camping in Round Valley is for a more adventurous spirit.  They also have an information page right here: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/round.html
We never made it camping there, but it is a fun place to come and splash in the lake, build a few sandcasltes, enjoy a churro and a hike.

The place has been labeled the Bermuda Triangle of NJ, read more here: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/06/njs_bermuda_triangle_mystery_s.html .

 

Both places are very easy to get to from Rt. 22 or Rt. 78!