🏕️ Camping Memories: Finding Joy in the Unexpected

By Maribeth, Rustic Acres Jellystone Park™

🌟 Introduction

Some of my favorite memories aren’t the prettiest, the most exciting, or even the most fun in the moment—but they’re the ones that stuck.

Growing up, my family of six camped in a big canvas tent—the kind with heavy-duty zippers, thick fabric, and sturdy metal poles that took all four kids and two adults to put together. It smelled like campfire and mildew and summer, and it was perfect. Once it was up and the campsite was settled, my siblings and I would hop on our bikes and disappear into hours of exploration. We’d race down gravel roads, pedal through mud puddles, and chase each other in loops until we collapsed on picnic blankets, only to jump up again to catch lightning bugs as the sun went down.

🚴‍♀️ Learning to Ride: A Painful Yet Cherished Memory

One summer, I learned to ride my bike on a camping trip. It didn’t come easy. I was determined, pedaling fast and free—until I lost control and wiped out on the gravel, scraping my knee something awful. I remember sitting on the edge of the picnic table, crying, while my dad dug out the first aid kit. And what did we have to clean it with? Iodine. If you know, you know.

It burned like fire, but what I remember most is my dad—calm, steady, trying to distract me while he poured it on and blew on the scrape. That moment, as painful as it was, reminds me of the deeper purpose of camping: being together. Not everything went as planned on that trip (or any trip, really), but it brought us closer. We were dirty, sunburned, mosquito-bitten—and completely connected.

🏞️ The Unseen Rainbow: My Daughter's Triumph

As a mom now, I watch my own kids build memories on the trail and around the campfire, just like I did. When I asked my 14-year-old what camping memory stood out to her most, she didn’t mention the big destinations or the exciting activities. She talked about hiking Rainbow Falls in the Smoky Mountains when she was just six years old.

The trail wasn’t easy. It was long, steep, and crowded. We saw people turn around and give up halfway. More than once, fellow hikers stopped to tell her how impressed they were to see someone so young powering through the climb. She held her head high, glowing with pride, pushing herself one step at a time. She couldn’t wait to see the rainbow in the mist at the top.

But when we finally made it? The sky was overcast. No rainbow, just gray clouds and the roar of the waterfall. My husband and I braced ourselves for the meltdown. But instead, she looked up at us with a grin and said, “I made it!” She didn’t care about the rainbow—she had made it to the top of the mountain. That was the reward. She still talks about that hike to this day.

💩 A Scavenger Hunt to Remember: My Son's Adventure

My youngest, now 8, has a very different camping memory that makes him light up. His favorite trip? Visiting the Badlands and going on a Junior Ranger scavenger hunt to identify as many types of animal poop as possible. Yes, poop. Thank you, Ranger Dave. He was on a mission and he was so proud of every discovery. I’ll never forget his excitement as he ran up to show us a photo of “possibly bison dung.”

🔥 Simple Pleasures: My Husband's Favorite Moments

And then there’s my husband. He’s collected countless camping memories over the years—from mountains to marshes—but his favorites are the simple ones. Sitting around the fire with the kids, making s’mores, playing a few hands of cards after breakfast, and watching the stars come out. It’s not the destination, it’s the moments in between.

🏕️ Embracing the Chaos: The True Essence of Camping

Camping rarely goes exactly as planned. But that’s part of the magic. Whether it's unexpected weather, forgotten supplies, or scraped knees, these moments become the stories we cherish.

At Rustic Acres Jellystone Park™, we understand that every camper is unique. For some, the ideal trip means diving headfirst into every activity from sunup to sundown; crafts, scavenger hunts, dance parties, and campfire singalongs. For others, it’s reading in a hammock, floating in the pool, or never leaving the comfort of the camper.

Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation or a little of both we’re here to help you make the most of it. When you check in, let us know what kind of camping memories you’re hoping to create. We’ll do everything we can to help bring that vision to life.

We may not have Rainbow Falls or a herd of bison, but we do have a whole world of fun packed into our park. From visits with Yogi Bear™, Boo Boo™, and Cindy Bear™ to one of the most action-packed activity schedules you’ll find at any campground, to peaceful afternoons at the pool! We’ve got something special for every kind of camper.

📣 Share Your Story

We'd love to hear about your family's camping adventures! Share your favorite memory in the comments below or tag us in your photos on social media. Let's celebrate the joy of camping together.