Family Camping Trips Summer of 2019
Camping Summer 2019
Lake Billy Chinook
We started our camping season a little early this year because we now have a trailer with a heater so we won't freeze at night. Our first trip was mid May and we decided to go to Lake Billy Chinook at the Lower Cove Palisades campground. (A big risk in my opinion since it was 3 hours away and it was our first outing with the trailer.) You can read more about that campground here. We had replaced the wheel bearings before this trip to be on the safe side.
When we arrived, we were informed our site might be having a power outage. We would need power for the heater because it was going to be in the low 40’s at night. After figuring out the power issue we set up our pop-up trailer. I’m sure we looked ridiculous trying to set it up for the first time camping. We had only set it up a couple times at our house. The kids had a great time riding bikes and playing at the park there. It was a very relaxing trip and the weather was nice during the day.
When we arrived, we were informed our site might be having a power outage. We would need power for the heater because it was going to be in the low 40’s at night. After figuring out the power issue we set up our pop-up trailer. I’m sure we looked ridiculous trying to set it up for the first time camping. We had only set it up a couple times at our house. The kids had a great time riding bikes and playing at the park there. It was a very relaxing trip and the weather was nice during the day.
Fisherman's Bend
I had my expectations low because I had only ever camped at free or really cheap BLM campgrounds before and they usually only had pit toilets and a pump for water. This one had electrical hook ups, showers, and beautifully maintained sites.
The camp hosts were also so friendly! Many stopped by our site to say hi and chat. It rained the first night but we stayed dry in our pop-up. The next day we explored the campground’s trails and walked along the Santiam river. It was so peaceful, even though we were pretty close to highway 22.
It was nice to just relax and enjoy nature and still be close to home. We decided this is one of our new favorite campgrounds! Check out the campground here.
Our next trip was the weekend of June 7th at Fisherman’s Bend, a place my husband found out about online and then found out it’s a local favorite. It is the NICEST BLM campground and only 30 minutes away. It is even better than a lot of state parks I have been to.
I had my expectations low because I had only ever camped at free or really cheap BLM campgrounds before and they usually only had pit toilets and a pump for water. This one had electrical hook ups, showers, and beautifully maintained sites.
Fisherman's Bend (again)
Our next camping trip was the 21st of June. I had been dealing with a lot of anxiety and my sweet husband booked us a last minute trip back to Fisherman’s Bend because a site had opened up. I decided to turn off my phone for the weekend and try to relax. When we arrived the host informed us we had one of the best sites in the campground. Sure enough, the site was so beautiful with large old growth trees and plenty of privacy. I was able to get up each morning and do yoga without anyone watching. The birds singing were so beautiful to wake up to in the mornings.
Our next camping trip was the 21st of June. I had been dealing with a lot of anxiety and my sweet husband booked us a last minute trip back to Fisherman’s Bend because a site had opened up. I decided to turn off my phone for the weekend and try to relax. When we arrived the host informed us we had one of the best sites in the campground. Sure enough, the site was so beautiful with large old growth trees and plenty of privacy. I was able to get up each morning and do yoga without anyone watching. The birds singing were so beautiful to wake up to in the mornings.
On Saturday my husband found a hike online for us to do with the kids. He hates hiking so it was really nice for him to do that for me.We took forest roads up to the trail head. The roads were lined with so many gorgeous wildflowers and rhododendrons and we got beautiful mountain views.
When we got to the trail-head we ate lunch and got on our way. Quickly into the hike we realized that it wasn’t very kid friendly. We took turns carrying the two year old through the sketchy parts of the trail.
Once we made it down to the lake we started getting eaten by mosquitoes so we headed back shortly after. The climb up was a lot faster because the two year old was too tired so we carried him all the way. I was so proud that I stayed in good enough shape during this pregnancy to even do a hike let alone carry my kid while hiking.
Lake Billy Chinook
My husband had scheduled a camping trip for the 4th of July at Lake Billy Chinook. We love spending the 4th there because they have a kid’s bike parade where the camp host help the kids decorate their bikes then ride around the campground together. We went this year with my brother in law, his girlfriend and her daughter (who is my daughter’s best friend.) It was so nice to be able to spend time with family.
The camp hosts were amazing! A big thank you to Barbara and Steve who went above and beyond with crafts for the kids. I barely saw my daughter this trip because she was always over at their site hanging out with Barbara.
My husband had scheduled a camping trip for the 4th of July at Lake Billy Chinook. We love spending the 4th there because they have a kid’s bike parade where the camp host help the kids decorate their bikes then ride around the campground together. We went this year with my brother in law, his girlfriend and her daughter (who is my daughter’s best friend.) It was so nice to be able to spend time with family.
The camp hosts were amazing! A big thank you to Barbara and Steve who went above and beyond with crafts for the kids. I barely saw my daughter this trip because she was always over at their site hanging out with Barbara.
I wanted to go into town on the 4th for fireworks. My daughter doesn’t really like fireworks because of the noise, but she is old enough now to tolerate them. I really wanted my two year old to experience them this year. I found online that the city of Madras has a fireworks show. It said it was at the park so we left early thinking we would need to find a spot. We got there and NOBODY was there yet. I started thinking we must have the wrong park but we decided to wait and see. The park was brand new and you could even see the turf had just laid out. A few other families showed up to the park around 9:30 but they all looked like they were also not local. At10:00 the fireworks started. I am assuming they were being set off at the high school and all the locals knew of better viewing places than the park. Shortly after the fireworks started, the sprinklers came on! Everybody ran to get out of the water and laughed. We didn’t get to stay for the whole show because my son was way too tired from the day’s heat and getting overstimulated at the playground before the fireworks started. The next day we took our time packing up because the heat had worn us all out! I love coming here and hope to make it up for next 4th of July.
Cold Springs Campground Sisters, OregonWe had to end our camping season in mid July because I was nearing my due date. I was handling the camping just fine now that we have a pop up. However, getting out of the trailer four times a night to use
My husband had reserved this campsite months in advance and we were excited to try a new place. The campground is just a couple minutes from downtown Sisters and we happened to stay during the Outdoor Quilt Show, something I’ve always wanted to go to! It was nice to be able to walk around Sisters with the main road closed. We finally tried the SnoCap Drive-In, a local hotspot. The burgers and shakes were delicious!
Despite the campground’s stinky pit toilets and lack of showers, it was a pleasant experience. The sites were well spaced apart and quiet. Our particular site even had a stream running through it! The kids built dams and threw rocks for hours. During the day it was in the mid 70’s with a nice mountain breeze and at night it didn’t get as cold as the week before at Lake Billy Chinook. The site we had was just right for two cars with small trailers. It was a bit awkward backing into the spot because of the angle. If you have a bigger trailer then I would suggest a different site.
Even though this campground does not have running water, flush toilets, or showers, being close to downtown makes it feel like you aren’t roughing it. If you need showers, you can use the ones at the park in Sisters. I was happy ending this season at this amazing campground and can’t wait to go back!
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