best camping places for kids and families

[trumpwer]

HIGHLY RECOMMEND:
Theodore Roosevelt North Unit
Primitive caming, with long pull throughs.
some tent spots
paved
bathrooms clean!
bufflo, long horn, wild horses, all wildlife natural setting
http://www.nps.gov/thro/tr_campn.htm

[tiniree]

Our family has two boys ages 3 & 8. When we first started RV'ing about two years ago we had dreams of quiet, off the beaten path places. Well, we realized pretty quickly that this type of camping would have to wait until the boys were older and could "fend for themselves" a little bit.

Now we look for places that offer larger-than-postage-size-stamp sites with many types of activities either in the CG itself or nearby. This way we have things to keep the boys occupied and a nice site to relax in in the AM and the evening.

Last year we went to Mt Rushmore and stayed at the Hill City KOA. Didn't like it one bit! Too crowded, to much traffic. Like camping inside Disneyland! During the week we found the Rafter J Bar Ranch and "hit them up" daily for a spot with no luck! They were booked solid and no one was cancelling.

This last Nov I called early and made reservations for June for a week. The sites are huge. They have a wonderful pool and game room. And they have bike paths all over the multi-acre CG! I think this will become our "favorite" place.

What's your favorite place to take your kids? Why?

[Silvertwinkie]

tineree,

KOAs are like Jellystones, might as well be at the local Motel 8 ....we found a place call Rife Pit in the area that we found rustic, but exceptional. It was not too far from all the action and it was very quiet!! It IS rustic, so you'll have to have a full complement of gear on board, but it was beautiful. I still have the campground guide that it was in with all the info. If you or anyone is interested I'll send the info, just send me a PM.

We were last there a few years ago, so I am not sure with the economy that they kept it open, but I did find the local place that still would maintain it if it was still around. I planned on calling them when I planned the trip to the area in the future.

Hope you got to get to wall drug and Crazy Horse! Both neat places to visit. Also the spring fed pool in hot springs and wind cave were fun as well.

Regards,

Eric

[LuminumTraila]

tiniree,

I see that Rafter J Ranch has a website.
www.rafterj.com

Looks like a really great place! I'm adding it to my list.


Trumpwer,

I'm also adding your suggestion to my list. My kids are young enough that they still like the Jr. Ranger program at the National Parks.