Spend some quality time with your dad or son – and even the entire family – during a memorable camping trip. Disconnect from your cell phones and the business of everyday life, and reconnect with your loved one in the great outdoors. We’ve got six father-son camping trip ideas below based on the type of adventure or activities you prefer.
Recommended: 9 Underrated State Parks You Need to Visit
1. For the ATV-Lovin’ Dad
South Toledo Bend State Park, Louisiana
Located on bluffs that extend over the Toledo Bend Reservoir, South Toledo Bend State Park boasts scenic waterfront views. The reservoir is nationally recognized for its outstanding bass fishing, while the park also offers other outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, cycling, birding, and for the ATV-riding dad, plenty of off-roading opportunities. There are nine ATV loops for over 12 miles of ATV-dedicated trails. Stay the night in one of 90 campsites, many with lake views, or one of 19 two-bedroom, deluxe cabins.
2. For the History-Buff Dad
Rock Creek Station State Historical Park, Nebraska
Looking for a history-themed father-son camping trip idea? Look no further than Rock Creek State Historical Park for a peek into the area’s wild past. The park’s namesake station was an official Pony Express station established in 1857. It became notorious one fateful day in July of 1861 when James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok murdered David McCanles, one of Wild Bill’s many bloody gunbattles. Archaeologists have also excavated two ranches dating back to the 1858-1860, and some of the buildings have been reconstructed.
You can still see the deep ruts carved by Oregon trail wagons that traveled through this picturesque area that encompasses prairie hilltops, timber-studded creek bottoms, and rugged ravines. There are 13 campsites with electric hookups for an awesome adventure.
Recommended: State Parks for Sports Enthusiasts
3. For the Caveman Dad
Kickapoo Cavern State Park, Texas
For a dad with a sense of adventure, head out to Kickapoo Cavern State Park for cave exploring. Just west from San Antonio, Kickapoo Cavern State Park is a lightly-developed park, which enhances the wonder in discovering the park’s caverns and trails and the indigenious bats, birds, and other wildlife. The main cavern, Kickapoo Cavern is about 1,400 feet long, created from 4 million years of geologic evolution. Another big draw, Stuart Bat Cave, is slightly shorter than Kickapoo and is home to thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats from mid-March to the end of October. You can watch as they exit the cave every evening at dusk to hunt for insects. There are also about 240 migrant and resident birds in the park, so be sure to bring binoculars to see as many as you can. There are five full hookup campsites, ten campsites with water only, and a group camp that accommodates up to 30 people.
4. For the Paddling Dad
Trap Pond State Park, Delaware
Our top father-son camping trip idea is for a dad who loves to paddle a kayak or canoe into the swamp at Trap Pond State Park. Entering this waterway brings you into the middle of a unique ecosystem filled with graceful bald cypress trees. These are the northernmost bald cypress trees on the East Coast, and they’re home to stunning wildflowers and abundant wildlife including birds, frogs, and turtles. The park features a series of water trails that take you into the deepest, densest part of the swamp that’s only accessible via canoe or kayak. One of the streams that flows into Trap Pond has been designated a wilderness canoe trail, which is ideal for exploring the swamp’s interior. The park campground, which includes 149 campsites – including eight cabins and two yurts – is nestled along the pond’s northern shore under a canopy of hardwoods and towering loblolly pines.
Recommended: Pacific-NorthWest Road Trip Itinerary
5. For the Dad (and Son) Dinosaur Devotees
Red Fleet State Park, Utah
Northeastern Utah is dubbed “Dinosaurland” due to the multitude of dinosaur fossils discovered here. Red Fleet State Park is located in the heart of Dinosaurland and contains two spectacular sets of dinosaur tracks. The older tracks, preserved in Navajo sandstone, are from tridactyl and are believed to be over 200 million years old. Nearby are about 40 tracks of a still unidentified dinosaur species from a more recent geological period. Hike to the dinosaur tracks within the park, and head out to nearby Dinosaur National Monument to see more fossils. You can also boat and fish on Red Fleet Reservoir and stay in a campground overlooking the scenic sandstone and desert landscape. There are 29 campsites at Red Fleet, all with tables, grills, and fire pits.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.