When you're a kid, life doesn't get much better than camping—sleeping in a tent, telling ghost stories by flashlight, roasting marshmallows over the fire. When you're a parent, though, the romance likely fizzles the moment you realize you're the one who has to stake the tent, haul the sleeping bags, and plan a dozen meals at once. If you want your little scout to have fond camping memories of her own but you feel hopelessly ill-equipped to fire up a butane stove (much less cook on it), don't worry. There are options—and we don't mean letting the kids spend a night in the backyard. Cookie has discovered campgrounds in the most breathtaking parts of the country where outfitters do all the hard work for you, from pitching tents and laying campfires to organizing outdoor activities. Some even offer gourmet food and spa services. Of course, no matter what age your kids are or what size your budget is (we have found low-end, moderate, and deluxe sites), the main attractions of the great outdoors are still the twin sensations of awe and utter humility as you contemplate the universe beneath a canopy of stars.
Next Page: Tent City at Paws Up
