What is better than camping with friends? In my opinion, not much. When friends asked us to join them at their seasonal we could not pass up the offer. A couple years ago they found a seasonal at Mascoma Lake Campground on Mascoma Lake in Lebanon, NH.  They spend most summer weekends at their camper and are always talking about the memories they are making there.

Planning a vacation is never easy.  You want to make sure you chose the right place to entertain the whole family.  With that being said, the summer of 2016, my family and I chose to spend part of our summer vacation camping on Grand Isle on Lake Champlain north of Burlington, Vermont. When we arrived the state park was beautiful.  Well maintained grounds, spacious and clean sites, a small playground, clean facilities, a nature center with walking paths, a boat ramp and a swimming area.  After setting up our campsite we walked to the lake for a much needed swim.  While walking towards the lake we could smell something foul.  Upon arriving at the swimming area we observed a large mud flat producing a strong odor. 

“Is it time to go yet?” My six year old asked early one morning, excited for our annual end of school camping trip. Each June, my family and I pick a new area in New England to camp and explore. Last June we picked Kampersville Campground on Lake Dunmore, located on the western edge of the Green Mountains in Vermont. Kampersville is a beautiful privately owned campground with a general store, deli, ice cream, laundry, three pools, playground, game room, activities and  private beach with boat rentals. The campsites were in a wood area, well maintained and provided plenty of space for some privacy from our neighbors. 

As I was laying in bed early this morning looking out at the clear blue sky I thought to myself, "why am I laying in bed, it looks so beautiful out." Also I'm a little behind in 52 Hikes in 2017 Challenge so I need to get more hikes in.  As my family still slept, my dog and I snuck out to check out a new trail. I had recently heard about Wales Preserve Trail, located off Spring Hill Road in Sharon NH, and wanted to check is out.  I love when I can find trails close to home that I have yet to explore. 

Sugar Ridge Campground is an excellent campground.  I actually have no negative comments about the facility.  It appears that a lot of the sites are seasonal.  All the sites are very well maintained and spacious.  The campsite we stayed on was very private and the bathroom and free showers were clean.  The campground offers many amenities such as, two pools, two playgrounds, rec hall, mini golf course (small fee), daily activities, bike rentals, access to the Lamoille Bike Trail, hiking trails with beautiful views right on the grounds and a fishing pond, since it's on private land you do not need a fishing license. 

Growing up in the shadow of Mt. Katahdin, I had the opportunity to experience various outdoor activities, which contributes to my passion for the great outdoors. In the summer of 2015, I took my family to Millinocket, Maine to relive some of my childhood memories. For one week we stayed at The Woodworth Family Homestead at Camp Rhodora located on Millinocket Lake. This is an off the grid working homestead with animals and a garden. There is a great deal of history with this camp going back to the 1800's.