Family Camping at Cheesequake

With parenting comes the learned art of sucking it up. We sit through never-ending innings of tee-ball just to see our slugger bat, and endure 2 hour dance recitals so we can watch our ballerina twirl.

Yes, often we do things we don’t want to do because it makes our kids happy — like packing up half our house and going camping five miles down the road after it has rained for seven days straight, even though we’re overworked, exhausted, and would rather go get a massage. And, oh yeah, our husband just broke his finger.

That was my attitude at the start of last weekend, when my son Luke had his spring camping trip at Cheesequake State Park with the Matawan/Aberdeen Cub Scouts.

Sure, I could have bowed out like many of the moms did, letting this be a male bonding experience, but it was supposed to be a family event and my kids were keen on me coming. Plus, my husband needed an extra hand, since one of his was in a splint. So I sucked it up and went.

This is not going to be a tale about how the campgrounds were a muddy mess, the mosquitoes were relentless, it rained several times and I didn’t sleep a wink. Instead, I’m going to tell you why roughing it in nature is a blast for kids, and why it’s worth it for you to suck it up and take them …

Located near Exit 120 off the Garden State Parkway, Cheesequake State Park is remote enough to make you feel like you’re away, yet close enough that you can go back home if you forget stuff.  It’s a 1,485-acre refuge of hardwood forests, pine barrens, saltwater and freshwater wetlands where you can hike, bike, picnic, boat, fish and even swim in Hooks Creek Lake.

The park has 53 woodland campsites plus group camping at Gordon Field, where we and the rest of the scouts pitched our tents.

Which brings us to ...

Reason #1.
Kids Dig Tents. Maybe they remind them of their own makeshift forts and sibling sleepovers. All I know is, the minute we put ours up, my three wanted to run in and out over and over, and couldn’t wait to bring their friends in for a tour. You’d think Santa was inside giving away kittens. The best part? Knowing they’re going to sleep in a tent makes kids beg to go to bed.

Reason #2
Kids Love Dirt. Sure, video games are fun, but not nearly as thrilling as getting head-to-toe filthy without getting yelled at. I watched my kids play in a mud puddle for hours. From the comfort of my camping chair with built-in leg rest. Embracing Mother Nature is a nice break for everyone.

Reason #3
Nature is a Natural Playground. Who needs slides and swings when you can climb up rocks and swing from trees? Hiking at Cheesequake, Jack got to walk across a creek by balancing on fallen logs. Nina chased squirrels. And Luke led everyone on a scavenger hunt. Even the Mama found herself hanging from a tree branch. There’s something about running amok in the woods that brings out the kid in all of us.  

Reason #4
Flashlights are More Fun Outside. Those light spinners your kids got at the circus are begging to come out from under their beds. When the sun goes down, all the children at the campground run around with their flashlights, playing tag, cops and robbers, and other imaginative games in the dark. Yes, these are the same kids who sleep with nightlights.

Reason #5
Campfires are Better than TV. What could be better than cozying up to a warm fire, watching the flames crackle and dance? How about roasting marshmallows over it, smearing ‘em on s’mores, and telling ghost stories? Sitting around a campfire is serious quality time disguised as an excuse for kids to stay up late.

And folks, that right there is the magic of roughing it. Out there in the woods with no TV, Internet, or Wii, and no dance class or baseball practice to rush off too, you’re suddenly blessed with all the time you can never seem to find. You have time to connect, interact, make memories, and find fun where’d least expect it.

Camping is an adventure for the whole family. You just have to suck it up and do it. Like me, you might be glad you did.

THE DETAILS:

Cheesequake State Park 300 Gordon Road,
Matawan, NJ 07747
(732) 566-2161
Campsites: 53 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities within walking distance. Open April 1st through October 31. $20 per night, six people per site, two vehicles per site.

Group campsites: The Gordon Field group area has fire rings, upright grills and picnic tables. There are six individual sites accommodating up to 25 campers each. The area facilities include flush toilets and potable water. Trash must be carried out. Open May 1st through October 31st. $25 per night

ALSO VISIT: Turkey Swamp Park