C is for Camping

During our vacation, we will be camping in three different locations.  My original plan had four, but then I decided we would probably need a hotel day in between the camping days.  I have done a lot of camping and I love it.  The kids have a lot of camping experience and also love it.

Our first camping destination is in the Badlands National Park at the Sage Creek Campground.  It’s free and looks amazing.  I found this blog that tells about one family’s experience and also give a few tips and tricks for this campground.  This campground does not allow open fires, for obviously reasons.  A camp stove is a must if you want warm food, which I do.  I will share more about my camping recipes later on this month. 

The temps in the Badlands during May average around 72 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and lows are around 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some things you were specifically needed in the Sage Creek campground at the Badlands National Park:

Water - there is no place to get it, so jugs of water are needed for consumption and clean up of dishes.

Propane Camp Stove - otherwise it's a cold dinner kinda night

Donuts from Wall Drug -  To eat for breakfast and to share with new camping friends.  Because, who doesn't like a donut?!

Our second camping destination will be at Fort Welikit.  It's a family run campground right in the middle of the Black Hills.  We are making this our base camp for three days.  We only have one or two things planned for each of the days we are there, so it will be a nice relaxing time.

I sent them an email with questions before making my reservation.  They answered within a few hours.  I was trying to decide between reserving the tee pee and reserving a basic campsite.  I ended up going with the basic campsite.  I figured my tent would be more comfy and the tee pee is near the RVs and I didn't want to hear the low hum of their generators all night.

I love reading reviews on places.  I always start off with the bad reviews.  I like to see how their customer service responds to them.  Their customer service is always prompt and most of the time the issues were things that could have been fixed if they were addressed at the time of service.  People just need to speak up. 

They reserved an excellent campsite for us.  Far away from generators but close (but not too close) to the bathrooms and showers as well as the laundry facilities and water.  They have wifi hot spots.  So if we do need to use our phones or laptops, we can connect there.  I figured while doing laundry I can catch up on the interwebs and such.

We do get our own fire pit here and can use a campfire as long as there is not a burn ban in effect.  I have some great campfire food planned for this time.

Average temps in this area are around 65 degrees Fahrenheit for the high and 42 degrees Fahrenheit for the lows.  A little chillier than the Badlands.  We can throw on a couple of blankets and will be just fine.

The last camping destination will be Yellowstone Park!  What?!  Excited about this one much!
We are staying in the middle of the park, right by Yellowstone Lake and a stones throw away from the caldera rim with all the geysers and other hydro-thermal wonderfulness.

Yellowstone is unique though.  You have to lock all your food and anything that is associated with food or has other smells to it in a bear box.  They provide a couple per campsite.  Also, while hiking we need to have bear spray and make lots of noise.  Yellowstone will be colder than our first two destinations but we will for sure survive it.

Bear Spray is expensive....

I have attached a link to my Camping Packing List.  What do you suggest I add?  I'm a minimalist with packing.