I think we’d all agree that 2020 isn’t a year we are going to forget anytime soon.

In fact, it feels flippant to write a lighthearted post about our favorite camping destinations when so much of our world is struggling.

Yet, I also feel like it is important to acknowledge that among the chaos and tragedy there also were moments of calm and joy. Above all else, this blog is a way to record our family adventures for the boys. And when my boys reflect on 2020, I want them to remember flames dancing in a campfire; mist raining down from a waterfall; the sun kissing their skin. I want them to remember that even in the darkness there is beauty.

So, on that note, I’d like to share our five brightest moments from 2020 (click on the hyperlink to read the full posts about each trip):

1. Hunting for treasures at Hunting Island State Park (Hunting Island, S.C.)
Our trip to Hunting Island State Park was our only 2020 trip prior to COVID-19 arriving in the United States. So, perhaps its our hunger for the “good ‘ole days,” but our weekend on this beautiful island tops our list of 2020 destinations.

2. Chasing waterfalls in the North Carolina foothills (Mountain Stream RV Park in Marion, N.C.)
Mountain Stream RV Park was a perfect base camp for us to explore the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of my favorite days of the year was spent climbing rocks and searching for crawfish at Tom’s Creek Falls.

3. Hiking Carrick Creek Trail at Table Rock State Park (Pickens, S.C.)
There’s something so rewarding about accomplishing a hike with two kids. Carrick Creek Trail was only 2-miles long, but it was challenging and scenic enough to make for a great family adventure.

4. Driving Horse Pasture Road to Jumping Off Rock (Lake Hartwell State Park in Fair Play, S.C.)
As with some of our other trips, the campground itself wasn’t what made our experience special, but rather the adventures we had during our stay. We loved spending time with family at Lake Hartwell State Park , but the best experince of the trip was driving Horse Pasture Road to Jumping Off Rock overlooking Lake Jocassee.

5. Relaxing at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Tabor City (Tabor City, N.C.)
Twenty-twenty was exhausting, so spending time with family relaxing at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Tabor City, North Carolina, was the perfect way to end the year.

Honorable Mention

Eating fresh caught fish at Crooked River State Park (St. Marys, G.A.)
Finding a good place to fish at Crooked River State Park took a little effort, but the payoff was worth it. Feasting on fish tacos made with fresh white fish caught in Crooked River was the perfect end to another great day.