Our incredible family camping trip to Green Lakes State Park in Upstate New York.
Per the recommendation of another mommy on the PTO board, we decided to give this state park a try! And boy, was she ever right! This picturesque state park turned out to be the perfect destination for our unforgettable adventure. With our car packed to the brim with camping gear, snacks, and some of the kids' favorite things, we set off on our journey to Green Lakes State Park. The drive wasn’t terrible (it was a little less than two hours) and less time in the car is a win every single time!
When we arrived at the park, our excitement soared when we caught our first glimpse of the stunning Green Lake. The turquoise water was breathtaking and the kids couldn't wait to jump right in! We quickly set up our 10-person tent (well, Justin mainly did this. Thank you babe!), the kids helped pound in tent stakes and arranged our sleeping bags. I was impressed with the excellent facilities provided. The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained, the showers were free (we are used to paying a quarter per “X” amount of minutes for a warm shower), and the dishwashing station made cleaning up after meals a breeze. The camping grounds overall were just really spacious and well-maintained and it offered ample space for our large family.
One highlight of the trip for the kids was undoubtedly spending time at the beaches beside the two glacial lakes, Green Lake and Round Lake. With lifeguard-supervised areas, we felt comfortable letting the kids enjoy the water safely. They had a blast building sandcastles, splashing in the water, and, of course, being thrown into the water by “shark daddy” — Justin enjoys this just as much as the kids! He even snagged my foot once! We opted to walk down to the beach and the walk back up to camp provided a private, easy trail. Another family at camp stopped us to tell us all about the owl family that had been coming out in the trees at night. We got to see them close up and owls are more majestic than we give them credit for. This led to us getting the fire going for a second time that day.
No camping trip would be complete without a campfire evening. As the sun set behind the trees, we gathered around the crackling fire, roasting marshmallows to make the classic s'mores we all adore. Each family member shared their favorite part of the trip while trying to maintain their gooey roasted s’mores. Shortly after, we got the kids ready to settle in for fun games (well, bed for Miss T). I was shocked that all four kids went down so quickly for bed. We packed fun camp games and when it came time to play, all of our kids were fast asleep. Justin and I were able to look up at the stars in total awe (and silence!). I don't even remember falling asleep myself... early bedtime made for an even earlier morning start!
The next morning we were able to partake in some kayaking and rowboat action! The ONLY downside was that the rentals didn’t begin until 11am. The park offered crystal-clear kayaks for rent, and we couldn't resist the opportunity to paddle across for such an amazing price! The boat house prices were all relatively inexpensive. $20 for an hour of crystal kayaking, and the rowboat was only $10 per hour. It was an incredible experience to see the lake's aquatic life beneath us through the transparent hull of the kayak. The kids were in awe, and we were grateful for the chance to bond over such a unique activity.
The rowboat we rented presented a challenge. I’d never rowed a boat before and it was a little scary trying to maneuver while also trying to make sure my littlest baby didn’t rock off the boat. On the upside, our three older kids were thrilled to help row and it gave us a chance to slow down, savor the moment, and soak up some sun and the lake water. Our family camping trip to Green Lakes State Park was everything we had hoped for and more. With various activities to suit everyone's interests and clean, well-maintained facilities, it was an ideal destination for a family getaway. We returned home with full hearts, recharged spirits, and a determination to make more of these unforgettable memories in the future. If you're looking for an affordable, nature-filled adventure with your loved ones, Green Lakes State Park should be at the top of your list.
Happy camping!
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