Another Camping Season in the Books: Memories Made, Adventures Awaiting

 As the leaves start to fall and the evenings turn crisp, our family has officially wrapped up another unforgettable camping season. It’s a bittersweet feeling—packing up the 5th wheel one last time for the year, sweeping out the sand and pine needles that tell stories of our adventures. This summer was one for the books, filled with laughter, exploration, and countless moments that reminded us why camping has become such a treasured part of our family life.

We kicked off our summer with two incredible weeks at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this park is a wonder of nature—powerful waterfalls, winding trails, and towering trees that make you feel small in the best way. We spent our days hiking along the falls, cooking over the campfire, and soaking in the beauty of the wilderness that seemed to stretch endlessly. There’s something about hearing the rush of those falls at sunset that makes time stand still.

Between the big adventures, we made several return trips to Outdoor Adventures in Standish. It’s close enough to home to feel familiar, yet it always offers something new. Whether it was relaxing by the pool, playing games with the kids, or simply sitting under the awning of our camper watching the stars, these weekends reminded us that joy doesn’t always require a long drive—sometimes it’s just about slowing down together.

Another highlight this year was our trip to Albert E. Sleeper State Park in Caseville. That getaway felt like pure Michigan at its finest. We kayaked down the Pinnebog River, winding through quiet bends and cattails until it opened up into the vast expanse of Lake Huron. The feeling of paddling as a family—sun glinting off the water, laughter echoing across the river—is something I’ll never forget.

Our adventures this summer also stirred memories of years past—each trip becoming a chapter in our family’s camping story. We’ve pitched our home-on-wheels everywhere from Falls Lake State Park in North Carolina to Edgar Evins State Park in Tennessee, and even at the magical Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in Florida. Each destination has its own charm, but what they all have in common is the sense of togetherness that camping brings.

We’ve stood in awe at Mount Rushmore, watched the sun set over Colorado Springs, and even witnessed the rare wonder of a solar eclipse in Van Wert, Ohio. These experiences have shaped us in ways that go beyond travel—they’ve deepened our appreciation for God’s creation and for each other.

As the season drew to a close, we ended this year as we do nearly every year—at Finn Road Campground for the Finn Road Fall Days. There’s something special about that tradition: the crisp air, the smell of campfires, kids in cozy hoodies running from site to site, and the sense of community that fills the campground. It’s the perfect mix of celebration and farewell, marking the end of another camping year surrounded by friends, family, and fun.

Now, as the camper sits parked and quiet, there’s a touch of sadness in the stillness. The hum of morning coffee, the chatter of kids getting ready for a day outdoors, and the glow of campfire conversations are all on pause until next year. Yet in that quiet, I feel grateful—for the miles we’ve traveled and the memories we’ve made together.

But alongside that melancholy comes a spark of excitement. Because every ending carries the promise of a new beginning. I can already feel the anticipation building for where next summer will take us—maybe a new park to explore, a mountain trail to conquer, or a river we haven’t yet paddled. The map is wide open, and that’s part of the fun.

Camping has become more than just a hobby for our family—it’s our way of connecting, of grounding ourselves in nature and in one another. It’s in those quiet moments under the stars, or around a smoky campfire, that we find what truly matters. So as we close out this year’s adventures, I’m holding on to both gratitude and anticipation. Grateful for the memories made, the laughter shared, and the beauty we’ve witnessed—and eager for next year’s journey, wherever the road, the river, or the trails might lead. Because in the end, it’s not just about where we go—it’s about who we go there with.