Publication
RV Pro
Author
Spacious Skies Campgrounds
Published
November 14, 2023
Source
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, two special days are fast approaching on our calendars – National Hiking Day on November 17th and National Camp Day on November 19th. While these holidays might not be as widely recognized as other November festivities, they represent a growing national trend towards outdoor recreation and an appreciation for the natural world around us.
“Connecting with nature is not just an activity, it’s an experience that rejuvenates the soul,” Ali Rasmussen, co-founder of Spacious Skies Campgrounds, shares. “There’s a special kind of joy in embracing the outdoors and in being active and playful. At Spacious Skies, we create spaces where adventure means getting your hands dirty and where every corner is a chance to engage with nature’s wonders. Our philosophy? ‘Take Your Indoors Outdoors.’ We encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zones, to exchange screens for nature scenes, and to embrace the outdoors, especially as the seasons change. It’s not about retreating indoors as winter approaches, but about celebrating each moment under the open sky.”
Holiday Origins
National Take a Hike Day was established to encourage people to explore the numerous trails and natural beauty across the United States. This day not only promotes physical wellness through hiking but also highlights the importance of preserving and enjoying our natural parks and trails. The day has gained momentum over the years as more people discover the joys of hiking and the mental and physical benefits it offers. Similarly, National Camp Day, celebrated just two days later, was created to inspire people to embrace the full camping experience. From pitching tents under the starry sky to gathering around a campfire, this day emphasizes reconnecting with nature and stepping away from the hustle of modern life. Both days reflect a growing national appreciation for outdoor recreation and a collective effort to celebrate and protect our natural surroundings. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and indoor activities, National Take a Hike Day and National Camp Day serve as important reminders of the joys and benefits of stepping outside and immersing ourselves in the great outdoors.
Experiencing the Beauty of Nature with Spacious Skies Campgrounds
At each of the 15 campgrounds within the Spacious Skies collection, there’s a unique opportunity to connect with the outdoors. Whether it’s through hiking trails, fishing, sports courts, or playgrounds, each campground is thoughtfully designed to offer a variety of outdoor recreational adventures. What’s more, they are located near parks and attractions that allow campers to explore each destination in different ways.
While many might associate camping and hiking with summer, nine of the Spacious Skies campgrounds remain open during the winter, offering a different, yet equally enchanting, outdoor experience. Here are a few highlights for those looking to get outdoors at Spacious Skies campgrounds this winter:
- Spacious Skies French Pond, Henniker, N.H. : This location is a winter wonderland. Close to the beloved Mt. Sunapee Ski Resort, this area has been a favorite for skiers for over 75 years. With expert runs and family-friendly slopes, it offers something for everyone. The campground itself features year-round RV sites and, during milder seasons, offers glamping options including retro RV rentals and a secluded one-bedroom cottage. Lizz Van Saun, of Kast Hill Studio, installed a beautiful mosaic mural on-site that captures an starry nighttime outdoor scene, complete with a campfire with marshmallows ready for roasting, an owl perched on a branch and a large luna moth that campers can pose with.
- Spacious Skies Country Oaks, Dorothy, N.J. : Break out your binoculars and head to this wooded oasis in the southern New Jersey countryside an hour from Philadelphia and less than 40 minutes from the famed boardwalk of Atlantic City. The campground is close to wildlife management areas and hiking trails and near rivers and lakes in a region that is acclaimed for its birdwatching opportunities.
- Spacious Skies Belle Ridge, Monterey, Tenn. : For those seeking a more rugged adventure, Spacious Skies Belle Ridge is the place to be. With on-site trails leading to backcountry waterfalls, overlooks, caves, and a catch-and-release fishing pond, it’s a natural explorer’s paradise. Plus, the nearby Cummins Falls State Park, home to a 75-foot-high waterfall, offers a scenic winter adventure.
- Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views, Luray, Va. : Nestled amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains and close to Shenandoah National Park, this location is a hiker’s dream. The Bearfence Mountain Trail, for instance, is a short but challenging hike offering some of the park’s best views.
- Spacious Skies Hidden Creek, Marion, N.C. : Near the “Grand Canyon of North Carolina”, the Linville Gorge, Spacious Skies Hidden Creek offers breathtaking views and challenging hikes. The newly enhanced campground features RV sites as well as deluxe cabins for a comfortable winter stay.
- Spacious Skies Sandy Run, Fayetteville, N.C. : This scenic campground is near J.Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center, perfect for nature lovers. The campground features a colorful mural by Carolina artist Christine Crawford, capturing the essence of outdoor adventure and featuring North Carolina cardinals.
- Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks, Savannah, Ga. : Located close to the Okefenokee Swamp Park, this campground offers boat tours, hiking trails, and wildlife encounters. The campground is just a step away from the Ogeechee River, adding to its natural charm.
- Spacious Skies Peach Haven, Gaffney, S.C. : In the heart of South Carolina’s Upstate, this campground offers hiking trails and is close to the Hollywild Animal Preserve, a sanctuary for nearly 300 animals in a natural setting. This campground also features one of Spacious Skies’ murals, completed by local artist Nicole Myers, highlighting a whimsical peach tree that calls to mind the nearby beloved Gaffney Peachoid water tower, the South Carolina state butterfly and state bird, which is the Carolina Wren.
- Spacious Skies Bear Den, Spruce Pine, N.C. : Adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest, this campground is a nature enthusiast’s dream. With hiking trails, a lake, and a waterfall on-site, it’s an ideal location for outdoor adventures.
Embracing Nature’s Playground
As we approach National Hiking Day and National Camp Day, it’s the perfect time to plan a visit to a Spacious Skies campground. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, these campgrounds offer an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature.
Remember, outdoor adventures await, and what better way to celebrate these special days than by ‘Taking Your Indoors Outdoors’ at Spacious Skies Campgrounds.