GREATER WESTFIELD -After months of self-isolating due to the coronavirus pandemic, if the woodlands are now speaking to your soul, a local campground experience might be the perfect escape.
Gov. Charlie Baker recently allowed campground operators to reopen with workplace safety standards in place to address COVID-19 concerns, as well as ensuring all federal, state and local laws are being followed.
For many families – including Jess and Sean Allen and their sons Cody and Connor – they are eager to once again escape the daily routines and enjoy the outdoors. Their two dogs, Echo and August, also tag along.
“I work from home, so camping is my getaway,” said Jess Allen. “My husband and I started tent camping semi-regularly with our boys about six or seven years ago.”
Connor Allen and Kamdyn Bush made breakfast for their families during a camping trip last summer. (JESS ALLEN PHOTO)
Up until last year, the Allens had enjoyed tent camping and then bought a pop-up camper which they used twice before purchasing a travel trailer.
“The travel trailer is on a seasonal site which means it stays at the campground year-round and we get to go up as often as we like in season,” said Allen.
Allen noted that her family’s version of camping “isn’t just about enjoying the great outdoors.”
“Camping is about relaxation and memories,” she said. “We spend a lot of time playing cards on our deck and we love trying new s’mores recipes.”
Allen said her sons always enjoy a change of scenery, especially Connor.
“Connor makes friends and enjoys being outside and away from a screen,” said Allen. “He spends most of his time fishing and teaching others what he knows about fishing.”
For individuals, couples and families ready to explore the world around them and perhaps even try camping for the first time, there are several campgrounds in the immediate area ready to welcome guests.
“The great thing about camping right now is you can still socially distance yourself quite easily,” said Greg Hayes, manager of the Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park at 1349 Main Road, Granville. “Being outdoors is not only great for most people’s physical and mental health, but camping is also a great way to spend time with your family outside of the house and break away from any electronic dependency that tends to come along with being cooped up at home.”
Since the announcement that campgrounds could accept reservations again, Hayes said, “The phones haven’t stopped ringing and our email is being flooded with inquiries too. Everyone definitely seems eager to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors again.”
Hayes said what sets Prospect Mountain apart is its “natural character.”
“Our sites, and our park in general, are laid out with the trees and the landscape, giving each one it’s own feel,” he said. “We usually also host a variety of really fun themed weekend events for the whole family, but unfortunately those are on hold right now with the current restrictions.”
Hayes noted that the Prospect Mountain property has been a campground “since about 1970,” and has been the Prospect Mountain Campground since 2000.
Log cabin rental units flanking a fishing pond are available at the Prospect Mountain Campground in Granville. (PROSPECT MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND PHOTO)
“Our family has owned it since 2007,” said Hayes.
Janice LaFrance, owner of the Southwick Acres Campground at 256 College Highway, Southwick, also believes in the importance of family run campgrounds.
“I’ve been running campgrounds for 40 years,” said LaFrance, adding she too has been receiving phone calls for reservations. “Camping is huge and we have 50 acres of land so everyone is far apart from other campers.”
LaFrance said despite already losing the Memorial Day weekend campers due to state COVID-19 restrictions, she is feeling optimistic about the remainder of the camping season.
“I always have a good season,” she said, adding, “I am sure that I will this year too.”
The Southwick Acres Campground is located at 256 College Highway, Southwick. (JANICE LAFRANCE PHOTO)
James Ackerman, assistant manager of the Sodom Mountain Campground, 233 South Loomis St., Southwick, shared a similar sentiment.
“Our campground is family oriented,” said Ackerman, who oversees the operation with his father Jeffrey, and brother Jacub. “We try to go with more activities for kids, plus we have a playground and pool.”
At press time with the U.S.-Canada border closed to nonessential travel until at least June 21, Ackerman said reservations are down slightly.
“We tend to get a lot of people from Canada, especially from Ontario and Quebec,” said Ackerman, noting the campground’s proximity to Six Flags New England is a big seller for families traveling. “We are a family run business and we are doing everything we can to keep the campground safe for everyone and reducing contact with guests as much as possible due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
One of the many features at the Sodom Mountain Campground is its large pool. (SODOM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND PHOTO)
Ackerman said camp sites are large with a rural setting and campfires are always a popular amenity used by visitors.
The Sodom Mountain Campground offers a variety of family amenities – including an expansive playground. (SODOM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND PHOTO)
“We will be encouraging everyone to keep a little more distance from each other, especially around the campfires,” said Ackerman.
Another local family, Shauna and Seth Bush and their children, Kaden, Kayli and Kamdyn, are also eager to once again enjoy their pop-up camper.
“We always tent camped up until this past year when we purchased a pop-up camper last summer,” said Shauna Bush, noting their family excursions also include their two dogs, Willow and Jax.
“Our family enjoys being outdoors the most,” said Bush. “We enjoy taking a ‘time out’ camping. We are a very busy family who is usually juggling hectic work schedules and multiple sports games and practices so camping gives us the ‘time out’ we need to bond as a family.”
Bush said the smells of nature, campfires, and food cooking on the grill are always a highlight of their trips.
“We love to unplug from reality and just enjoy quality time as a family making wonderful memories that our children will remember for a lifetime,” said Bush. “We play board games together, travel the campgrounds on our bicycles, cook together, roast s’mores, and enjoy many laughs and stories over a campfire.”
Bush encourages other families to consider camping this summer to make their own “wonderful memories.”
“It’s a great opportunity to create family bonding and embark on adventures outside a normal routine,” said Bush. “Children learn many life lessons and will be sure to make new friends.”
Bush added that camping also encourages everyone to explore a new environment and spend time outdoors.
“Camping makes a great vacation that is budget friendly for a family and the memories made will be talked about for a lifetime,”she said.
Allen shared a similar sentiment.
“With the current lack of youth sports in our lives, we’re going to enjoy our home away from home as much as we can,” said Allen.
