Wheels or Walking: Getting Around the Campground
Exploring a beautiful wooded campground—whether on foot or wheels—is a special part of the camping experience. Choosing the best way to get around depends on your needs and the campground’s layout. Here are some key questions and considerations to help you decide:
Key Questions to Ask:
Are the roads paved?
How big is the campground?
Are personal golf carts allowed?
Do you offer golf cart or bicycle rentals?
Are e-bikes or scooters permitted?
Knowing these answers in advance can help you plan accordingly and avoid any potential disappointment for you and your family.
Skateboards, Rollerblades, and Scooters
These options are great for staying active and cruising around—if the campground has paved roads. Gravel roads can make them difficult to use, even for scooters with rollerblade wheels. They’re compact and easy to pack, but our family rule is simple: paved roads, pack them; gravel roads, leave them behind.
Bicycles
Bikes are my go-to choice for campground transportation. They work on nearly any surface and allow kids to get around quickly. The main challenge is space—when traveling with a trailer, we wrap them in packing blankets and store them inside. If you’re staying in a cabin and don’t have a truck, bringing bikes might not be practical unless you have a bike rack.
Electric Bikes and Scooters
Always check the campground’s rules, as policies vary depending on insurance requirements. If permitted, be sure to bring helmets and follow usage guidelines. If not allowed, it's best to leave them at home.
Golf Carts
Renting a golf cart is a relaxing option and, for us, more of a luxury than a necessity. I love cruising with my morning coffee and taking in the campground scenery. Keep in mind that most campgrounds require drivers to be at least 21 years old, similar to car rentals (which often require drivers to be 25).
Whatever mode of transportation you choose, emphasize the campground’s speed limits and general road rules to your kids. A few reckless riders can make campground roads unsafe for everyone, so it's important to ensure everyone knows how to ride responsibly.
