Rich green leaves canopy sections of Geauga Park District’s Headwaters Park in Huntsburg and Claridon townships as the official start of summer nears.
Rich green leaves canopy sections of Geauga Park District’s Headwaters Park in Huntsburg and Claridon townships as the official start of summer nears.
The closing of another day on the long-awaited annual Miller’s family camping trip would have them gathered by the water’s edge under a blanket of stars and moon.
“The benefits of camping are spending quality time with family and unplugging from daily life,” Jennifer Miller said.
The Middlefield family, who has been camping in the park district for about six years, enjoy making memories close to home at their favorite campsite, which they put on reserve back in December of last year.
“We found out about site G at Headwaters around that time and fell in love with that site,” Jennifer said. “This spot fills fast. The site is on the waterfront. We are able to launch our kayaks from there, fish from there, watch the sunrise, there’s enough trees for the kids to hang their hammocks and sleep in. It is very spacious — the best.”
June is National Camping Month — a popular activity offered at four GPD parks that encourages families to bond with each other while having fun by reconnecting with nature.
“Camping at one of your local parks is a great way to experience everything Geauga Park District has to offer,” GPD Executive Director John Oros said. “We offer 33 sites in four parks. Experiences range from pack in your gear backpack sites, to our newest experience — a primitive camping cabin. We also have a variety of tent pads and lean-to sites.”
Headwaters has 10 tent sites, including one that is Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible and three lean-to sites; Big Creek Park in Chardon Township has two tent sites, two lean-to sites and one “tree house;” Chickagami Park in Parkman Township has seven tent sites, two lean-to sites and four group sites; and The West Woods in Newbury and Russell townships offers two tent sites.
GPD is replacing roofs on the Adirondack camping shelters called lean-tos and construction foreman Isaiah Shipman said they are using steel shingles that have the appearance of cedar shake.
“The steel shingles have three times longer warranty and look more rustic,” Shipman said. “We are working on Camp Chickagami’s lean-tos and we will then head to Headwaters Park mid-June.”
A lean-to is a rustic, three-sided log shelter, with no tent needed, built for the comfort of campers who may sleep inside on a raised wooden platform or bunk bed, many times near a fireplace.
Lean-tos were first built deep in the woods by original Adirondack guides and hunters back in the 1800s.
The primitive shelters have become so associated with the northern New York mountains that they are often called Adirondack lean-tos in other parts of the country.
The Miller family brought their five kids and daughter-in-law for the recent camping adventure in celebration of father Nick Miller’s birthday and reserved two lean-tos.
During their stay at Headwaters this time, they went hiking, kayaking and biking. Family and friends stopped by and Nick prepared build-your-own shish kabobs.
“This time to us is special because we’re able to stop from our busy lives and spend time together and un-connect and cherish one another,” Jennifer said. “It’s very special and perfect weather.”
She said GPD parks are wonderful and important to their family because they give them quality time to spend together and get outside to nature.
“GPD parks are truly beautiful and we are truly blessed for them to be practically in our backyard,” she said. “We hope others are able to go and experience the parks, explore the many adventures and opportunities they offer to all families.”
In addition, the Miller family is appreciative of all the hard work that goes into maintaining the parks and keeping them clean.
“Camping in one of your GPD parks is a great way to springboard into other park activities,” Oros said. “You can launch a canoe or kayak at Headwaters Park, take a hike in a majestic forest at Big Creek Park, sit around the campfire with family and friends at one of our group campsites at Chickagami, or enjoy the sights and sounds of nature both day and night at any of our campsites. No matter your weekend endeavor with family and friends, Geauga Park District campsites have a lot to offer.”
Campsite preview videos for all four locations can be found on GPD’s YouTube page. Geauga County resident campers and park guests are encouraged to visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org and check out all camping opportunities under ACTIVITIES link with a flyer containing complete camping information and rules.
