Thanks to our careful preparation leading up to the trip and our successful setup of the campsite on Day 1, the whole family awoke in the canvas tent, well-rested and excited about the day ahead. Day 2 was our first full day at camp, leaving us plenty of time to explore what Shenandoah National Park has to offer. This day was all about getting acquainted with the park, checking off some classic camping activities like hiking, and bonding with each other back at camp. So, without further ado, read on to discover everything we did on our 2nd day of our family camping trip, and get ideas and insights for your next group adventure!
Just joining us? Head back to Day 1 “Arriving at Camp – Turning the Campsite Into a Family Base“ to see how it all began.
A Morning Exploring the Trails
The beginning of our day started slowly as everyone was still getting comfortable with our new temporary home outdoors. Hot coffee was poured, juice boxes shared, and overnight oats gobbled up. While the kids sat politely at the picnic table with Grandma, the rest of us enjoyed the early morning breeze, sitting comfortably in our camping chairs on the tent porch, where we discussed the game plan for the day ahead. We decided that the best introduction to the park would be a stroll through some nearby hiking trails!
Dark Hollow Falls trail was ultimately our first pick, thanks to its convenient proximity to our campground, Big Meadows. At 0.6 miles long, it was the perfect length for my niece and nephew. Plus, the trail takes you directly to a waterfall, which is well worth the hike if you ask me! Unfortunately, like many national park trails, Dark Hollow Falls is not dog-friendly, so Grandma extended her morning back at camp to keep Luke, my brother’s Labrador, company.
To make the hike a bit more exciting for the kids, we brought along a scavenger hunt activity book. This provided a natural way to interact with the outdoors by tasking them to find several different items throughout the trail. Along with the activity book, we carried a toy magnifying glass and some cheap binoculars to make spotting things in the woods a bit easier, and a whole lot more fun. While we mostly encouraged looking but not touching, we let each kiddo pick 2 safe items to bring back to camp for decorating the wall tent! My niece went with a pinecone and a large oak leaf, while my nephew was excited about the sizable hiking stick he spotted.
Aside from all the fun we had nature-spotting, hiking was the perfect opportunity for us to teach the kids simple outdoor skills, like reading the signs along the trail to ensure you’re headed in the right direction. Since the trail was quite short, and we had just eaten breakfast, we decided to leave snacks at home. If your hike is hours after a meal or any longer than ours, however, it’s probably a smart idea to pack goodies like apple sauce packets or granola bars to keep your crew fueled.
Enjoying a Family Afternoon at White Oak Canyon
Following the hike, we met back up with Grandma and Luke at the campsite to prepare for the afternoon. The idea was to drive towards White Oak Canyon to enjoy a relaxing lunchtime picnic by the water and swim. Food that was easy to take on the go was our priority, so we packed PB&J sandwiches, bagged chips, and sliced fruit. We anticipated staying out for a significant portion of the day, so we made sure to bring along plenty of water and snacks, which included trail mix and energy bars, to keep everyone satiated. Not only were we exhausting a lot of energy through activities, but the kids are still small and have a tendency to tire quicker than the adults.
A picnic blanket was also a must, as well as bug spray, sunscreen, and our swimsuits. If you’re looking to cut down on your packing list, utilize gear with multiple uses! For example, we had a poly tarp set over our firewood stack to keep it dry, but it also made a perfect picnic blanket for our afternoon by the water.
Once we arrived, we made our way down to Lower White Oak Falls, where our crew found a shady spot to set up the picnic and create a solid home base for the afternoon. If you’re picnicking in an area with lots of space, it would be the perfect time to pitch a sunshade tarp to stay cool and protected from the sun throughout the day. While our campground was absolutely stunning, the roaring waterfalls created a scenic backdrop that was hard to beat! After our leisurely lunch and a little bit of digesting, the kids were eager to take a dip. We spent the majority of the afternoon swimming, skipping rocks, and enjoying the change of scenery White Oak Canyon offered. As the kids slowly tired out and the afternoon turned to early evening, we made our way back to the campsite.
Winding Down and Reflecting on Day 2
Back at camp, my brother got started on dinner while my partner and I got the wood-burning stove lit to create some cozy ambience in the camping tent. The evening consisted of yummy food, conversations reminiscing on the fruitful day we’d had, and a few board games to pass the time. Not only was our shelter equipped with cozy tent accessories and decor, but it also had plenty of space to play games and even get a little competitive. Between the vibe we’d curated and the tent’s practical features, it was truly the ideal place to hang out once the sun set. As the evening wore on and the stove fire dwindled, we let the kids use the log carrier to fetch more firewood. It was a fun mini adventure for them, and admittedly convenient for us adults who were already too comfortable for our own good.
Between hiking Dark Hollow Falls and spending the afternoon at White Oak Canyon, we were satisfied with the introduction we’d made to the park. Needless to say, our 2nd day was packed full of adventure, exploration, and great memories – but our trip was just getting started! Stay tuned for the next part in this 5-day family camping series to see what our crew got up to on Day 3. Whether you need ideas for family camping activities or you’re looking for tips and tricks for a seamless experience outdoors, you won’t want to miss it!
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