We went camping this past weekend.
My husband calls what we do "glamping" but that is clearly a discernment issue on his part that needs to be worked through. We have a camper. CAMP-er. That we also take a little flat grill, waffle iron and air conditioning is irrelevant.
We had fun. So much fun.
On the recommendation of a Facebook pal, we chose Twin Lakes Campground on Lake Hartwell. (SC) It was only about an hour and half from our house, so that added to it's appeal for a short weekend trip.
Side note: If you are a Clemson fan (and Lord knows half the state falls into this category because they are wise and discerning), then you'd like this campground even more. You can see the stadium from the lake. Supposedly, on game days, the campground is completely full of camping Clemson fans who just want to see their team and not have far to drive for their after game parties. Again, clearly wise people. They had a bye week on our weekend, which is probably why we were able to get a site during football season.
Anyway, if you are looking for peace and harmony, Twin Lakes could be for you. Our site was directly on the lake and, ya'll, there is just nothing like waking up to a crisp fall morning, sipping coffee and walking 25 steps to lakeside. The sites are super large, so unless the neighbors are fighting (more on this later), you sort of feel like you're in your own world. The sites are also wooded and laid out beautifully, which is typical of a Corp of Engineers campground.
We were at site 17 and I'd totally choose that site again. We were about 50 yards from the bathhouse and maybe that far from the playground, as well; not that our kids use the playground anymore (Praise Jesus!!), but still.
The only people I overheard, no matter how hard I tried, were the neighbors who were yelling one morning because she brought instant grits for the kids and no regular ones for him. I mean, is this girl Southern or nah? Nah. But, she did bring bacon, so he was totally chill about instant grits once bacon happened. I refrained from hollering over the super helpful advice that he could always pack his own crap next time because I am learning about being more thoughtful with my words.
Here's another big plus for me about Twin Lakes: Their roads are paved perfectly and the camper did not bounce around like it was on trampoline wheels. Barely a bump to be found in these bad boys. If you have a camper or an RV, you know this actually matters.
Next, bath houses. Even though we do have a shower in the camper, we don't use it. It's like Will Farrell in Elf in that thing. So, no. We use the sink for face washing and tooth brushing and that's it for us, therefore the bath houses matter to me. Not all of Twin Lakes bath houses are heated, so check out which ones are if you're there in the winter. It wasn't cold enough to matter when we went in October.
The shower stall, though. This was an issue. Only ONE of the stalls had handles for hot and cold water. We couldn't figure out how they worked or if they worked at all. The one with handles also had one of those little push buttons to keep the water going. I get the conservation thing, but it still irritated me. Not enough to never go back, but I didn't love it. This was my only gripe about this campground, though. That is, literally, it.
There's also Frank:
Frank came and sat with me every morning while my family slept in like they were on vacation or something. There were also other squirrels and critters but I didn't bond with them like I did Frank. I loved that they were used to human contact enough to visit, but not so used to it that they encroached. Frank understood camping etiquette. I understood I was on his turf, and he understood I had no intention of harming him. (I hope others do the same! Frank's a cool guy)
Twin Lakes is also pet friendly. Look at these guys faces when we took a walk without them. Sadness and Despair:
Last thing, Twin Lakes isn't one of those campground that's packed with constant activity. It's a haven of peace, which is exactly what I want when I camp. It's less than 8 miles from a Super Wal-Mart, but you'd never know it. It's quiet and peaceful and a beacon that says, "Sit down. Slow down. Take all the time you need." We played cards and ate S'mores and took walks and read books and watched movies together. (Yes, we take a TV. Stop being all judgy)
It was beautiful. There were a 1000 moments that looked like this one:
If you don't have a camper, who even cares? Grab a tent and an air mattress and go. Twin Lakes has fire pits and grills right there at each site! Most Corp of Engineer campgrounds have these, so you really just need a cooler and some ice. Get out and do it. You will not regret a moment of time spent under the stars, on a lake, with people that you dearly love.
Feeling peaceful, even on a Tuesday,
K
My husband calls what we do "glamping" but that is clearly a discernment issue on his part that needs to be worked through. We have a camper. CAMP-er. That we also take a little flat grill, waffle iron and air conditioning is irrelevant.
We had fun. So much fun.
 |
| Lake Hartwell. Our camper sat less than 15 yards from this sight and I started the day here and ended it in the exact same way. Just look at it. Seriously, look at that. |
On the recommendation of a Facebook pal, we chose Twin Lakes Campground on Lake Hartwell. (SC) It was only about an hour and half from our house, so that added to it's appeal for a short weekend trip.
Side note: If you are a Clemson fan (and Lord knows half the state falls into this category because they are wise and discerning), then you'd like this campground even more. You can see the stadium from the lake. Supposedly, on game days, the campground is completely full of camping Clemson fans who just want to see their team and not have far to drive for their after game parties. Again, clearly wise people. They had a bye week on our weekend, which is probably why we were able to get a site during football season.
Anyway, if you are looking for peace and harmony, Twin Lakes could be for you. Our site was directly on the lake and, ya'll, there is just nothing like waking up to a crisp fall morning, sipping coffee and walking 25 steps to lakeside. The sites are super large, so unless the neighbors are fighting (more on this later), you sort of feel like you're in your own world. The sites are also wooded and laid out beautifully, which is typical of a Corp of Engineers campground.
We were at site 17 and I'd totally choose that site again. We were about 50 yards from the bathhouse and maybe that far from the playground, as well; not that our kids use the playground anymore (Praise Jesus!!), but still.
The only people I overheard, no matter how hard I tried, were the neighbors who were yelling one morning because she brought instant grits for the kids and no regular ones for him. I mean, is this girl Southern or nah? Nah. But, she did bring bacon, so he was totally chill about instant grits once bacon happened. I refrained from hollering over the super helpful advice that he could always pack his own crap next time because I am learning about being more thoughtful with my words.
Here's another big plus for me about Twin Lakes: Their roads are paved perfectly and the camper did not bounce around like it was on trampoline wheels. Barely a bump to be found in these bad boys. If you have a camper or an RV, you know this actually matters.
Next, bath houses. Even though we do have a shower in the camper, we don't use it. It's like Will Farrell in Elf in that thing. So, no. We use the sink for face washing and tooth brushing and that's it for us, therefore the bath houses matter to me. Not all of Twin Lakes bath houses are heated, so check out which ones are if you're there in the winter. It wasn't cold enough to matter when we went in October.
The shower stall, though. This was an issue. Only ONE of the stalls had handles for hot and cold water. We couldn't figure out how they worked or if they worked at all. The one with handles also had one of those little push buttons to keep the water going. I get the conservation thing, but it still irritated me. Not enough to never go back, but I didn't love it. This was my only gripe about this campground, though. That is, literally, it.
There's also Frank:
 | ||||
| Frank, the Squirrel. |
Frank came and sat with me every morning while my family slept in like they were on vacation or something. There were also other squirrels and critters but I didn't bond with them like I did Frank. I loved that they were used to human contact enough to visit, but not so used to it that they encroached. Frank understood camping etiquette. I understood I was on his turf, and he understood I had no intention of harming him. (I hope others do the same! Frank's a cool guy)
Twin Lakes is also pet friendly. Look at these guys faces when we took a walk without them. Sadness and Despair:
 | ||
| Fonzi and Loki being appalled they couldn't go on every single walk. Ever. |
Last thing, Twin Lakes isn't one of those campground that's packed with constant activity. It's a haven of peace, which is exactly what I want when I camp. It's less than 8 miles from a Super Wal-Mart, but you'd never know it. It's quiet and peaceful and a beacon that says, "Sit down. Slow down. Take all the time you need." We played cards and ate S'mores and took walks and read books and watched movies together. (Yes, we take a TV. Stop being all judgy)
It was beautiful. There were a 1000 moments that looked like this one:
 |
| Sitting in a chair, reading a book and looked up. And there this was... |
If you don't have a camper, who even cares? Grab a tent and an air mattress and go. Twin Lakes has fire pits and grills right there at each site! Most Corp of Engineer campgrounds have these, so you really just need a cooler and some ice. Get out and do it. You will not regret a moment of time spent under the stars, on a lake, with people that you dearly love.
Feeling peaceful, even on a Tuesday,
K
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