Winter camping in Williamsburg, VA is so much fun.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but we finally did it. My family went camping in the WINTER! We have always been huge fans of camping but always stick to late spring, summer, and early fall camping.
On Friday, the fam and I headed to Thousand Trails to test winter camping in Williamsburg, Virginia.
When we first started camping, we did it the old-fashioned way. You know, with tents, sleeping bags, and the whole “sleep under the stars” vibe.
It wasn’t long before we started waking up in the night because we were hot, or the kids were getting eaten alive by the mosquitos they let join them in the tent. It got OLD!
We made many memories, but we were ready to make new memories and sleep soundly with an air conditioner and pest control!
Last year we bought a small pop-up travel trailer that was big enough to sleep in. It was an amazing purchase, even though it wasn’t much to look at.
We didn’t spend much time in it because we are a large family, so it was more like a portable tent that made sleeping more comfortable.
We didn’t use the stove or even the bathroom in it because it was just easier to stick with the routine we were used to.
This year when my husband purchased our new vehicles, we started looking at campers as well, and that’s when I saw her!
You see, I have always wanted to be able to camp year-round and never have to worry about the weather (we’ve canceled many camping trips because the weather was bad), and I knew this was my girl.
I knew when I saw her that she would not only be spacious enough to accommodate my large family but that she would allow us to get away from home no matter what the weather had in store.
We just got her two weeks ago, and we were seriously itching to get her out on the road, so that’s what we did this past weekend.
Winter Camping Williamsburg, Virginia:
We made our reservations at Thousand Trails in Williamsburg, Virginia, and planned to do a little sightseeing and stay warm!
You may be wondering why we would go camping in the winter if we don’t like the cold, so let me tell you.
There is something magical about getting my family out of the house and into the woods. Even if those woods are located near a major highway, and all we do is hang out inside the camper all weekend.
I love getting away from the house, I love traveling, and I love uninterrupted time with my family.
To be honest, we could have stayed inside and played games, watched tv, and just talked all weekend, and I would have been one happy camper, but we did end up doing more than that!
Friday:
When we got to the campground on Friday night, it was pretty late, so we got everything set up, watched a little TV, ate, and went to bed.
Saturday:
Saturday morning we cooked breakfast in our warm camper and played games with the kids. I could just hear the “emotional family movie music” playing in the background, and my heart felt so full. These are the days I live for. My children will carry these memories with them forever, and I pray they will pass them on to their children.
Saturday afternoon we decided to venture out to Colonial Williamsburg, which was only about ten miles from our campground.
We arrived pretty late so we decided to stick with the free walking tour since they would be closing soon. The kids complained at first (just look at Anna’s face), and I’ll admit it was FREEZING, but it was so much fun!
The kids changed their tune when they saw the pillory and stocks! After pretending to be captured fugitives, they were excited to experience everything history has to offer.
We are already planning our next trip, and I think our entire family may dress up to get the full experience!
After our cold fun in Colonial Williamsburg, we headed back so I could get some work done and watch the last big game for our team before the big basketball tournament started.
Sadly, we couldn’t find it using our antenna, and what would you know, our coaxial cable wasn’t long enough to get the cable on our camper TV (yes, we have a TV now!). Not to worry, though; we always have our hot spots!
I can’t imagine how upset everyone would have been had we missed that game, especially since we KICKED butt! The Walmart Family Mobile PLUS plan is a great way to maximize your refund this tax season to upgrade your plan at a value!
After the game, we watched a movie together (yay for FREE movies) and hit the hay.
Sunday:
Sunday was much warmer, so the kids enjoyed riding their bikes, playing on the playground and then we visited the outlets in Williamsburg to do a little shopping.
This past weekend was the first camping trip we have ever taken where we did very little “campin’ stuff”, but you know what? I’m okay with that because everyone had a great time, and that is what it’s all about.
When I asked everyone what their favorite thing about the new camper was, they all said the same thing… comfortable beds. My favorite thing is the bathroom!
I will not miss public bathhouses at all!
I look forward to the warmer months that will bring fishing, swimming, and sitting outside under the stars.
Until then, I’ll take the chill of winter camping, the warmth of our new camper, the fullness of uninterrupted family time, and the priceless moments I’m sharing with my family.
Until next time… walk where the cobblestone streets take you!
Stephanie
Tuesday 8th of March 2016
What an amazing family weekend. Your camper is gorgeous and I'm sure your kids will long remember such a great weekend! How great that your phone and plan help makes things even easier! #client
Stephanie
Tuesday 8th of March 2016
What an amazing family weekend. Your camper is gorgeous and I'm sure your kids will long remember such a great weekend! How great that your phone and plan help makes things even easier! #client