June 15, 2012 • What’s A Family To Do? • Page 8
Camping offers an affordable vacation BY JENNIFER BUMGARNER jbumgarner@sdnccg.com Many families are looking for alternative “stay-cations” this year, and there are a lot of camping spots for people to get away from it all without spending a fortune. A popular local spot is Lake Loramie State Park, located between Minster and Fort Loramie in Shelby County. The park features 115 electric sites, 45 electric premium sites, 15 non-electric sites, showers, flush toilets and a dump station, boat tieups, three group camp areas available by reservation to organized groups and free WiFi access is available at the camp office to registered campers. For Betty Platfoot of Russia, camping is a way to bring the family together. “We used to camp with
our kids back in the 1980s, and it’s improved a lot since then,” said Platfoot. “We actually just got back into camping because of our grandkids. They love the outdoors.” Platfoot and her family camp at Lake Loramie State Park throughout the summer. She likes taking her grandchildren there during the week. “It’s quieter because there are a lot of older folks there” and “there aren’t as many vehicles driving around.” Platfoot also remarked that her family has always gone camping and that it’s a great way for the kids to have a good time and it is not very expensive. There is miniature golf and a playground area for kids. There also are fishing, boating and swimming. “The grandkids went fishing before we came to the playground today and I don’t think I have a single working pole left,” said
OCM FILE PHOTO/DAVID FONG
Grand Lake St. Marys offers a number of camping opportunities, along with an opportunity to see sites such as this lighthouse in the greater St. Marys area. Platfoot with a chuckle. “But they enjoyed themselves and caught little fish.”
1 1/2 south of Waynesfield
The 1,655-acre lake allows unlimited horsepower boat motors and has six launch ramps and
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91 docks and tie-ups. Water skiing is prohibited and the entire lake is classified as “no wake” with the exception of the designated “speed zone” in the west end of the lake. There are canoe rentals available. There is also a 600-foot sandy beach with picnic areas and shelter houses. For people who want to get away but don’t have a camper, the park also features three cedar cabins and four rent-a-camp sites which consists of a tent, dining shelter, cookstove and other equipment which can be rented. For more information contact the park office at 937-295-2011.
While there is currently an advisory for high levels of algae toxins in the water, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park has camping available at a discounted price. Swimming and wading are not recommended for the very old, the very young or those with compromised immune systems. The park has 25 percent off camping, getaway rentals and shelter house fees and 50 percent off private and state dock fees. The discount will not be valid from June 30 to July 8. The park offers 176 electric sites, 28 non-electric sites, flush toilets, laundry, showers and a dump station. Pets are permitted except for the