What a fun filled trip to Camp Golden Valley, a Jellystone resort in Bostic, NC! If you have busy young kids like us, this is the spot for you!
We rented a "treetop cabin" and it was a nice ease into the camping experience. I grew up tent camping and this was definitely less primitive, but still extremely rustic. We explored every inch of the resort and these cabins have the best view in the park.
Inside, you really felt like you were in the middle of the mountains. There was a full bed, a twin trundle, and a twin pull out loveseat. I felt like our family of four was max capacity for the cabin and I would not rent it with a family of five. Maybe a very petite family of five, but not The Nielsons. You have a private bathroom suite (completely renovated and clean) a short walk away. This was definitely hard on me at 7 months pregnant as I am constantly needing to go, but it wasn't too inconvenient.
Downstairs from the cabin there was a porch where we spent the majority of our down time. Behind you in this pic is a sink, a two burner stove, a mini fridge, and a small picnic table.
We had campfire grilled nachos the first night and were in bed pretty early.
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The next morning K took the girls around in the golf cart that we rented. You MUST have a golf cart to get around this park...it's over 600 acres.
Then we went to rock painting up at the Arts and Crafts pavilion. They have a few activities scheduled each day which helps during the "dead zones" with young kids who have no chill.
Next up, the waterpark!!! This was definitely one of EB's most anticipated activities, and apparently every other person within a 15 mile radius because it. was. insanity. We did not last very long because the crowds were chaotic and it wasn't enjoyable for any of us. Luckily there was so much more to do that wasn't crowded, because every single person was at the waterpark.
So we headed over to the lake. We did paddle boating and then K did the zipline.
This was the one thing I wish I could have done if I weren't pregnant.
We had grilled hotdogs and chips back at the cabin, while a quick rain shower came through. It was the perfect time for family rest...or K and I trying to relax while our kids rolled around like 2 puppies with rabies.
Later we went to the gem mine, which was nostalgic for me because I always thought it was so fun as a kid. EB definitely loved it and we have spent lots of time talking about her discoveries and looking up different rocks and minerals. Little sister had no clue but was a VERY enthusiastic sifter.
Next up, putt putt!
Later on we went to the resort restaurant "Scout's Table" for dinner. We had initially planned to do lunch there and grill hotdogs at night, but the hours were strange and it didn't open until 2 pm. That is something to note: the hours for some of the shopping and activities were very bizarre so you definitely need to look into them ahead of time. Anyway, Scout's Table was really good! We sat on the back deck which had a huge lawn that overlooked the lake. It was perfect for the kids to run around while we waited on our food.
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The next morning we had bacon and eggs (and strong coffee) at the camp site.
It was beautiful weather and we went down to the 'fishing hole' to try our luck. Surprisingly, EB says the fishing was her favorite part of the trip. We didn't catch anything but I love that it was obviously special to her. Again, little sis was not really sure what was happening, but was happy to eat her snacks in the shade.
I think they called this the 'jumping pillow' and my kids LOVED it. We visited it twice and basically had it to ourselves.
We had lunch back at the cabin and then I took the girls down to Arts and Crafts for Candy Bar Bingo and glitter tattoos. EB won BINGO which was really fun for her.
Later, we decided to try the water park one more time in the hopes that it wouldn't be so crowded, and that was a good call. Now, it was still very crowded by my standards at 4 pm, but much more manageable and the girls had fun. I'm so glad we went back because it definitely redeemed the experience for EB.
We grabbed pizza to-go from the Pool Cafe and called it a day.
No camp out is complete without SMORES!
Mom and Dad:
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We really enjoyed this getaway and would love to return with the kids again. This is our second annual family vacation (last year was
Anna Maria Island) and it was definitely easier with MB being a year older. Still, vacationing with kids is HARD WORK; Do not let pretty pictures fool you. It's worth it, but there is no down time. Camp Golden Valley offered so many convenient activities and easy access to fun. We loved the memories made.
xLaura
