WEST BRANCH STATE PARK--OHIO

This was just an overnight stop for us...Very nice camp store, ample space lots and man made lake stocked with many species of fish and boat launch .  Every summer they have a fishing tournament there.  I give it a would go back if the opportunity presents itself. http://www.westbranchstatepark.com/

DON'T BE A LOSER... STAY AT kooser state park in somerset PA

We actually stayed at this site twice on this trip , once on the way out to Michigan  and once on the way back to reduce travel time. Kooser State Park---http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/kooser/index.htm--- is very small but nice, ample space you aren't on top of other trailers. There are only 22 spaces but it is well kept , camp hosts were nice and accommodating as was the park ranger who go us wood when we arrived past check in time.  Their sister park is Laurel Hill State park--http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/laurelhill/index.htm- about 6 miles up the road.  This was a much larger camp facility however they only offer electric and no full hook ups...So we decided to stay at Kooser and take the  few minutes drive down to Laurel Hill which is huge!!  Lots of hiking and biking trails, boat ramps, fishing, nice and big.   KOOSER STATE PARK and LAUREL HILL STATE PARK are close to  the house Architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed Fallingwater  We decided not to go to the home being it was $25 per person to tour and most write ups said it was disappointing for the cost. If you are interested it's approx. 25 miles from the State Park ---http://www.fallingwater.org/82

Kooser State park also has year round cabin rental.  You can snowmobile and cross country ski.  The only downside to Kooser was the highway that runs next to the camp.  It's noisy in the evening if you want to hear just crickets and no highway noise this might not be the place for you.  We were pretty sure we heard coyote in the distance. 

CORGI NATION UNITES---CORGI PICNIC HIBERNIA PARK-- COATESVILLE, PA

Hibernia Park Coatesville, PA  Had a wonderful time at the Corgi Picnic which gathers corgi lovers from Canada down to Fla., who meet at this park in PA to just meet, enjoy food , fun and fellowship with other corgi fanciers.  Everybody brings a dish and the grill is lit.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, sides and don't forget the pup cakes with icing tops and milk bones for the fur babies.  This year was much more laid back.  People just seemed to want to eat and relax , not so much into the games.  The gathering has a purpose to raise money for
 Corgi Aid/ Corgi Nation which raises money to help out folks who may need an expensive operation or treatment for their beloved low rider and to help aid in adoption and rescue efforts.  There is a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction to help raise money for Corgi Aid.   Lucky Dog Treat Company -- owned and operated by Marlene Doyle of Willow Grove, PA was also there with a WONDERFUL  assortment of dog treats ( some for the feline friends as well) and gave 50% of her sales to CorgiAid.

It was a fun relaxing day.  My husband, Mike, was a first timer to the picnic and enjoyed himself and got a chuckle at how well behaved the corgis were with such a large gathering.  We also liked the portable pens the dogs had to rest in , they seemed relaxed and calm as they sat in their collapsible pens under the shade trees Collapsible portable dog pen --Amazon. 

We had a wonderful time may not go every year but will def. go again.  Really enjoyed the day and the dogs. 

ELK NECK STATE PARK , MD --ON THE LOVE IT LIST

 Our very first camping trip we wanted to not stray too far from home (NJ) so we decided on 1 1/2 hr. away trip to  ELK NECK STATE PARK NORTHEAST, MD.   I can't really explain why this is on my favorites  LOVE IT WOULD GO BACK LIST , but it is.  Very peaceful location, lots of hiking, scenic, light house, cliffs and beaches.  The town of Northeast is very quaint and has a main st. with shops and resturaunts. 
 WOODY'S CRAB HOUSE is my FAVORITE!     We liked Elk Neck so much that we went back in the fall, so twice in one season.  Pets are welcome and many State Run Facilities don't have water, campsite sewer or electric, This one has all three which put it up there on our list of do over's.  We haven't been brave enough yet to try dry camping or boon docking, as I've read it is called where you have no amenities and you either have to bring a generator or rough it.  Hoping to go back again this year before the season is over.  Happy Trails