Yay - another camping trip! We had a really fun time on our local camping trip last fall - so let's try one a little bit farther out. Hanging Rock State Park is just 2 hours from Durham. We will go on May 7 and stay 2 nights - returning Sunday afternoon (those who prefer could plan to stay only 1 night). It's not too early to make your reservation and get planning for what is sure to be a fun trip! Hanging Rock State Park offers 12 trails with views of "sheer cliffs and peaks of bare rock, quiet forests and cascading waterfalls, views of the piedmont plateau that stretch for miles". There is a lake area where (I think for a fee) you can swim and lots of hiking options. Hanging Rock which the park is named for offers a truly spectacular view and experience after a roughly 1 mile hike. The park camping amenities include modern restrooms with showers, water spigots throughout the campsites (not one at each site), but no electric hookup. If you are interested in taking a day trip out of the park, the gates close at 9pm. This means you would also need to arrive Friday before 9pm! Meals will be on your own with the exception of a vegan potluck on Saturday for dinner. During the day Saturday and before we leave Sunday those who wish can get together for hiking or other activities (I think it will be too cold to swim, but who knows?). Feel free to bring games, stories or what have you and we can hang out around a campfire in the evenings. Kids, friendly and leashed dogs as well as discreet adult beverages are welcome on the trip. You are responsible for knowing and following the regulations of the park as listed on their website: http://www.ncparks.go... Please post in your RSVP which campsite you have booked - it would probably be more fun if we are close together - without non-veg meetup people camping in between us. Go to http://www.nc.reserve... to make a campsite reservation as soon as you can. I am at the lower loop campsite number 65. We will look at carpooling as the event gets closer! ~ Stephanie