A Whimsical Weekend at the Campground

Upon embarking on our latest camping trip, the winding roads seemed to twist and turn with excitement, finally leading us to a fascinating campground. This place was a melting pot of permanent residents, weekend warriors, and those brave tenting souls. The terrain was speckled with sites, each uniquely nestled into the hills at varying elevations, presenting a topographical wonder to the wandering eye.

The spirit of Halloween was palpable in the air, with decorations abound. One particular setup that caught our eye — and sparked some spirited debates — was a BBQ smoker. This wasn’t just any smoker; it was transformed into a ghoulish spectacle with a fog machine and a baby doll roasting on the spit. A sight to behold, indeed!

We were tucked away on loop E, an ideal location near the back and conveniently across from the barn that seemed to be the epicenter of the Halloween celebrations. Though our trip was during the off-season and we missed out on some of the campground's recreational offerings like the pool, horseshoes, and mini-golf, one could easily picture the summer mirth these amenities would offer.

Our check-in was swift, and curiosity drove us to take a quick reconnaissance loop around the campground before we settled into our designated spot. Parking was a breeze; we easily backed into a grassy spot that bordered a gravel turnaround. We also noted the proximity of Loop E to a trail entrance, though sadly, it was closed for hikers due to hunting season.

The spirit of exploration was strong, so after settling down, we embarked on a walking tour of the vicinity. Preparing for the night ahead, we drove up to the camp store and were delighted to find not only pre-packaged wood bundles but also a DIY filling station. For just $12, we could stock up on firewood, measured between two planks. The convenience was undeniable, so we backed our truck right up to the woodshed, loading it to the brim.

That evening, the crackling fire mirrored our high spirits. However, nature had its own plans, and soon enough, the skies opened up. The rain, though a dampener, failed to quell the festivities. Saturday night was alive with bright lights and peppy music till 11 pm. While we refrained from joining due to the weather, our neighbors later shared tales of even wilder nights past.

Saturday’s daylight hours took us on a short drive to Berkeley Springs. Our journey looped us through Clifford, with the quest for a parking spot near Lighthouse Latte becoming an adventure of its own. After securing some much-needed coffee, we embarked towards the mountain overlook. En route, the majestic Berkeley Springs Castle loomed, offering a perfect photo-op. The ascent to the overlook was peppered with twists and turns, and although a foggy curtain obscured the view, fleeting glimpses of the Potomac River in the valley were a treat.

Our spirits, slightly dampened by the fog, were soon uplifted at the Berkeley Springs Brewing Company. The warmth inside, accentuated by an elk mount and mesmerizing lights wrapped around wild grapevines, provided solace from the chilly rain outside. Armed with local brews, our next obvious step was pizza. Mythical Pizza was our choice, where we indulged in their local myth-themed delicacies, like the Mothman a

nd Sasquatch pizzas.

Sunday arrived, signaling it was time to pack up. Although our site lacked a dump station, the campground staff were accommodating, allowing us to use an empty site's facilities on our way out. And just like that, our whimsical weekend concluded as we set course for Lazy A Campground, with memories to cherish and tales to recount.