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The smell of roasted marshmallows, stars dotting the clear night sky and the sound of a campfire crackling in the background are all things that conjure up fond memories of family camping trips for many people. Camping is a popular tradition for families in the states – approximately one-third of American households with children camp each year.
Not only is camping an inexpensive way to go on a “mini vacation” to get away from the daily grind, but it’s also a great way to get out of the house after being huddled around the wall radiator trying to stay warm for the past several months. With an abundance of gorgeous scenery right here in our own backyards and the weather getting warmer by the day, why not dust off the tent and sleeping bags and head out into the great outdoors for some American-style fun?
Surprisingly, there are many campgrounds near the KMC. Prices are reasonable, and many have Web sites (in English) that tell you everything you need to know before you arrive. Several of the campgrounds also feature modern amenities such as heated pools, laundromats, restaurants and sundries stores in case you forget something.
Prümtal campground is located near Bitburg in the German-Luxembourg National Park. About an hour and a half drive from Kaiserslautern on the banks of the Prüm River, Prümtal features a restaurant, a heated outdoor pool, several sports fields, a kids playground, and options for fishing, hiking and biking. Three horseback riding ranches are conveniently located nearby for equine enthusiasts. Pricing is based on the size of the tent pitch you choose, starting at €3.40 per night, as well as how many children and adults you have in your party, ranging from €3.70 to €6.30 per person per night, respectively. A discount is offered for multiple-night stays. Go to www.pruemtal.de/ and click on the British flag for the English version of the site to find more information.
Ferienpark Prümtal is a little farther from Kaiserslautern – about an hour and 45 minutes – and has bungalows holding four to eight people available for rent in addition to standard campsites. Nearby family-friendly activities include the Eifelpark Gondorf (www.eifelpark.de) and the Eifel Zoo (www.eifel-zoo.de, German only). A kids playground, tennis courts, miniature golf and volleyball courts are located on-site.
Guests can rent bikes during the summer months. Bunglows start at €53 per night for four people, €64 per night for six people and €84 per night for eight people. The all-inclusive price for a tent pitch for two people is €19.50 per night, and each additional person 5 and older is €3.50. Go to www.ferienpark-waxweiler.de/ and click on the British flag for the English version of the site to find more information.
Neudahner Weiher campground, located about an hour south of Kaiserslautern on Lake Neudahn, is another local campground. Two castles, the Neudahn Castle and the Altdahn Castle, are located nearby, with the Neudahn Castle being a 15-minute hike from the campground. A unique rock formation called The Devil’s Table is also located a short drive from Neudahner Weiher on the B-10.
The table-shaped formation was formed by erosion wearing away at soft layers of rock underneath a hard layer of sandstone on top. A tent pitch for up to six people is €7 for the pitch. For guests, the cost is €5 per day for children up to 14 and €7 per day for adults, and includes use of the shower facilities. Go to www.neudahner-weiher.de/ and click on the British flag for the English version of the site to find more information.
These are just a few of the many campgrounds in the area. The German Web site Camping in Deutschland (www.camping-in-deutschland.de/) lists several campgrounds throughout Germany. Click “Bundesland” and choose a state to see a list of links to campgrounds in that area. Not all of the linked sites will have an English version available though.
Happy camping!
