Comparing Areas B & C: Both have great lakefront sites really close to the water. The hiking trailhead is at the end of Area C, and I liked that. One thing about Area C is that it's down a dead end road with a loop at the end. For lakeside sites, you have to go to the end and turn around to be facing the right way to back in - on the forest side, you'd have to do the same to get out. The turnaround is do-able, but not overly large, so if someone in one of those end sites is parked a bit into the street, it could be a problem for people like me towing a car who can't backup. So check that part out - you should unhook your tow before entering the drive.

I had a nice conversation with the Park Superintendent, Bill Saunders, about the history of the park and the current plans to upgrade it. He's seen a lot in his 26 years in the parks service, and loves this park so much, he's been here 17 years. He says this park really has a special feel to it and he's seen how camping here has impacted families, some who have been coming here for over 30 years. He loves to watch dads teaching their kids to fish, and parents running behind their kids on bikes with training wheels. And grandma and grandpa going on nature walks with the grandkids. He said, "Quality of life - that's what it's all about - that's why I do this." He was one of the last holdouts to install TV sets in the cabins. Feedback he had gotten over the years from families is that not having that familiar distraction gently forces them to interact with each other. They actually sit and talk, and play silly games - these are the times treasured memories are made from - not sitting and flipping through channels.

Click here for current Rate info from Lake Catherine State Park website.