Like the Oregon Country Fair, Zumwalt Campground is a wonderful place for children filled with new and exciting sights and sounds if you come properly prepared. If you camp with your kiddos at other times of the year then you’re more than halfway to having a great time. Rest assured that there are many families with children that camp at Zumwalt every year. The organizers of the event and the camper community go out of their way to make ZCG a safe and fun place for children. Nevertheless, there are a few things to keep in mind when bringing children.
safety
The biggest hazard is the lake, but it is no more dangerous than any other water body with public access. Small children with limited swimming skills should be closely monitored, and the buddy system observed at all times when swimming. Otherwise, Zumwalt is literally as safe as your back yard. There will be vehicles being driven, but speeds inside the park are kept achingly slow for the very reason of pedestrian traffic. At night the park can be disorienting, so keep little one’s close by.
nudity
People will be naked from time to time at ZCG, particularly down at the lake for skinny dipping. For more information on what to expect on this topic, check out the page on nudity guidelines for the camp. Nudity is a regular practice at ZCG and your child will take their queue on how to react based on your behavior. If this is something new for your kiddos, discuss it before you head down to the lake so they can process the new experience.
adult behavior
ZCG is an extension of the celebration of the Oregon Country Fair, and the party sometimes leads to what might be conventionally considered wonton behaviors, particularly as the night wears on. While the mood is almost always light and playful, the environment might not be right for all children and families. The best way to distance yourself from the most raucous denizens of the park is to camp on the west side of the road (see “Quiet Acres” on the map). This is the big field on the right side as you drove in and is on the opposite side from the lake. Adults tend to moderate their behavior in the presence of children, so if possible, camp next to other families if you can. However, this is no guarantee that your child will not see or experience something unusual. Be prepared to steer your child away from inappropriate situations and discuss what happened.
handling problems
If there is a problem with people camped nearby and you are comfortable, go over and discuss the issue in a kind and respectful manner. If you’re not comfortable, or if the issue is unresolved, go to registration. DO NOT endure a bad time in silence. ZCG should be safe and fun for everyone, especially our youngest campers.