Thanks for all the suggestions. I ended up making reservations at Grayton Beach State Park in Floria. It got a very good write up in The Best of Tent Camping. Mike, The yahoo map estimate to drive to South Padre Is. was over 18 hours. Since I'm only going for a 4 day weekend, that was definitely a little far. Nedra

Bella, IMHO, either island will be a pleasant experience. As long as you're coming from a US state en route, you are blessed by our forefathers with the 2nd Amendment. A proper firearm in either your daypack, tent, or car lockbox will go a long way in ensuring good neighbors and happy camping. Our experiences in Oahu are not unlike those others on this thread, the homeless are suspiciously welcommed in Hawa'ii, but they seem to stay to themselves and not raise much of a racket (compared to our SoCal tweakers, got bless 'em!) but we sleep a lot better with the P4 between us!

I've heard Janes Island is very nice and have been wanting to go for years! Let us know what you end up with! Don't forget about the Shenandoah National Park area if that area is an option!

Lordamightee. I've been looking at these pictures for the last 15 minutes, and I still can't pick a favorite - thankfully, I don't have to. But, I will say, the picture of Makayla tucked into bed, is the sweetest. Btw, the spot you chose to set up camp, looks just like one of our little hideaways, up in Luddington. Wonderfully Zen-like. So, AB, will you be up for the challenge again, next year? Uh oh, I'm picking up distress signals from planet Annie. Sol