At Fort Camping, we’re lucky to welcome so many families who make us part of their summer traditions, but few have a story as touching as Sally H.’s. A long-time loyal guest, Sally and her husband have been camping with us for years, and their story is a beautiful reminder of what family camping is all about.
Camper Spotlight: Featuring Sally H. (All photos courtesy of her personal collection)
Love, Life, and a Big Family
Sally met her husband in the most unexpected of ways—through mutual friends while taking a leap of faith to start a new chapter in her life.
“I was a single full-time parent of a 4 and 2-year-old in a small town,” she recalls. “I knew I wouldn’t get ahead doing part-time jobs, so I reached out to my best friend in the city and asked if I could crash at her place while I found a job and went to nursing school.”
What she didn’t expect? That her best friend’s neighbour—a single dad of three young kids—would become her partner for life.
“That first night, he popped over to meet me… it was love at first sight! At the age of 25 and 22, we became the full-time parents of five children under five.”
Camping is Our Way of Life
With five young kids and limited vacation funds, Sally and her husband turned to camping as their family’s go-to adventure.
“We would load up the car with a tent, cooler, and sleeping bags—not much else—and go camping every weekend in the summer. We had both grown up camping and loved that the other did too.”
Their children learned early how to chop wood, build a fire, and pitch a tent. Camping wasn’t just a trip—it was teamwork, family time, and fun rolled into one.
“Everyone has a part. No one camps with us and just sits around. After a few years, friends gifted us their old tent trailer. We were thrilled!”
After moving from Saskatchewan to beautiful British Columbia 35 years ago, their love for camping only deepened as they explored countless BC campgrounds.
Why Fort Camping Became Their Home
Eventually, Sally and her husband sought something more local and consistent—something family-friendly, peaceful, and easily accessible. That’s when they discovered Fort Camping.
“Our favourite thing about Fort Camping is honestly a few things,” she says. “It’s close to home, we love Fort Langley, and when our kids started taking their kids camping, it was perfect. Some could drive back and forth if they had work, and others could stay and help out.”
Now, generations later, Sally’s grandchildren are bringing their own young families to Fort Camping.
“Themed weekends, fun activities, friendly staff—it’s a tradition every year. Plus, having security on site is a huge bonus. We’ve stayed at places that were more party zones, but Fort Camping is clean, calm, and family-oriented. We love that.”
Advice for New Campers: Keep It Simple
When asked what advice she’d give to families or couples new to camping, Sally shared wisdom from years of lived experience:
“Let go of structure. Let the kids have fun. Be kind to your campmates, say hello to your neighbours, and make a scavenger hunt to keep the little ones engaged.”
She also encourages campers to explore the local charm of Fort Langley:
“I never tire of wandering the village. I always find something new.”
And most importantly: don’t overpack.
“This isn’t the time to bring your whole kitchen. Camping is about storing memories, not matching dishes. Bring what you need, keep it simple, and enjoy the moment.”
With arthritis setting in lately, Sally and her husband have traded their tent for one of Fort Camping’s cozy cabins.
“When they brought in the cabins, we were in our glory. We book one every year now—it really makes camping accessible for everyone.”
It’s All About Family Camping at Fort Camping
Sally’s story is exactly what we cherish at Fort Camping: generations coming together, sharing laughter, making memories, and returning year after year. Whether you’re roughing it in a tent, relaxing in a cabin, or somewhere in between—there’s a place for everyone here.
We’re proud to be a part of your family traditions, and we can’t wait to welcome you back.
Thinking about starting your own camping tradition?
Book your stay today and experience what makes Fort Camping one of BC’s most loved family campgrounds.
