We used to camp with kids and I feel your pain. We started out camping holidays as that made for a weekend with kids out of school. For me, sitting down in one place is just not gonna happen(for awhile I hope). I sat down and did some math, and my fees camping for the year didn't match or exceed what a permanent site would cost(including gas). What we like to do is take a Friday as a vacay day and some weekends a Monday also so we don't have the stress of rushing around. This may work well for you in the summer when kids are out of school. Remember also that you may not be able to make it every weekend as I'm sure there will be those 'honey do lists' to take care of:) And don't forget kid activities with school, scouts or whatever they may be involved in that will take away from your time to get to the campground every week.
Yeah...some of the sites closer to home are busier, it's much easier for a quick weekend trip, and I know some that travel 2 hrs. Sit down and decide how much you want/are able to do and work it from there.Make your reservations early and make a couple long weekends in there also.
