A tight budget does not mean you have to nix vacation plans.
Countless American families are opting to camp at state and national parks, not only because a camping excursion is cheaper than staying in a hotel, but also because these parks are esteemed for their natural beauty.
Colorado Rockies resident Kara Williams says, “The state and national parks we’ve camped in as a family, such as Rocky Mountain National Park and Steamboat Lake State Park, are not only beautiful locations (the scenery is outstanding), but we’ve also found the campsites and facilities very well-kept. Private campgrounds might have more amenities, such as big bath-houses, swimming pools, or game rooms, but national and state parks are appealing for their serenity and beauty.”
Williams, a freelance travel writer for TheVacationGals.com and TheSpaGals.com, started camping regularly nearly 15 years ago when she met her husband. She has camped in Moab, Utah, Lake Powell, located on the Arizona-Utah border, and throughout Colorado with her two children and husband.
“Before we were married, he took me camping to Moab, Utah, where we slept in a tent next to the Colorado River, under looming, majestic sandstone rock formations, with billions of twinkling stars in the desert, and I was hooked!” Williams says.
That beauty comes at a minimal price.
“Fees at national and state park campgrounds are usually cheaper than private campgrounds, since they don’t have as many bells and whistles,” Williams says.
National and state park campgrounds can cost anywhere from $5 to $20 per night, while private campgrounds can cost up to about $40 per night. These prices are a huge savings when compared to a night at a hotel.
According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the average room rate in 2009 was $97.85, (the 2010 rate is not available yet). For instance, camping at the Grand Canyon costs as little as $18 per night, nearly five times less than the $70 per night cost of a room at the Grand Canyon hotel.
However, the campground rate is not the only expense of a camping vacation. Campers will need camping materials like a tent, cooking gear, bedding, personal care items, and food.
Williams admits, “Yes, you can overspend on a camping vacation, namely in the meals department. I think it’s key to shop for groceries at home at your local grocery store, if you can, before shopping in a local grocery store at your destination, especially if you’re camping in a resort/touristy area. Failure to plan meals can also be disastrous on a budget.
You’ll end up grabbing expensive packaged foods, rather than prepping meals at home, freezing and then reheating at the campsite. Buy generic brand marshmallows and graham crackers. Your kids won’t know the difference in their gooey s’mores!”
In addition, you don’t have to purchase all of your camping gear. Check with family and friends to borrow their equipment, such as a camp stove, which could cost more than $100. A thrift store also might have the items you need. Cast iron cookware and plastic plates, cups and bowls are much cheaper at a thrift store than top-notch cooking utensils specifically designed for camping.
When camping at a national or state park, you don’t have to pay for entertainment. Enjoying nature, wild animals, and plant life is all free, as is most exploring of national and state parks. Public hiking and biking trails are usually free or low cost. You could also bring board games, cards, and other non-battery-powered games that the whole family enjoys.
Camping does not have to be a strictly summer vacation. Depending on the destination, it might be best to camp during cooler months. In the Utah area where Williams camps, the spring and fall months are ideal because summer desert temperatures get uncomfortably high. If you do camp during the spring or fall in a desert region, prepare by packing a warm sleeping bag because night temperatures can dip to 40 degrees.
No matter what time of year you choose to camp at a national or state park, plan well in advance to enjoy a low-cost trip with your family.