Family fun is not only affordable, but can create wonderful memories when you all hit the road with your tent, camp cookout supplies, and a few lawn chairs for relaxing.
The stars at night can hardly be seen from a hotel room complete with blackout curtains. Camping in a tent has a very special feel to it as though you are very close to the outdoors and all the lovely sounds, sights, and smells that go with it. When you choose a tent camping vacation over a hotel stay you will see things that you could never experience in the protected and sterile environment of a hotel or motel.
If you think you might miss the swimming pool, the gym, or other hotel amenities you can try staying at one of the premium camping resorts. They have hot, clean showers, refreshing pools to swim in, and some even have hot tubs. You won’t be missing much, but you will have the experience of sleeping under the stars.
For a little more natural experience try the rough tent camping. Some family camping resorts have tent areas that may require a short walk so you are away from the RV’s and cars in the other camping spots. Rough camping is a campsite with an area to place your tent and a campfire ring. This is a good place to get a taste of the true outdoors free from the daily annoyances you may be happy to get away from.
Later, throw a line into the water and catch the family some dinner. There’s nothing quite like a freshly caught trout over a campfire. In the summer the kids will enjoy floating on tubes in the water all day. Sit in a hammock and catch up on your reading while the creek trickles nearby.
Need your laptop or cell phone along so you don’t miss those important calls from clients? Most of the resort campgrounds are very accommodating in this regard and even have high speed internet connections. If you have chosen to camp in an area that doesn’t have electrical you can always purchase small solar panels that are very flexible and can be carried with you to charge your electronics.
Backpacking is the epitome of wilderness outdoor camping. You’ll drive to a trail head and walk off into some of the most beautiful areas in the world. Those experiences are unique and require a minimum of equipment for a short overnight. You’ll need a shelter, a good pair of hiking shoes or boots for all in your party, and backpacks in which to carry your gear. Most areas suited for backpacking are either free or require a very inexpensive permit.
Family vacations are still possible if you choose to buy a tent and go camping. Anywhere you choose to camp you will find that your dollars go much further than the traditional hotel stay family trip. If you’ve never taken your family camping you are in for a treat. Some of the best memories can be found in watching your child catch his first fish or hike to the top of a mountain for a breathtaking view that can’t be found anywhere else. Getting away for a few days doesn’t have to be impossibly expensive. Buy a tent and head for the nearest state park.
Paul Castillo owns a blog about tents and the best tent reviews. He has written many tent reviews for various sizes, types and brands of tents such as the Eureka tents, Mutha Hubba tents, Nemo tents and Big Agnes tents.
Filed under Tents by on Sep 1st, 2010. Comment. 