Camping Is Affordable Summer Vacation Option

One thing the current U.S. economy has done is to get many people again focused back on the basics.

When it comes to choosing an affordable vacation opportunity, many more people this year are looking to camping as their preferred choice for a summer vacation getaway. In Ohio, for example, Ohio State Parks reports its campground stays are up more than 20 percent over last year. And why not? Camping is a family-friendly activity that's not difficult to master for those who don't mind a few inconveniences.

Americans sadly, are not well versed on their recent American history. Part of this history goes back to the 1960s and 1970s when -- you guessed it -- people were suffering from a poor economy. Their preferred vacation option increasingly became summer camping trips as those were most affordable, especially for larger families. In fact, it then was about the only affordable type of vacation for a lot of American families.

Primitive tent camping was in style, but so too was the growing use of pop-up tent campers and travel trailers such as the Airstream. A whole generation of families, along with their children and their grandchildren discovered camping was wholesome and brought families together. One only has to remember some of their family photo slide shows with popcorn (of course) and the slew of guffaws, snickers and outright laughter when old camping photos were shared among family and friends.

Camping creates family memories and they last beyond a lifetime. They are priceless.

Yes, Ohio has a highly rated and much visited state park system. I grew up in Ohio State Parks. Michigan and Ontario also have excellent park systems as well and I grew up in those parks, too. In fact, my family so loved camping that we enjoyed it spring, summer, fall and winter. But again, many families now are coming back to discover the joys of summer camping.

It is summer and your regional park system is calling you. Ohio State Parks offers excellent camping and other recreational opportunities which can be found online at www.ohiodnr.com
And what's more, unlike my camping days of yesteryear, Ohio's state park reservation system today allows you to scout out and select preferred camping sites well ahead of your planned visit.
Camping is affordable and in this modern age of video games, Twitter and mobile communications devices -- camping is back in style.

Take a kid camping. Take a family camping. Invite co-workers, fellow church members, neighbors and others to enjoy a camping experience. For one year -- do something different and do it now this summer. Ohio State Parks does not sell hiking boots, portable grills or tents, but it does sell the camping experience and it's affordable and enjoyable. Summer camping trips -- among the most precious memories to enjoy with your family and friends for generations to come.