Explore the great outdoors with camping
It may be tough to budget family fun in this economy. What is even tougher is finding a way to plan a vacation for the entire family when tight on funds. One solution to have a great time or a great family getaway is to have a camp-out with the kids.
A campout can be a great time for everyone. Those living in and around Philadelphia can also get in touch with nature a bit, “get away from it all” and “rough it” for a night or two outdoors.
There are a variety of ways to camp out. For younger children, you may want to start off with a simple overnight in the backyard. Testing the waters by sticking to your own grounds will allow you to gauge if the kids are ready for a more serious trek into the woods.
Enjoy the summer weather by sleeping under the stars in your own backyard. What can be a better way to get one-on-one time with your family members than a weekend away from the television, phones and computers?
If you find out at 2 a.m. that the kids really aren’t into it, at least you are steps away from the comfort of your own beds.
If you are ready to up the ante a bit, try a local campground. Countless state and national campgrounds are located just minutes from Philadelphia and its surrounding areas.
Campsites at state parks can vary from a tent space, an RV or camper site, or a cabin rental. Prices, depending on the amount of amenities, vary from as low as $4 per night for a tent site to $73 per night for a higher-end cabin. Weekly rates are also available for state park sites or cabins, making a fun family vacation even more affordable.
Camping trips can also include a variety of activities. Many local parks offer fishing, boating, beaches, pools, biking and hiking.
Don’t forget the fun things all camping trips just must include, like a campfire. And what would a campout be without s’mores? Grab some graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows, and roast up a great time.
Kick back and enjoy watching the stars or listening to the sounds of nature. Try some relaxing activities like bird watching or scouting out local wildlife.
Local state parks that allow camping (some in the form of “organized group tenting” for groups of eight or more and others with cabin rentals or tent sites) include Evansburg State Park, 851 May Hall Road, Collegeville, Pa. (610-409-1150); French Creek State Park, 843 Park Road, Elverson, Pa. (610-582-9680); Ridley Creek State Park, 1023 Sycamore Mills Road, Media, Pa. (610-892-3900); Nockamixon State Park, 1542 Mountain View Drive, Quakertown, Pa. (215-529-7300); and Wharton State Forest, 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, N.J. (609-561-0024)
No matter where you live in the Greater Philadelphia area, there is a spot near you.
For more information on Pennsylvania state parks, visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Web site at www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks or call toll-free at 888-PA-PARKS between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday for rates and reservations. For New Jersey parks that offer camping, visit www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/camping.html.
