Inexpensive Weekend Getaways: Camping

Though it’s been cooler than normal where I live for this time of year, summer is creeping up and I’m itching to get away.  I’m on a budget and can’t afford to take off more than 3 or 4 days at a time, but there’s plenty for me to do in the beautiful state of California. Within driving distance of a few short hours, I can be at the ocean, desert, valley, or in the mountains. Not all states offer this amazing variety, but most states have at least one or two of these scenic options available.

What better way to enjoy the scenery than by camping. It’s an inexpensive get-away that can offer plenty of excitement and activity for 3 or 4 days. Camping doesn’t have to mean “roughing it,” a complaint I often hear from non-campers. In fact, my own camping style is more on the luxurious end. Here’s a basic list to get started:

• Tent: This is actually optional. The first couple of years I camped, I spent the night in my Element. The back seats fold all the way down to form a bed. As long as you have some kind of shelter from the elements, pretty much any cover will work. The tent pictured here is a Columbia Cougar Flats II which has been replaced by another, similar style, the Colombia Fall River.
• Sleeping bags: In California, the nights are quite a bit cooler than the days. Especially at higher elevations. A decent sleeping bag is a must.
• Stove/burner: Over the years our cooking gear has grown, but a basic burner will work for heating up beans and eggs. Many camp sites have grills, though they usually aren’t very clean. We purchased a basic two-burner stove a few years back that works for most of our meals.
• Ice chest: We’ve gotten into the habit of bringing two ice chests; one for food and the other for drinks (okay, beer!) Depending on the number of people you feed, you might need a larger one.
• Cookware/plastic trash bags/water: We have a few large Rubbermaid bins that hold all of our cookware, utensils, plastic bags, and bug repellent. We also take our own water; usually around 3-5 gallons. Many campgrounds in our area don’t have potable water sources.
• Optional – Air Bed: Yeah, you read that right. We bring along a queen-sized air mattress and blow it up using an air compressor. We don’t rough it.
• Optional – Generator: Again, we don’t rough it. At night, after sitting near the campfire, we enjoy watching a movie on our laptop. Since the battery only lasts about 1.5 hours, we use the generator to power the last 30 minutes.
• Optional – Heater: A couple of years ago while camping we got caught in a freak April snow storm. Man,were we glad we had a propane heater. Note: you’re not supposed to use it indoors due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• And if you really don’t want to rough-it  -camp in an RV: You can even rent an RV through CruiseAmerica.com if you don’t want to fork over tens of thousands of dollars.

Sitting under the stars (yes there are still stars up in the night sky; who knew!?) by the camp fire drinking a cold one is a great way to relax. During the day we often explore the area by foot, car or bike. This year our camping trip is scheduled for Sequoia National Park where there’s plenty to see and do. If you haven’t booked your camping trip for this summer yet, there’s still time. Here are a few tips to get a great spot:

• Use an online booking site like ReserveAmerica.com. You can view the campground and select a site based on location.
• Choose a lesser-known campground. One that is under developed, ie. vault toilets instead of flush, or one just outside a major national park will have more spots available on short notice.
• Wing it. There are still campgrounds that offer first-come, first-serve spots, even at popular national parks like Yosemite. However, you need to make a point to arrive early to actually get a spot and preferably before the weekend rush.

My 4-day, 3-night camping trip was $60 to book; a great deal in my opinion (camp site fees vary per site and state). Factor in gas and food and my excursion will come in under $350; an affordable get-away by any means.

Where do like to go to get-away? Is camping in your plans this summer?