How to Plan Cheap Camping Road Trips

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By cincin1
eHow Community Member

Article Rating: (6 Ratings)

Family vacation planning is a hassle when trying to stretch your budgets and maximize your vacation days. For an increasing number of families, that means taking short road trips and camping – visiting places close to home that will only time 1 or 2 tanks of gas. Driving and camping allows families to pick scenic destinations nearby, reducing fuel costs and hotel costs. A family of four can save up to 50% on a camping road trip, compared to other types of vacations, such as cruises or traveling by plane.

For those families planning to hit the road this year, here are a few common-sense planning tips for saving even more money while on a camping vacation:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Cost Saving Trip Preparations for your car:
• Cars that are well maintained reduce fuel consumption.
• Use the cruise control to conserve fuel by driving at a steady speed.
• Ensuring that tires are properly inflated.
• Reducing the use of your air conditioner.
Step 2

Cook instead of restaurants:
• Allow the children to participate in the preparations of all meals.
• Creative campfire cooking and recipes are fun for all.
Step 3

Save on Pet boarding cost – Bring the Pet along:
• Most campgrounds welcome our four-legged family members and even offer designated "dog walk" areas.
• Remember your pet’s safety – do not leave pets unattended inside hot vehicles.
Step 4

Save on Costly Entertainment:
• Go on day hikes -- Ask the experts to recommend day hikes in the local state parks that match your interests and fitness level.
• Bring along your fishing gear -- Many campgrounds have stocked fishing ponds or rivers available.
• Bring along your bikes -- there are many camp trails to explore or biking trails throughout state and national parks, including historical parks.