I am not a fan of camping. At all. I will never forget registering for things when I was getting married and seeing my hubby point the gun at a tent and sleeping bag. I just looked at him and laughed hysterically. He has tried in vain to take me on a few camping trips which I tolerated with minimum bitching and moaning. And by minimal I mean I kept it to 2-3 complaints a minute.
Still, I do love a little bit of nature here and there. And think it is essential for the kids to get good time outdoors. One of the best ways to get a little outdoor time is in a US National Park. They are in some of the most beautiful settings and are usually pretty affordable destinations. But how ’bout a free destination. Because for a few weekends this summer a whole boatload of national parks are waving their fees. July 18-19 and August 15-16 are the dates to put on the calendar and the list of parks participating can be found here.
There are parks all across the country participating including some biggies like Grand Canyon National Park. And many of them are running other specials in conjunction with free park day including deals on concession. You can see if your park is offering anything here. Now if you are a crazy person and choose to camp or something, you probably have to pay for that, but if you just want to enjoy the great outdoors minus the uncomfortable sleeping on the ground thing, you can do that for free.
For more frugal tips, head over to Life As Mom.
Brooke
says:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is always free (part of the requirement that the person who donated the land made).
I’ve got some pictures on my blog today of Bears & deer we saw last weekend on our visit.
[Reply]
July 10th, 2009 at 8:15 am
mandi
says:
Oh I am so with you … I hear “camping” and I think bugs, uncomfortable sleeping, stickiness … the list goes on & on. Not a fan!! As I was reading this, I kept reading faster b/c I was so afraid you were getting ready to say you were actually going … I was going to be super impressed pregnant & all!!
mandi´s last blog ..Have you laughed today?
[Reply]
July 10th, 2009 at 9:52 am
anne
Twitter: sweetanne
says:
With you there. For me, camping involves a cabin. With running water and stoves and wifi.
anne´s last blog ..
[Reply]
July 10th, 2009 at 9:54 am
jean
says:
ooooo!! Thanks for this link! Think we’ll be doing some camping those weekends! maybe even venture into the backwoods where you have to dig your own bathroom hole. Just turned you off even more didn’t I?
jean´s last blog ..house hunting
[Reply]
July 10th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Jean Stockdale
says:
Camping is a great way to bond with family and make great memories but with little cash outlay. Also gets you away from telephone, tv, computer, etc. and allows you to “talk”! Radical! Good post.
I faved you on Technorati. Please visit my blog and consider returning the favor!!
[Reply]
July 10th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Melissa
says:
Wow! This is really cool. Thanks for sharing this. We have one park right down the road from us, and this might give my husband some incentive even to travel a couple hours away for a tiny vacation.:)
Melissa´s last blog ..Friday Funnies- Eleisha Miller with an E
[Reply]
July 10th, 2009 at 6:52 pm