Camping Has Become Cool!

I read a CNN article today about camping with lots of info and resources.

Pitch a Tent, it's cheap!

"Camping has become cool," says Christine Fanning, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation, a not-for-profit organization charged with encouraging young people to get outdoors. She notes that reservations for campsites and sales for camping gear are up.

And many appear to be first-time campers. "We've had the highest growth of first-time campers in 18 years," reports Jim Rogers, CEO of the 450-plus KOA Campgrounds, the world's largest system of family campgrounds.

If sleeping on the ground isn't your thing, try a pop-up camper. According to Kevin Broom of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, rentals start at just $35 a day. Visit Go RVing to find a dealer near you.

The National Park Service, offers plenty of campground activities, has announced three free-entrance weekends (June 20 to 21, July 16 to 19 and August 15 to 16).

Another plus: It's easy to bring along your dog or cat. At some places, including Yosemite and private campgrounds, you can rent a platform tent or rustic cabin so that you don't have to pitch your own.