Camping Resorts

For some outdoorsy families, simply having a tent, a firepit, and a piece of wilderness is heaven.

Others might agree with Garfield:

..."Don't get me wrong, camping isn't all that bad. Aside from the inconvenience, dampness, filth, second-rate food, insects, and cold nights-- it's kinda fun." *

Camping Resorts

Fortunately, family vacations can find budget-friendly holidays with a creature comforts and a nice level of amenities at "camping resorts."

Europeans have been flocking to deluxe campgrounds for years, with cottages, swimming pools, pizzerias, grocery stores, kids programs, and even spas: one glance at Eurocamp will show you what North Americans have been missing. Still, we do have some options.

Camping Resort: typical features

"Camping resorts" can range in style from rustic-opulent to rustic-for-real, but in general these are the features to look for:

• swimming pools and playgrounds
• activities such as canoeing, horse-riding, etc.
• kids programs in summer time
• canvas tents, equipped with cots and/or
• tent-bungalows with more amenities including cooking facilities and/or
• cabins and bungalows

Note: carefully explore online any places called "RV Resorts": this may mean places with minimal amenities where RV's are lined up cheek by jowl. Fortunately, most web sites have photos so you can get a preview of the place.

Find a Camping Resort

• Jellystone Park Camp Resorts - a Yogi-bear-themed chain with over 70 locations; cabins, waterslides, splash parks, minigolf, outdoor movies, theme weekends from Yogi Bear to(Death by Chocolate, and lots more (-varies at different spots)
• Check out the "camping resorts" section at the Woodall's site, which has suggestions by region
• KOA is a giant chain, and many places offer much more than a place to pitch your tent: with cabins, and kid-friendly features such as pools.
• the comprehensive Camping.about.com site has extensive Reviews, and many of the top-quality places are camping resorts.

And if all else fails: head to Google.com and search for "[state of your choice] camping resort", and see what turns up.

See also: Family Camps: like summer-camp for kids, but for the whole family; simple lodgings, low-budget, meals included, many outdoor activities

^{* Garfield's words of wisdom come from Life In The Rough, Buena Vista Records, United Feature Syndicate, 1985.}

- continue to money-saving strategy #4: Home Exchanges