Trevor Reichman
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Don't have time to go camping because you are always working? Maybe you can do both by combining camping with a business trip. Not only will it bring some extra excitement to the trip, but it can also save you lots of money. Furthermore, the relatively inexpensive fee goes towards restoration and preservation of the park. Investing in an annual state park pass, a good tent, sleeping bag, and other basic camping gear, can save you hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars over the course of a year compared to what you would pay for motels or hotels. On average, one night's stay in a well equipped state park is about $15, compared to anywhere between $45 and $100+ for a cheap motel. Not all cities or towns have state parks nearby, but many do. If not, there may be a privately owned camping spot instead. Many state and private parks now even offer wifi!, but check its status ahead of time if you are planning to get some work done. You won't get HBO, however, unless you bring your own RV and a satellite dish.
Checklist:
- State Park Pass : This pass, usually around $50 or $60 for the year, will allow unlimited entry into an extensive state park network. There is usually an overnight camping fee on top of that, somewhere between $10 and $20 per night for one person...slightly more for more people. If the trip is not in your state, it is usually only several extra dollars for a one time visit.
- A good tent: Don't get the $20 tent from Walmart. Get the $100 tent from REI, which comes with a lifetime warranty. Not bad considering one night in a decent hotel is $100 or more.
- A good sleeping bag and sleeping pad : Pay close attention to the weather! And remember, a restful and peaceful night sleep is more likely when you are comfortable.
What you get:
- A peaceful night?s sleep in a natural setting.
- Clean showers and restrooms, usually.
- The chance to meet new and exciting people
- Savings!
Most states have thorough websites such as this one which allow users to search for parks by region. Most cities and many small towns have parks close enough to treat them as hotels.
More about green travel:
Stay at Green Hotels When You're On the Go
Eco-Friendly Camping Trip
Take a Virtual Road Trip that could Help Save 2 Million Acres of American Wilderness
