Camping Plans Impacted by Gas Price?
Will your camping plans change now that it costs over $400 to fill up your camper? I stumbled on this gas receipt this morning and was amazed at what gas cost not so long ago. As I am writing this, gas is now at $3.969 a gallon.
Don't scratch Camping off your list yet.
Here are some helpful tips and ideas:
1. First, a reality check. It may cost a lot more to drive to the campground now, but the same is true for flying, taking the train, yes even taking a boat. A family we know just came back from a round trip drive to Myrtle Beach (we live in Boston). I said, why drive when gas prices are so crazy? The answer: it still costs a lot less than flying when you got a family of 4.
2. Try a local state park. Great opportunity to try out a campground closer to you. Many state parks have upgraded their facilities, the latest thing in state parks is yurt camping. If you've never camped in a yurt before, take this opportunity.
3. Stay longer. The average family campground stay is 3 days. Campgrounds have special offers as incentives for longer stays. At the popular Point Sebago Lake campground, for instance, families who stay 4 days or more get a coupon book for free breakfast, half-price boat rentals, free putt-putt golf, all kinds of goodies like that. Stay a couple days extra this year to make the drive worthwhile.
4. Invite a family to come along. The reason most families don't take their kids camping is fear of the unknown. Invite a family to come with you this year and show them it's a piece of cake! How does this save gas? Car pool with them. Bring less stuff, bring more people.
5. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - late evening or early morning is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".
6. Keep the speed limit as you drive to your campground. Did you know that traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph? O, and you know to keep the windows rolled up right (save another 10% from wind drag). You'll get plenty of fresh air when you get to the campground.
7. Plan your camping meals well. The most common reason campers need to drive out searching for supplies is food-related. Check out our large camping recipes section, and if you have not, download our free 28-page camping recipe book by emailing us at camping_recipes@aweber.com
I hope those tips help you keep your family's camping tradition despite the high gas prices. If you must skip it this year, let the kids pitch their tent in the backyard. Don't forget to prepare some ghost stories.
campground camping gas prices local campgrounds state parks
Comments
Cynthia said:
Gas is definitely making a difference for us! We are keeping our 30 ft. camper parked for the summer and have purchased a large tent instead. We are going on a road trip from Georgia to Maine in the mini-van. Our biggest concern is that we plan on staying 3-4 weeks and will have to shop frequently for food since we'll only have an ice chest to keep our food cold. I hope the cost of ice doesn't climb!