A family camping trip is a good investment

A family camping trip is a good investment


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SALT LAKE CITY -- For a good time and a nice change of scenery, pack up all the basics of life and set off down the highway.

All of the necessary gear for a short camping trip can fit in the back seat of the family automobile, while a little more creature comfort can be found in towing a travel trailer.

The opportunity to see and do new things is just one reason a family camping trip is worth the effort.

Each state has different possibilities, but across this nation there is a large system of publicly funded campgrounds and scenic byways just begging to be explored by families with children.

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Here are some reasons to get out and explore:

Camping is exciting: Animals and birds seen up close are far better than pictures.

Also, many forest service campgrounds have short trails to scenic overlooks or other interesting places. Discovering a new hiking trail or a new campground with the perfect view is the quest of the family camper.

Camping is educational: Many state and national parks offer exhibits and scheduled walks that are fun and entertaining for the younger campers, and not so young campers, in the group. Picking a scenic byway in a particular state and exploring it from end to end is a great way to learn about a region.

The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities. Following one of these routes from end to end is a great mini vacation through some of the most beautiful parts of the United States.

Camping is a great bonding experience: Camping allows individuals to spend quality time alone with the people they love in a relaxed atmosphere away from work or school. If they work it right, the only people around them for the whole journey are the people they brought with them.

What do you love about camping in Utah?
Do you have a favorite camping spot, a good way to keep kids entertained in the outdoors, a special trip from your childhood you'll always remember? Tell us about it on our comment boards.

Camping is a great way to practice things campers loved in another time: Starting a campfire, paddling a canoe, making tinfoil dinners or counting falling stars are great things to share with family and friends.Camping is a great excuse not to text, email or call anyone: Sometimes it seems impossible to live without constant communication. Going camping without gadgets proves the world will still be there in a few days, because a good signal just isn't available. Some of the devices that are present in one’s life each day create a tension that goes away when they are left at home or in the glove box for the weekend.

Camping is an affordable vacation: The average cost for camping fees in state or national park campgrounds ranges from $10 to $20 a night. For private campgrounds the cost varies from $20 to $50 per night, depending on the location and the amenities available. Just begin with the basics: a tent, a sleeping bag, matches, a cooler, and some food and utensils. If that seems too rough, rent or borrow an RV. The cost of renting a mid-size RV ranges from $120-$150 per night, not including fuel and mileage.

Camping makes you appreciate modern conveniences: Cooking meals and planning sleeping arrangements are obviously different when one is outdoors. With a little practice, though, great meals and comfortable accommodations are possible. There are great camping recipesavailable online.

Air mattresses and good sleeping bags can make tent camping very comfortable. The washing machine, dishwasher and hot shower will still be there upon returning home.

Camping is about the stories:The best payoff for a camping trip has to be in the memories created. Sometimes it's all about an incredible rainstorm, a burned meal or an essential item left behind. The stories and the memories from family camping trips live on for a long, long time.

Julia Parslow is an educator, working mom, gardener and knitter living and working in southern Utah.

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