Fall trees - Photo by chrisbastian44

Here are just a few reasons to get out there again

• Less traffic
• Fewer campers around you
• Lower campsite prices
• Some campgrounds are free in off season
• Lower fuel prices
• Changing seasons and colors
• Very few kids camping around you

Fall Camping and Colors - Photo by inottawa

It’s not easy to miss a fall football game but a weekend trip out is well worth it. Depending on where you go, you may be able to bring a radio or video device and get the game while sitting at a campfire! Just make sure to keep the volume low so other campers get their desired solitude. You could also combine it with getting some firewood for the home. Then you have a great trip that serves a purpose as well and you won’t feel guilty for living the good life.

The tourists have gone but beauty remains - Photo by J Gurbisz

Good dogs (but not on leashes) - Photo by ThreadedThoughts

If you are camping with your pet, please practice the following rules:

• Leave vicious or noisy dogs at home. If they disturb or threaten others, they will not be allowed in public recreation areas and you will be asked to leave.
• At all waking times, keep your dog on a leash no more than 6 feet long or it must be under physical restrictive control at all times (36CFR2261.14j). That’s the law you agree to when you enter the forest. Domestic animals are not allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they can disturb others.
• It is a good idea to keep you dogs and other pets inside a vehicle or a tent at night.
• Please consider others if you have pets with you.
• Do not leave your dog alone. It may whine or bark while you are away. I don’t know how many times I hear people say, “my dog is quiet as a mouse, he never makes a sound.” Yeah, until you are not around. Then he barks non-stop until he hears your car or sees you coming back.
• Please clean up after your pet it will only take a few minutes.

Of course this post was inspired by my recent camping trip through some National Forests campgrounds in southern Colorado. First, I get out to check how level my site is when a big dog comes running towards me growling. I had to jump back in the drivers seat. Everybody’s dog is great and so sweet…Yes to their owners. You never know about strangers.

This same camper was having a little party at her campsite so more people come with their dogs. Pretty soon they have illegally parked cars all over the place with several dogs running all over the campground. All of them run loose, shaking water all over us, scaring my daughter and messing up our dinner, while the owners sit and relax. I had to shout at the dogs to leave and go home. The owners never call them or pay attention.

Wandering dogs but not the ones I'm writing about here - Photo by David Hudson Floyd

I just had a little dog run loose into my campsite and make waste right by the fire pit. The owners were inside their RV with the little bear appetizer running all over the place. I was already backing up out of the campsite so I didn’t go put it on the steps of the owners trailer like I should have.

What do you think about dogs in National Forests? Do you go camping with your dog? Do you have problems with others and their dogs?

Does the economy have you down? Don’t worry you are not alone. Many folks are wondering how they are going to swing a fun get-away this summer for their family. If you haven’t yet discovered the joys of camping or even if you are a seasoned camper, this year is a great time to get outdoors for a vacation your whole family can enjoy. I was lucky enough to grow up in a household where camping was part of each summer and I have many fond memories of trips with my parents. My memories start out with camping in a tent, then eventually my parents bought a pop-up camper and even later in life moved on to a self-contained pull along camper. Things sure got more convenient and the sleeping arrangements certainly improved, so I thought my mother would be a great person to ask for tips to save money while camping. With more than 30 years of experience she came up with some of the following that might make your trip just a little easier and keep money in your wallet instead of the camp store.

Take your own wood

Now this might not be possible for everyone, but if you are camping relatively close to home and have the room having some of your own wood can save you big bucks versus paying for it at the campground. We normally traveled by truck and having some of the bigger pieces that keep a night fire going saved us considerable money.

Check your list twice when packing

If you have ever forgotten a necessary item and had to purchase it at the camp store you surely know how expensive it can be. Make sure when packing for your trip you consider all the things you might possibly need to cook, eat, bathe and protect yourself from elements such as the sun and insects. If you are camping at a campground that has public bathing houses you will need your own soap, shampoo, washcloths, towels and shower shoes. If you have kids and are going to have access to either a pool or lake make sure you have water shoes, swimming suits, sunscreen and safety gear for younger children.

Take advantage of travel memberships

When making reservations or arriving at a campground be sure to mention travel memberships such as AAA to see if you qualify for any discounts. Many campgrounds also offer memberships for seniors so if you or a traveling companion have AARP you may also be eligible for a discount.

Check your equipment before you head out on the road

Make sure you have everything you will need to set up camp whether traveling with a tent or camper. If you have propane tanks on your camper make sure they are full before leaving and also check to make sure all your lights are working. Check tires, chains and hoses to ensure your camper is safe for travel and everything is in working order for hook up upon arriving at the campground. There is nothing more frustrating and expensive than having to pay for costly repairs while on the road.

Be prepared to entertain yourself (this tip doesn’t save you money but is important nonetheless)

Sometimes mother nature can throw a wrench in the best plans. Be sure to pack something to entertain yourself if you find the weather is uncooperative for outdoor activities. This is especially true if you are traveling with children who can easily become miserable stuck inside a tent or camper for hours on end. If you are expecting to have access to electricity while camping do not assume it will be available all the time, so pack “traditional” things such as board games, playing cards or books in case the power goes out.

Clearly these are just a few tips for saving money while camping. Luckily camping is essentially a relatively cheap way to vacation in the first place but in an economy where every dollar counts it is important to save money where you can; making it easier to enjoy your vacation and the fun that comes with enjoying time with your family.

Trisha Wagner is a freelance writer for DepositAccounts.com where you can compare rates of deposit accounts from dozens of banks in one place. Trisha writes regularly on the topics of personal finance and saving accounts.