Camping is a great way to make travel more affordable. Plus, there's that whole communing with nature thing. If staring at a roaring fire while night falls around you sounds like a good idea, read on to find out how best ato rrange a stay at a campground that suits your needs.



1. Pick a destination, then start looking for a listing of nearby campgrounds. State and national parks have great online resources to tell you all about their campgrounds. There's also a plethora of privately owned campgrounds out there, many of which have detailed websites.

2. Decide what's important to you. Are you traveling with your kids? You might be interested in a private campground that offers amenities like a swimming pool, game area and playground. Want a more romantic experience? Look for small, off-the-beaten-track locations that don't offer the aforementioned things.

3. Check into the types of sites offered. If you're arriving in an RV, you'd better make sure they have hook-ups for power. If you travel lightly with just a tent, you should make sure they have specially allotted sites for tents. It's not too comfortable to pitch a tent on a concrete slab.

4. Check pricing. If you have a budget to stay within, the price could be a determining factor. A night's stay can range anywhere from $8-$50, depending on location and demand.

5. Make a reservation. Is it a holiday weekend? Are there very few sites available that suit your needs? If you would rather not chance getting turned away, you can usually make reservations either through the park's website or by calling the campground directly. Conversely, you can walk in and choose the site that best strikes your fancy.