There’s been a lot of talk here and on other websites about the cost effectiveness of camping in a slow economy but the fact is that camping still requires gassing up the family truckster and hitting the road. In Eugene, OR, however, the local parks department has a better idea: open up city parks to campers!

For just 5 bucks per person, residents were allowed to pitch tents in Sladden Park this month and were provided meals, recreation, and entertainment. I imagine some urban campers didn’t even need to get in the car at all to go on this camping trip!

Activities organized by the parks department included tree climbing, African drumming, and even rafting on the Willamette River. The final city park camp out will take place this weekend, August 22 at Peterson Park Barn. Hopefully we’ll see this concept popping up elsewhere around the country in the next year or so…