This fellow hiking Camelback at dusk may have been in trouble.

In an article about increased mountain rescue calls at Phoenix-area hiking trails, hiking experts speculated the increase in rescues was due to an overall increase in foot traffic. Increased foot traffic, the thinking goes, is due to the fact that hiking is an inexpensive and accessible family activity (that is, until hikers get in over their heads). Unfortunately emergency responders are facing budget cuts at the same time calls for help are increasing.

All of this got me thinking that despite pitching camping as a budget-friendly family outing, we forgot to talk about hiking in the same light! Yep, hiking is even more inexpensive than camping - in fact it’s usually free - and it’s a great alternative to schlepping the kids to the amusement park or the mall. Hiking can be educational and it’s a fun way to get exercise. Springtime is one of the best times of year to get out and enjoy the great outdoors and fortunately most of us live within a short driving distance of parks and trails.

Hiking is also a great budget-friendly activity because it doesn’t require any special equipment other than a sturdy pair of shoes (I prefer running shoes myself). Taking the family on a hiking trip is pretty low commitment as well - you can make the trip as short or as long as you like. I often like to bring a picnic lunch along in a backpack when I go hiking - any excuse to spend more time outdoors

Research the best places to hike near you right here on Tripleblaze.com. You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have for free!

We’ve been saying it week after week: camping is an inexpensive way to enjoy a family vacation. Today we found two more ways to make camping even more affordable:

• The Polk County (Iowa) Recreation Department is selling camping coupon booklets with savings worth about 30% over regular rates. Seven day electric campsite coupon booklets sell for $100 (a $133 value) and non-electric campsite booklets are just $70 (a $28 saving). Coupons don’t have to be used on consecutive nights and they’re valid at all 4 county recreation areas and campgrounds. Now that’s a value!

• Last chance for free camping in Stanislaus National Forest in California! Five popular campgrounds in Sanislaus National Forest - located between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe - will begin charging fees for camping starting next year. In the meantime, get out and enjoy the great outdoors at Union, Utica, Pacific Valley, Lumsden and South Fork campgrounds without spending a dime.

No more excuses - get out and camp this summer!

I came across a ridiculous article recently titled “How to Camp on a Budget” (link withheld as a courtesy ) and it got me thinking: Isn’t camping already vacationing on a budget?

I suppose there are ways to make camping even more inexpensive to the point of it being nearly free. Here are some ideas:

• Borrow equipment or buy used. Many families own camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, a stove, etc.) but rarely get to use it more than a couple times a year. Ask around your neighborhood or church and you should be able to outfit your whole crew for a weekend trip. Also check garage sales or craigslist for used camping gear for sale if you feel uncomfortable borrowing.
• Stay close to home. Nearly every person in the US probably lives within 25 miles of a campground and with gas prices back to reasonable levels anyone can afford to get outdoors. Splurge a little and drive further to your closest National Park.
• Find a no frills campground. Sure some privately owned campgrounds have wi-fi and video arcades but you can often find FREE campgrounds in National Forest areas. Amenities are usually sparse but if you can find a campground with running water and a restroom that’s really all you need for a short trip. Otherwise, even the most expensive state and national parks rarely charge more than $20 a night for a family campsite.

Yep, I’m pretty sure if someone tried hard enough they could find a way to go on a weekend camping trip for zero dollars and zero cents. But why do it? Compared to the cost of a trip to Disney or the beach camping is cheap enough - even on a $0 budget.