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…

A popular hiking and mountain biking trail in Oregon was damaged by ATV riders last month and the Forest Service is asking the public to help find the culprits. Four-wheel ATVs were ridden on the singletrack trail near Sisters causing severe damage and leaving muddy ruts about a mile into the woods. ATVs are allowed to ride on roads in National Forest areas but are prohibited from driving off road - the fine for doing so is up to $5,000 and six months in jail.

Often hikers and mountain bikers disagree about trail use but both groups can surely agree that ATVs do not belong on narrow hiking trails. If you see off-road vehicles damaging a hiking trail this summer be sure to report the culprits to the Forest Service - save the trails for everyone!

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a photo contest starting this week and the photographer with the best shot will receive a free 14-day stay at any Oregon state park campground. No word on whether they’ll also arrange for your boss to give you the time off to enjoy your prize

Two honorable mentions award winners will receive 2-year day passes good at any Oregon State Park - a much more valuable prize in my opinion. All you gotta do is get out and snap pics at any of Oregon’s amazing state parks and submit your (digital) photos before August 1, 2009. The submission process is completely automated - just hit the website and upload your pics.

Many of the best photographs from the Oregon contest will end up in promotional materials marketing the state’s parks. If you have a chance to get to an Oregon state park this summer, don’t forget your camera - you might just capture a winning shot!