You don’t have to spend lavishly to enjoy a great summer vacation. One of the best ways to take it outdoors, while still enjoying some money in your pocketbook, is with camping. When you camp, you can spend days outdoors, cooking on a small burner, hiking through nature and enjoying time together without spending a fortune.

Of course, there are start-up costs to camping, as there are to any activity. Once those are taken care of, the rest is just a matter of planning and enjoying. The start-up costs for camping include: tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses (if you want them), cooking burners, a few skillets and other cook supplies. Once you have these items, you’ll be ready for the great outdoors.

Here is a quick list of some of the best beaches and camping locations around America. Certainly, there are many, many more recommendations like these.
1. Kalalau Beach, Na Poli Coast, HI
(808) 274-3444; hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/index

2. Horn Island, Gulf Islands National Seashore, MS
(228) 875-0823; nps.gov/guis
Continental Divide Trail,

3. Vasquez Peak Wilderness, CO
(970) 887-3331; fs.fed.us/r2/arnf

4. Brown Dog Campsite, Pine Mountain Ridge, GA
(706) 663-4858; pinemountaintrail.org

5. Sunol Regional Wilderness, CA
(510) 636-1684; ebparks.org

6. Little Bald Knob, Wild Oak Trail, VA
(540) 432-0187; fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/dryriver

7. San Gorgonio Mountain, CA
(909) 382-2881; sgwa.org

8. Grassy Ridge Bald, Roan Highlands, TN
(423) 772-0190; fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee

Camping trips can be a wonderful, affordable vacation. They can be a fun, educational experience for your entire family, or more romantic and relaxing if you plan to go with your significant other. Camping trips can include hiking, canoeing, fishing, swimming and more.

The first thing you have to think about when planning a camping trip is the location. Do you plan on just “roughing it” or would you prefer to have running water, bathroom facilities or even electrical hook ups? Any way you do it is fine, as long as you feel comfortable. If you’re more interested in the nature aspects, just grab a sleeping bag and pitch a tent wherever you’d like. If not, find out about camping parks and facilities in the area of interest and compare prices. Be sure to plan your trip based on the weather reports to avoid any discomfort.

Next, write a list of everything you want to take with you. Make sure to include a first aid kit, a map, lots of water, a flashlight, toilet paper and baby wipes, matches and a rope. Depending on your trip, you may also need equipment that will help you build and enjoy your tent such as a hammer, tarp, a sleeping bag, towels, a cooler and garbage bags. Another thing to keep in mind is insect repellent. Bug bites and stings can really ruin the mood, so look into sprays or creams that contain DEET, because they are the most effective.  Be sure to bring sunscreen, as you will undoubtedly be exposed to lots of sunlight. Bring a pot or grill to use at your campfire or a portable stove if a fire is impractical or forbidden at your campsite. Make sure to keep all leftover food contained, as scraps can attract unwanted or dangerous animals.

If you have done all this, you are ready to go camping! Choose a clean spot with a beautiful view and enjoy the natural world around you.