Most families like to vacation in summer, and so do we. The main difference is that we rarely take a long trip in the summer. We take mini trips so we can see and do several things within a regular vacation budget. It helps a lot that my husband is a master at planning and finding deals. But with some time searching online and some savvy budgeting, you can enjoy a few mini tips to broaden your horizons.
One of the best ways to save money on a quick getaway is to opt for camping over hotels. There are various options to fit your budget, schedule, and desired experience. Campgrounds are often a fraction of the cost of hotels and offer amenities like showers, picnic tables, and fire pits. Many have hook-up sites for RVs if that’s your preferred camping style. You’ll save on food cost too when you’re cooking over the fire rather than sitting in restaurants for every meal.
The beach is a popular summer getaway. Did you know you can camp at the beach in many locations? You can catch incredible vistas while beach camping in Florida, Oregon, or California. If you live in those states, explore the beach camping options. Since we’re talking about budget-friendly trips, I’ll share some PA and Delaware locations for my local readers.
Places To Camp and Hike in PA and DE
Presque Isle State Park, located on Lake Erie, has 13 miles of beaches, plus hiking and biking trails. We haven’t stayed there, but I’ve been to the shores of Erie on a few occasions. It is lovely. You don’t always need an ocean to enjoy a beach.
Another excellent option (complete with ocean) is Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware. It has over one hundred camp sites that are mere steps from the beach. We didn’t camp there on our visit because we were staying with friends. However, the beach is delightful! It is broad with plenty of room for everyone. The sand is soft and easy to play in for the kids. We saw some dolphins offshore too! I’d be remiss to not mention that the bathhouse was modern and well kept. It was easy to rinse off the children after their fun in the surf and sand so we could head out without making a mess of the car.
We also explored one of the towers in the Fort Miles Historic Area. We climbed one that was further inland and had a great view of the surrounding area.
Hiking is another wonderful summer activity to add into your camping trip. Pennsylvania has a wealth of trails, and an annual park pass is a great investment if you plan to visit multiple times throughout the year even if you don’t camp there on each trip. Annual passes that grant access to all 121 state parks are just $37 for PA residents and $75 for non-residents.
Two fantastic locations for camping and hiking in PA are Ricketts Glen State Park and Ohiopyle State Park. At Ricketts Glen, you’ll find the famous Falls Trail which is 7 miles long and features 21 waterfalls. It’s absolutely gorgeous! It’s been years since we’ve been there, but it’s unforgettable.
Ohiopyle has over 80 miles of trails, plus whitewater rafting, fishing, and rock climbing. A particularly kid-friendly trail is the Laurel HIghlands Hiking Trail. The full trail is 70 miles long, but there are sections suited to little lets that the whole family can enjoy. One final suggestion is Gifford Pinchot State Park, where you’ll find over 18 miles of trails, plus beach swimming and fishing.
To wrap up, an inexpensive mini vacation is within reach if you opt for camping over hotels and take advantage of hiking trails in state parks. Pennsylvania is rich in options for camping and hiking, so go exploring this summer!