Camping: Cheap Vacation Alternative

With the tail-end of winter hitting everyone, it may be difficult to see through the cold and into spring and summer when warmer weather will come. However, if you are one of those self-starters who plans ahead, you are probably already thinking about spring and summer vacations.

The only problem? You have little cash, but want to actually vacation where it feels like you are leaving your normal life and going somewhere different. So, if that is the scenario you are facing, why not consider camping? Not a back-to-nature kind of person? Have no fear. There is a vacation campsite that lets you rough it without getting you grossed out by public facilities and bugs.

This place is located in San Diego and is called Campland on the Bay. The name is a result of the campsite's proximity to the beach. The other great aspect of the campgrounds is that they are located very close to all the tourist attractions San Diego has to offer. Plus, if you do choose to go in the summer, the fact that you are so near the water, means that temperatures will not be overly unbearable.

The campsites range in price depending on the type you get. Some sites are "primitive" (the cheapest) because they truly offer a sort of roughing-it experience. The next campsites up from primitive are limited and standard sites. These come with fire pits, electricity and running water. There are also preferred, bay view and superior sites. Bay views obviously get a view of the water and superior sites include jacuzzis and offer more privacy. However, even if you cannot afford a beach view, the campgrounds are filled with trees, parks and are well-maintained. Plus, the bathrooms are cleaned several times throughout the day.

Prices start at $39 per day and can go up to $388.50 per day for the more expensive sites. If you want a cheap vacation but do not like the idea of going totally back to nature, attempt to book a "limited" or "standard" campsite. You'll get basic utilities and pay between $56 and $104.58 per day. The prices vary depending on when you go (if it's closer to a holiday and the summer, it will be more expensive).

With that being said, if you have decided that you would like to give camping a go, you wil need to make reservations. Campland on the Bay tends to get booked quickly. So, plan ahead. You will have to call 1-800-4-BAY-FUN to make reservations; you can also fax your reservations.

Before actually getting to the campsite, you will need to make sure you have all the right equipment. Basically, you will need a tent, sleeping bags, blankets and pillows. If you know you will be cooking at the campsite (as opposed to eating at restaurants) you will need cooking gear as well. The campgrounds do have a market. However, the prices are ridiculously high.

If you do not have basic camping equipment, try shopping at Target or Wal-Mart as opposed to spending a lot of money at sporting good stores.If you do not have basic camping equipment, try shopping at Target or Wal-Mart as opposed to spending a lot of money at sporting good stores.

If you reserve a campsite with electrical hook-ups, you can bring a TV, but make sure to bring a power cord. Any other incidental (such as recreation items, swimming gear) is all up to you. The campgrounds also have a swimming pool, video game center, small restaurant and rentals (such as bikes and quadricycles).

A weekend is all you really need at Campland on the Bay. You can spend one day or half a day milling around the campgrounds and another day driving out and seeing tourist attractions around San Diego (such as Sea World, the zoo, Wild Animal Park, Old Town and Seaport Village).

For more information, visit www.campland.com.