Camping, a budget savvy vacationer's dream

WEST PAM BEACH, Fla. - Stories of a slow economy hitting the hotel industry in our area are commonplace. However, one segment of the tourist economy is booming.

Campgrounds across the country are reporting increases in occupancy in 2010 over 2009.

"It's a lot more family oriented. The hotels are not so much. They can do things with their family that they can't do in a motel," said Pam Huff, the manager of Lion Country Safari's KOA.

For a fraction of the price of a hotel, campsites offer comparable and in some cases better amenities.

"We have our sprayground with 23 interactive water options. The guests can cool off there. They can go down our water slide," said Jennifer Berthume, the Public Relations Manager for Lion Country Safari.
 

With a recession still burning a hole in Amercan's wallets, the camping business is booming. Peanut Island was booked solid, months in advance of Labor Day, and at Lion Country Safari KOA, occupancy is up 25 percent over this time last year.

"Save money, but you're getting great value. Spend the entire day relaxing with your family. Then come over and spend four to six hours on safari seeing the animals up close," said Berthume.

Besides, what hotel offers you the chance to sleep just a few yards away from a vicious man-eating killing machine.

"You're camping just 40 yards away from our lions. They can be very loud. Tending to roar in the morning and afternoon. Guests sometimes think it's a recording, but it's not," said Berthume.
 

Another trend campgrouds are noticing is more campers procrastinating when planning their trips, maybe hoping for last second deals.