Sierra Blogging Post Archives

Make your state park reservations and book your backcountry permits now - camping will be more popular this summer than it's been in a long time.

Thanks to the recession, camping is replacing traditional hotel, inn or bed & breakfast vacations in the U.S. this summer. With most people on tight budgets, the affordable charms of camping are proving irresistible.

Camping saw a 7.4% increase from 2007 to 2008 and industry experts say the jump will be even more substantial this year. At one state park in California alone, 20,407 reservations for camping spots were made on the first day they became available.


Those of us who love to camp know camping is better than a luxury vacation anyway. It looks like the rest of the world is about to discover the joys of camping, too. Even Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are camping this summer.

One of the best things about camping (besides the fresh air, family bonding time, and natural beauty) is that it's not expensive. You only have to buy gear once. After you have a tent, a sleeping bag, a backpack and any other gear or comforts you want, you're set for years to come. The key here is to buy quality gear from brands you can trust. At Sierra Trading Post, we have the best deals in the business on the best camping gear brands available, like Sierra Designs, Kelty, Marmot, Alps Mountaineering and more. Check out our Buying Guides for help choosing camping gear, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks and more.

Recessions aren't fun, but if they bring us back to basics and get people enjoying the outdoors, they can't be all bad.

What about you - will you be trading in your fancy summer vacation for a family camping trip this year?