Stake a claim to a cheap campsite at national parks

Carla and Jim Boerman of Walworth, N.Y., have been campers for nearly two decades, starting when their twin daughters, who are now in college, were just 18 months old. Their family has stayed in Yellowstone and Yosemite national parks, and they've sampled campgrounds in New York and neighboring states, graduating from pop-ups to small travel trailers to a 30-foot fifth wheel. Last year, the Boermans went on 18 camping trips, for a total of 50 nights under the stars.

But this year, Carla Boerman, a school secretary, has noticed something new: Campgrounds are fuller, and booking reservations has gotten trickier. "Even if you're calling months in advance, you might not get the exact campsite you want," she said, "or you might have to adjust your dates."

Bookings at some parks are up as much as 30 percent over last year. 

Many in the camping community believe that the bad economy is causing this sudden interest in the great outdoors, with people who are worried about finances forgoing a stay at a fancy resort or a trip overseas in favor of a sojourn in the woods that can cost 10 bucks a night. Gas prices that are significantly lower than last summer's may also be affecting decisions to hit the road.

Although many experienced campers booked five and six months ago, when many national park campsites went on sale, the good news for latecomers is that there is still plenty of room at campgrounds that take reservations, particularly during midweek, when demand is lower.

Cancellations do occur, and first-come, first-served campgrounds abound. (Arrive in the morning, when the previous night's campers are checking out.)

In addition to Park Service properties, there are 5,800 campgrounds in national forests and grasslands, not to mention campgrounds in state parks.