Menus:

As long as you have access to a single burner stove and a water supply, it’s possible to enjoy a few posh menus while roughing it. French press coffee, angel hair pasta with pesto and chef’s salad are all items I’ve enjoyed during back-to-nature getaways. Other items worth tossing into the mix include salt and pepper grinders, a corkscrew, candlelight and an impromptu tablecloth such as a sarong.

Destinations:

Difficult-to-reach locations come with additional transportation costs, whereas choosing to glamp outside of D.C. brings a bargain alternative to otherwise highly-priced accommodation options. Urban camping in general is a great way to break into the glamping experience, as it allows access to entertainment venues not typically found in the woods. Also, countries known for their affordability can also be a source of luxury camping experiences for less. For example in Monte Verde, Costa Rica a number of lodges provide fireside dining with views of the cloud forest.

Amenities:

Book camping reservations at campgrounds that come with perks. KOA resorts for example, typically come with access to power and water, Wi Fi, and even swimming pools and hot tubs along with hot showers, laundry facilities and clubhouses for the kids. They have convenience stores on site and the numbered campsites make ordering pizza delivery a snap.

Equipment:

We use a two-room Eddie Bauer tent with an electronic power point in order to work from the road while camping, and have a separate changing area for privacy. Other helpful items are popup canopies with screened walls to serve as insect-free kitchens at campgrounds. If you have room in your vehicle, consider bringing along foam mats to soften your sleeping experience.

It’s clearly possible to camp with a bit of comfort. By packing the right gear and choosing the right venue, your back-to-nature vacation getaway can be romantic as well as rustic.

Photo Credit: Phil and Pam

Our first night in Jordan’s magical Wadi Rum began with a sky-high bon fire, exotic Arabic music and a food table piled high with hummus, olives, lamb and rice. We partied late and woke even later to a leisurely breakfast of ful, pickled vegetables, flatbread and tea. After a day’s worth of rest and reading, we set out to explore all that this ecological destination has to offer. Here are some of the things you can expect to enjoy on your own Wadi Rum camping trip.

Taking a tour of the Wadi Rum desert area will involve exploring some ancient petroglyphs.

It’s a given that we would have understood more of the information being presented to us if we had actually spoken Arabic during our visit. That being said, we were able to stop and explore several sets of petroglyphs on our tour of Wadi Rum. As a location hosting human inhabitants for thousands of years, the evidence of past cultures is prevalent. If you know where to look.

Phenomenally-dark skies are built in to the Wadi Rum camping experience.

For an avid stargazer like my husband, this is a huge draw. The absence of urban lighting and the remote location of Wadi Rum combine for the ultimate dark-sky observing conditions coveted by serious astronomers. If you’re able to bring your telescope on your Wadi Rum camping getaway, fantastic. Otherwise, a blanket and a sharp eye will have to do.

Lawrence of Arabia was filmed in Wadi Rum, as was the film Red Planet.

Additionally, it has been reported that T.E. Lawrence himself visited Wadi Rum on numerous occasions and any of the local guides will be able to show you to the enclosed spring traditionally believed to be his water source. While some may disagree as to precisely where he stayed, it is known that he spent time in that area of Jordan, making his presence in Wadi Rum quite likely. At any rate, the movie magic is undeniable and the atmosphere of this protected desert environment quite thought provoking.

Rock climbing is a popular activity for those visiting Jordan’s Wadi Rum.

Numerous rock formations are available for enthusiasts of this sport, and at least one fun stone arch that David and I were able to stroll to the top of and enjoy. These same rock formations make for fantastic photo opportunities as well, as their subtle color variations and looming shapes break up the flatter sandy landscapes. It was a bit dusty and gray when we visited, but the photos still look interesting. If you are able to get some of these same images with a darker blue sky, the result would be smashing, I’m sure. (Editor’s note: This video of Wadi Rum that David put together shows several of the area’s rock formations, albeit in the middle of a slight dust storm. It also shows the camp where we stayed, and a few local camels.)

Riding around Wadi Rum for the sheer pleasure of it should not be underestimated.

Whether you are bouncing around on the back of a pickup truck, or riding on Arabian horseback, experiencing the serenity of the desert with a knowledgeable local is a fun “life list” event. Don’t miss out on it. Pack a picnic, have tea with a local or stop and climb to the top of a rock arch for a rest with a view. Just get out there and see as much of the area as you can. You might even see some strolling camels on your expedition.

Wadi Rum accommodation options are definitely rustic.

You should know this going in. Bring a bottle of water to brush your teeth with and a package of baby wipes in case the campground you choose is between water deliveries. That being said, there’s something exotic about vacationing in a place where you have to sleep in huts, or tents made of canvas or goat hair. Evening entertainment options include star spotting, bonfires and chatting with the locals along with the occasional late-night outdoor dance fest with drums and Arabic pop tunes.

All in all, Wadi Rum is a great place to relax and unwind, especially if you’re a fan of deserts in general. Many vacationers pair a getaway to this part of Jordan with a trip to Petra after visiting Amman, the Dead Sea, Jerash and Madaba further north.  Our top tip? Bring a book.

Photo Credits: The pictures of Wadi Rum used in this article were photographed by the Trek Hound team, and are available for online publication through a creative commons agreement with our sister site, Pictures of Travel Places.

Strategically located within a day’s drive of a large portion of the U.S. population, Shenandoah National Park offers a relaxing respite for those who enjoy a quite natural getaway. Hiking, camping and cool weather providing relief from summer heat are some of the many great reasons to visit this national treasure that’s affordably accessible to all who make the journey. Whether you define camping as something you do in a tent, RV or comfy cabin, you’ll  be able to have the experience you want less than two hours outside of Washington, D.C. Here’s a quick visitor guide to prepare you for the experience.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK LODGING

There are two main actual lodging options (aside from camping) in Shenandoah National Park. Both offer dining as well, and have Wi-Fi in the main lodge area. The views are phenomenal, and the buildings are rustic enough to feel like you’re in a national park, but comfy enough to know you’ve upgraded to the actual lodge experience.

Big Meadows Lodge

Big Meadows Lodge is the lodging option in the area of the park known as Big Meadows. It has sweeping views, comfy beds and a cozy lodge with fireplace and free WiFi. Those in the campground can stroll up to check their email, catch a meal, or grab a brew in the Tap Room. The restaurant at Big Meadows Lodge has a fun menu as well, featuring a scrumptious mushroom ravioli and seriously yummy blackberry cobbler.

Skyland Resort

The second main lodging option at Shenandoah National Park which offers camping with actual beds and private baths (glamping, really) is the Skyland Resort. With spectacular views of its own, this rustic lodging option features private rooms or cabins, a playground and campfire area for families and Wi-Fi within walking distance. (You’ll need to stroll up the hill to the main lodge and ask for the code at the desk.) Enjoy their once-a-month wine dinners, grab a hearty breakfast or enjoy local entertainment like the Shenandoah Valley Cloggers. Lots of options are available after a day of hiking and photography.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK CAMPGROUNDS

Campgrounds are expected with any national park experience, and Shenandoah National Park does not disappoint. Big Meadows Campground is walking distance to the above-mentioned Big Meadows Lodge, and provides easy access to the actual Big Meadows area of the park and the visitor’s center. Showers and water access are available, and wildlife abounds. There are other campgrounds at Shenandoah National Park as well, including Matthews Arm Campground, Loft Mountain Campground and Lewis Mountain Campground. You can make reservations online.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK HIKING TRAILS

Hiking enthusiasts have much to be happy about when it comes to the trails in Shenandoah National Park. With over 500 miles of trails to hike on, including a roughly 100-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail, the activity options are endless. And since the annual pass fee for Shenandoah National Park is only 30 bucks, this makes it a great source of frugal fun for families, couples and individual hiking enthusiasts. Another fun hike with a bit of history attached is Rapidan Camp, the former executive retreat of President Hoover, which was a precursor to Camp David. The site was previously adjacent to the national park and eventually donated by the Hoover family.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK AMENITIES

Along with free ranger hikes and the groomed trails themselves, travelers will find many other comfortable amenities at Shenandoah National Park as well. Gas stations, restaurants, visitor information centers and more are available to park visitors. Campers can expect shower facilities and water access that’s walkable from their campsite. Having spent several days at Shenandoah National Park, I can definitely say that the dining options were an exceptionally pleasant surprise. I expected burgers and fries only, but the lodge restaurants had a variety of gourmet entrée options on the menu, and the more casual wayside establishments had fairly diverse menus as well. Of course you can bring your own food to cook at your campsite, but if you’d like a break from that, you’ll have a number of delectable options at your disposal.

WEATHER IN SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK

While Shenandoah National Park’s weather obviously varies with the seasons, you can definitely count on it being a cool retreat from the summer heat that is typical down in the Shenandoah Valley. Thunderstorms are possible during all months of the year, and snowfall definitely occurs during the winter months. While the services in the park aren’t open during the winter, you can access the park and use the trails, which makes for a fun way to use those snowshoes you got for Christmas.

DAYTRIPS FROM THE PARK

If you’re going to be visiting the park long term and will be wanting to experience civilization from time to time, there are a number of daytrip options at your disposal. Visiting Luray Caverns is always a hit with geology fans for example, and there are many fun things to do in Harrisonburg, Virginia as well. The town of Culpeper is also known for its quaint atmosphere and souvenir shopping.

As you can see, a visit to Shenandoah National Park provides a number of family entertainment options at an affordable price. Superior hiking, gourmet dining, rustic back country access, Wi-Fi for working vacations and more are available for your convenience and enjoyment.

Photo Credits: Trek Hound  - These and other pictures of Shenandoah National Park are available for online content use through a creative commons sister site of Trek Hound. You may use them in web-based articles in exchange for a link back to the photo site itself. Of course, if you also want to generously link back to Trek Hound as well, we’d be thrilled!

Want to see some of the most expensive cities in the United States? Bring your tent! Many of the more cost-heavy destinations in America can also be enjoyed via campground, including New York, Washington and even Las Vegas. Read on for details.

During a flood recovery period where we had to live like cyber nomads, my husband and I discovered a national campground chain with locations all over the country. KOA sites feature electricity, water, fire pits, picnic tables and my personal favorite, WiFi. They also have clean showers and toilets at the main facility, along with various other frequent amenities like laundry, pool, hot tub, snack shack, play area, club house, structured family activities and pet parades for the kids. Their main office area has a convenience store set up for incidentals and a mailing service if you need to post something while you’re staying there. We even had pizza delivered one night when it was too wet to cook outside the tent.

While I’m sure there are other great campgrounds available around the country, KOA offers an array of locations suitable for long term touring or trips up and down the coast. At the campground outside of Washington, DC we were just a skip and a jump from the train into the city that offers a straight shot to the national mall and all of the free exhibits at the Smithsonian.

When my good friend and colleague had her book signing party in Manhattan, we camped at the KOA just outside of the city, enjoyed the affordable and ample day parking at the train station and rode in comfort to New York where we met up with her for her event at Starbucks later that afternoon. I noticed there’s one in Vegas as well. All in all an affordable way to go for the budget traveler who needs to stay wired while on the road.

Related Readings: Going Green on the Road, How to Travel Light and Low Budget and Frugal Transportation in the City.

Photo Credit: Paul Carroll