In this economy, I don't know anyone who isn't looking to save a little money here and cut back on expenses there. Traditionally, camping has been considered an inexpensive vacation, but for anyone who has camped (especially with my wife LOL), you know that between the tent, sleeping bags, new gadgets, the gas, the food and all the little "extras," camping can be anything but a low cost activity.

Here are just a handful of ideas for controlling your costs and increasing your fuel economy without lowering the fun you'll have. Did we miss something? Log in and share your wisdom!

1. Plan ahead. Map your route for lower speeds, and travel when there are less people on the road for less stops and starts. Prepare to do without costly creature comforts. And find that old cooler you packed away years ago insted of buying a new one.

2. Use "Survivorman" Tactics. Live off the land - by fishing, hunting or gathering your food. This isn't always pratcical, but you'll have some fun trying. Many state parks offer classes on the local flora and fauna.

3. Hike and Bike. Instead of driving and going to expensive attractions do things within biking and walking distance of your campsite.

4. Carpool with Friends. You'll save on gas, and on campground costs at most government run facilities. This doesn't always work if you have a family like ours - couple kids and a dog.

5. Bring the Right Tools. Having some good tools will save you money. You probably have many of the tools in your toolbox or garage right now. For example you can buy a cheap bow saw, and use it to gather wood that is laying down in the woods (NEVER cut live trees and bushes, it doesn't burn and you'd be a major jerk). You can significantly lower the costs of your campfire, and the cost of the saw will be paid for the first night if you do it right. Which brings us to our next suggestion.

6. Conserve Firewood. Everyone loves a great big campfire, but you don't have to go and buy tons of wood to do it. Gather dry, downed wood from the surrounding forest. (Later in the season, you may need to walk further to do find it, but it will be worth it.) And try shifting the wood for a better burn. And at the end of the night, douse the fire, so you can use the coals in the morning for your breakfast fire. Have you built a solar oven yet?

NEVER cut down living trees and bushes! NEVER bring your own wood, as you may bring pests and diseases into the forest. Be sure to follow local laws and regulations. Use common sense.

8. State Parks Have Great Learning Opportunities. If you want to do something interesting, try going to one of the state parks and signing up for one of their nature courses. Your kids might complain at first, but they will remember it for the rest of their lives. (Finding the right times can be a bit hit or miss. The bulletin boards they use in the parks will tell you the times when you're there, and the website might have information on them too.)

9. Eat Like a Pioneer. Pioneers didn't have steaks and eggs for breakfast, lunch out at Mc Donalds, and lobster dinners. Try soaking your own beans and eating rice and beans for at least one meal a day. You'll save some money. You can keep your other eating costs low too. Eat in the campsite or pack light lunches for on the go activities.

10. Be REALLY Cheap. I probably wouldn't do many of thes things, but if you are obsessed, out of work, or otherwise really need to cut back hard on expenses (and don't feel bad, we've all been there), then these quick tips might squeaze you into a size 2 budget.

• Skip the Lighter Fluid. Dryer lint makes good kindling. You can also save the cardboard cores from paper towels and toilet paper, stuff them with old newspaper and use them as fire starters. Now that is what I call re-using!
• Use Old Prescription Bottles as Containers. Put a little plastic wrap over the top and they shuld be water resistant. Holds matches, batteries, fishing lures and sinkers, permits, etc.
• Ground Cloth Alternatives. You can use old shower curtains for ground clothes if you save tehm in advance. You could use garbage bags in a pinch, but if you aren't buying the big boxes from Costco or Sam's then this might cost more than a good tarp. (Tarps are cheap and can be used for so many things.)
• Garbage Bag Poncho. Take a clean garbage bag, cut holes for your head and arms and voila you have a halfway decent poncho. (This is one I do all the time.)
• Cook Food Ahead of Time. Prepare as much food as you can ahead of time. Pack some sandwiches in the cooler before you take off: This is great for the car ride.
• Buy Drinks in Bulk. Pack them in the cooler with some ice and let them get cold as you drive. You can save a lot of money if you never buy any drinks when you're camping.

Log in and share your frugal ideas!