our travel experts give up all their secret bargain vacation spots.
Our picks, like Salt Fork and Maumee Bay State Park in Ohio below, are not only easy on the wallet, they pass the FAMILYFUN test, too, by offering memorable settings, lots of activities and a welcoming spirit to parents and children. If nothing else, these picks will put to rest the idea that you have to spend a fortune on a family vacation--or that you can trust a travel writer with a secret.
OHIO STATE PARKS
OHIOCamping in these state parks is a real family event. There are two state parks that offer a nice variety of family activities for a reasonable price.
At Salt Fork State Park each type of lodging has its own beach. This includes the camping area which boasts of 212 sites at $20 a night. Families might want to rent a cabin tent ($35 per tent) wich comes with all the necessary camping equipment included, and easily sleeps up to six people. There are also camper hookups and hot showers for convenience. Some of the activities to enjoy include hiking, fishing, an 18 hole miniature golf course, tennis, swimming, and a nature center to browse through. For reservations call (740) 432-1508.
At Maumee Bay State Park, it only costs $18 to camp per night, and this park boasts 256 sites, but does not have quite as many recreational options as Salt Fork. Camper hookups and hot showers are available though. Each campsite comes with a fire ring and a picnic table for dining. Some of the activities offered are boating, hiking trails and a nature center. For reservations, call (419) 836-8828. Both of these parks are a great nature getaway for any family. There are actually quite a few state parks in Ohio. To get more information about Ohio state parks, call (800) 282-7275 or visit their Web site.
For other bargain vacation spots, check out the following links:
UNDER $30 A NIGHT
• Arkansas' "Diamond" in the Rough• Explore Colorado's Sand Dunes
• Strike Gold in California
• New York's Adirondack Adventure
UNDER $75 A NIGHT
• Sleep Over at Montana's Roosevelt Cabins• Camping on the Carolina Cape
• Camp in Style the Ohio Way
• A California Lighthouse Getaway
UNDER $100 A NIGHT
• All Rivers Lead to Nebraska• A Bargain Visit to Williamsburg, Virginia
• Illinois' Log Cabin Lodge
• Camp Pueblo-Style in Texas
UNDER $125 A NIGHT
• A "Hot" Time in Montana• Lake Powell Luxury in Arizona
• An Old-Fashioned Florida Family Vacation
• A Grand Inn at the Grand Coulee Dam
UNDER $170 A NIGHT
• Cozy Up in a Maine Inn• Oregon's Mountain Retreat
• Dive for Pearls at this Tennessee Resort
• Wisconsin's Budget B & B
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.
