Families are finally catching on to the college students' secret--for no-frills budget travel, nothing beats staying at a hostel. Dismiss outdated images of dingy dorms piled high with backpacks. Many hostels around the country now welcome families with simple, private rooms and even a few luxuries like hot tubs and pools. You'll also find homey common areas, fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers and perks such as bike and boat rentals. What's more, a number are historic landmarks. Membership in Hostelling International-American Youth Hostels (free membership for those under 18; $28 annual membership fee for ages 18-54; $18 annually for those over 54; $250 one-time fee for lifetime membership, open to all ages; call 202-783-6161), an association that inspects and licenses all member hostels, is not always required, but it helps with peak season reservations and lower rates. For summer trips, reserve family rooms at HI-AYH hostels in spring.

Read on for one of our favorite spots, the Redwood National Park Hostel in Klamath, California.

REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK HOSTEL

KLAMATH, CA: From the outdoor decks at Redwood National Park Hostel, you get a picture-book view of the national park's rock-strewn beaches. After a day of biking, exploring tide pools or hiking through forests of immense trees, you can retreat to the hostel's cozy common area. Open year-round; closed daily from 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Nightly rates are $14 for adults and $7 for kids under age 18. Call 707-482-8265.

Valerie Wolf Deutsch coauthored the newly revised guide THE BEST BARGAIN FAMILY VACATIONS IN THE U.S.A.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.