Spring Into Camping Without Breaking The Bank

Whether it comes in like a lamb or a lion, the weather in March, on average stinks. That’s OK, because we’ve had more than a few 60- degree, sunny days this month. Enough that the phone is ringing with plenty of April camping requests.


The first thing callers say is “Oh—I didn’t expect you to pick up the phone.” Then there’s usually a degree of surprise that we’re open year-round, followed by a second surprise: the best rates and often the best time to camp is during shoulder seasons and mid-week.

Think you can’t camp in April? Think again.

For the third year in a row we’ll host a gang of great guys from the Toyota Territory Off-Road Association. They’ll take advantage of area trails by day and sit around a bonfire most nights when they’re not playing pool in our carpeted clubhouse. One night they’ll have a big feast in the pavilion, using our commercial grill for a man meal in the woods.

The TTORA group camps in tents, but RVers, too, know that the fish are biting, the daffodils are blooming and the fresh air is a welcome blast of what’s to come as the green awakens in the woods. In April, while nights are still cool, sleep is of the deep quality that only gets interrupted by the smell of bacon cooking on an open fire.

We’ll give each camper a free night to encourage them to check in on Thursday, rather than Friday. During shoulder seasons we can afford to toss out perks for extended stays. They appreciate that and we’re delighted we can offer even more camping value for the dollar.

If there’s a theme for this year, its how can we help our campers save money in shoulder seasons, yet not cut the corners on their experience. We know that the weather can be iffy, but campers know they can always pick up a morning cup of free hot coffee and some sass at our front desk.

Some days we’ll have a fire going in our clubhouse. The free books will be stacked high in the bookcase. What can beat curling up on the couch with a paperback and staring out the picture window at a blanket of stars? One hour from Pittsburgh and two from Cleveland, yet worlds away from congestion, where all that you see and all the fragrances that surround you are a reminder that yes, it’s indeed a wonderful world.

How much time does it take to recharge your batteries and where do you go for a quick “fix?”

If you are like me, it only takes 48 to 72 hour in the woods to add a month of smiles. I have to admit that I’m not relaxed enough to toss my cell phone aside, but I can tell you this much: in light of listening to CNN up to 15 hours each day and being reminded of tensions in far corners of the world, I embrace the forced isolation for all it’s worth.

My “group therapy” might be with the early return of the robins or the crocus and grape hyacinths pushing their way to the surface. Just thawing out a container of frozen chili and eating it out of a throwaway container, sitting on a tree stump in a pair of baggy jeans, well, that’s what charges my batteries for not much more than what I’d spend taking my family to see a movie on a big screen in a multi-plex theater. Need I say more?

So, you’re not yet convinced that camping is a value experience? You’re not an April eager- to- be- in- the- woods type? Consider our other value option: mid week camping.

It matters not what time of year, if you avoid holiday weeks and can tear away from the workplace between Sunday and Wednesday nights, your family can save up to 45%. Check out our rates on www.ohiorvcamp.com and do the math.

Not only will you have the advantage the wide open park offers, but you can jump on the pedal cars without a wait, stretch out on a raft in the pool, grab a cue stick to play pool or pick out your favorite tunes on the juke box and know there’s not a crowd behind you. Go ahead, sing in the showers and shout at the top of your lungs.

Just don’t do it after 10pm or you’ll be in hot water. You see, we can save you money, but we won’t run interference if you break the rules. :=)

Have fun in 2011. Get to know your family. Take a short drive down the road, save fuel costs and do your own group therapy in a safe, comfortable retreat right in your own backyard, yet worlds away from city congestion and workplace stress.

Karen and the Lock 30 Woodlands Crew

What To Do When Fuel Prices Are High?

Camping families know there are years when they see the country and there are years when they explore their own backyards. Never have staycations looked more attractive


Lock 30 Woodlands, located one hour from Pittsburgh and two from Cleveland, is gearing up for changes in camping styles as gas prices top $4/gallon. Recent years of economic decline has had a silver lining for our small business. We’ve been introduced to many first- time camping families who have been resourceful in their search for affordable, wholesome family entertainment.

The Outdoor Recreation Association says there are now more campers than soccer players in the United States. That comes as no surprise for us because camping is easy on the toddlers and the grandparents, too, as long as families are realistic in their planning and expectations.

Where do smart families start when it comes to saving money while camping?

1. Consider off-season, off-weekend pricing if your work schedule permits. Many campgrounds are deeply discounted if you camp between Sunday and Wednesdays. Families save upwards of 40% and they have wide open site selection, not to mention easy use of amenities. If you are not using the swimming pool, but like to fish, the weeks prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day can offer ideal pricing and recreation tailored to filling these less occupied weeks.

2. Park it where you’ll use it. If you visit your favorite campground three or more times a season, consider why you keep returning. It may be the year to seek seasonal/permanent membership. Haul it once, stock it for the summer and return to the woods without factoring in high fuel costs.

3. Set a summer outdoor education goal and measure your progress. Have you been putting off learning about the hardwoods, flora and fauna of your region, identifying the wildflowers and wild mushrooms that grow under the pines? Use a library card to access book resources or stop at a used book store or thrift shop. You can tuck a reference book in the corner of your car’s trunk and have instant “edutainment” and an outdoor learning lab for learners of all ages. Offer incentives for families being “on the move.” Hiking is good for the heart –literally and figuratively.

4. Plan, plan, plan. Teachers will tell you which parents give children decision making responsibility during summer months. What better way to save money than to have your pre-teen make a packing list, a meal plan and associated grocery list. Teach organization where there are real world consequences, then reward kids with the money you saved because you remembered to pack the pancake syrup.

5. Look for fuel saver specials. Some campgrounds offer discounted packages for campers returning two weekends in a row. Many have safe weekday storage and incentives NOT to haul goodies home on Sunday afternoon. Check now, as often these specials are first come, first serve and dependent on storage space available.

6. Think of hidden vacation costs that camping vacations avoid. Have you checked into the cost of kenneling a pet lately? Keep them with you and not only will they be happier, you will, too.

7. Let the campground reservation folks know your wants and needs. If you tell whomever answers the phone that you are seeking inexpensive quality entertainment for your family, then not only can they tell you when the campground’s free fire truck rides are offered, but they might point you toward charming local festivals, celebrations and local attractions within minutes of the campground. Build a full vacation experience by being aware of “out of the tent” opportunities.

8. Summer birthday? In this day of over-the-top birthday celebrations, consider how you can make a lifelong magical memory by taking two or three of the birthday boy or girl’s best friends camping. Rather than 4 hours of noise, sugar and stressful planning, invite partiers to a camping overnight. You’ll get to know them and they’ll get introduced to a wholesome alternative.

As we prepare to launch into another peak season, come back to this blog often. Every week we’ll take one of these money saving ideas and show you how to make the most of high fuel prices.

Happy camping,

Karen and the Lock 30 Woodlands Crew

Tents for Troops

When you’re lucky enough to own a campground, you take for granted that you have a resource almost as precious as family: you have land in all its glory.

 Lock 30 Woodlands has a mile of secluded riverfront. Much of the year—for nearly five months –it is so secluded that for as far as you can see, you won’t see anything but trees, river and wildlife.  Not a single house, no traffic and often, no people.  We’re open year round, but with 68 private acres surrounded by a wildlife protective conservation easement, we’re the definition of secluded.

Can you think of a better place to find peace?

That’s why we’re honored to share our slice of paradise with the ½ million active military families in this country. Tents for Troops is securing commitments from campground owners to offer free camping to these families. We were Ohio’s first campground to climb aboard.

No matter how you feel about our country’s leadership, or its military and political decisions, there’s more that unites than divides us when it comes to this country’s military families. We agree that they make great sacrifices on our behalf. We agree that they suffer immeasurably when their loved ones are called overseas. We can only imagine what level of stress they live with from day to day.

To be able to say thanks in such a small way as to offer them a place to relax is a privilege beyond what words can describe.

I hope my colleagues don’t pass up this chance to say thank you to families who can benefit by spending time together in the woods.