Camping: Big Summer Memories, Small Price

Camping: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Summer Vacation

Dreaming of the perfect summer vacay, but also watching your budget? Airfare, hotel stays, and dining out can add up quickly. The good news is that a memorable summer vacation doesn’t have to break the bank.

Try camping instead to maximize the memories while keeping the price right. Camping isn’t just about pitching a tent and roughing it in the woods though (unless that’s your thing!). It can be as rustic or as comfortable as you like (think glamping in a double-decker bus or yurt).

Here’s why camping should be your go-to budget vacation this summer—plus activity ideas to make planning a breeze:

1. Affordable Activities

Most of the fun at a campsite comes included. Hiking, swimming, and stargazing cost nothing once you’ve arrived. No pricey excursions or tickets needed—just bring your gear and a sense of adventure.

2. DIY Meals Save Money

Eating out three times a day can quickly drain your vacation funds. Camping encourages home-cooked (or rather, fire-cooked) meals that are not only cheaper but often more fun to prepare. On-site grills at Emberglow help lighten your packing load.

3. Connect with Nature (and Each Other)

Camping offers a break from screens, schedules, and stress. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature and spend quality time with your travel companions, all without spending a fortune.

Emberglow Adventures = No Commute

Whether you’re camping with kids, friends, or solo, there’s no shortage of budget-friendly fun. Here are some activities to enjoy without leaving Emberglow Outdoor Resort.

Nature-Based Activities

• Hiking and Biking – Emberglow has almost 3 miles of trails on site.
• Swimming – The pool is open! Splash (or chill) time is on.
• Stargazing – With less light pollution, the night sky comes alive.
• Games – Pickleball, basketball, gaga ball, volleyball all right at Emberglow. Or if you’re looking for a more chill alternative, giant jenga, cornhole, or a deck of cards will bring the fun.
• Fun with Fido – Stay in a pet-friendly unit and have some play time in the dog park.

Creative Fun

• Campfire storytelling – Make up stories or share family legends. Don’t forget the s’mores!
• Scavenger hunts – Create nature-themed hunts for kids.
• Rock painting or nature crafts – Use leaves, sticks, and stones.
• Photography – Capture your surroundings with a phone or camera.

Relaxation & Reconnection

• Reading in a hammock – Bring that book you’ve been meaning to read.
• Journaling or sketching – Get inspired by the natural setting.
• Tech-free time – Disconnect to truly unwind and be present.

WNC Adventures = Priceless

Western NC offers so many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Here are a few of our favorites:

Hiking

• Bradley Nature Preserve at Alexander’s Ford – Easy 2.6 mile out-and-back hike on crushed gravel. The trail traces the path of a Revolutionary war militia’s route on their way to win the battle at Kings Mountain.
• Strawberry Gap Trail – Enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Ridge, towering woodlands, and mountain meadows on this 6 mile out and back.
• Rumbling Bald Trail – This 1.5 mile loop gives sweeping views of Lake Lure and has a boulder playground for kids and experienced climbers alike.

Biking

• Little White Oak Mountain – 4 miles of trails plus a skills course are the closest mountain bike trail to Emberglow.
• Thermal Belt Rail Trail – 13.5 mile paved rail trail winds through small towns & offers optional stops for dining and fun. If you don’t have a bike, Grumpy’s Bike Shop is your go-to for affordable rentals on the rail trail.

Boating

• Lake Adger – Bring your kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards to enjoy this pristine mountain lake. No speed boats are allowed, so it will be just the relaxing experience you need.

WNC “Splurge” Adventures

We had to use quotes for that one because many of the adventures are still very easy on the budget. Choosing one of these will take your vacation from memorable to epic:

• Canopy Ridge Farm Ziplines & UTV Tours – Explore the lush green forests of the Blue Ridge via zipline or a thrilling scenic ground-level experience.
• Ride Kanuga Mountain Bike Park – High quality, safe, and unique mountain bike trails for new riders and seasoned professionals.
• Cleghorn Golf & Sports Club – Pristine George Cobb design golf course plus a Sports Clay Course for an entire day of sporting enjoyment.
• The Gorge Zipline – Descend 1,110 feet in 11 ziplines with a beautiful sky bridge and so many more features.
• Green River Adventures – Tubing, paddling, rappelling, waterfalls & more. Also a great spot to rent kayaks & other adventure gear.
• Zen Tubing – Tube down the gorgeous French Broad River in the most relaxing way with Zen.
• Vineyard Tour – The Van in Black can pick you up at Emberglow for a local vineyard tour to sip and take in the scenery at Parker-Binns Vineyard, Russian Chapel Hills Vineyard, Overmountain Vineyard, and Mountain Brooke Vineyard.
• Dining – Refuel after your adventures at a local brewery, vineyard, or restaurant. They would all really love your support after a rough post-Helene winter. See dining options on the Emberglow website here.

Final Thoughts

With everything getting more expensive, camping stands out as a budget-friendly, memory-making powerhouse of a vacation. It offers flexibility, adventure, and relaxation—without breaking the bank. So, pack your gear, gather your people, and head into the great outdoors this summer. You’ll come back with more than just savings—you’ll return refreshed and inspired.