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Flathead Lake, Montana
"The world is a book; and those who do not travel read only a page."
Saint Augustine
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| | I love to travel, especially when I can enjoy it in the time honored tradition of the vagabond: with few restrictions, free to wander, following my bliss.
But, like many people I am constrained by physical and financial limitations which can make getting around America a real challenge. Over the years I have discovered my passport to vagabonding on the cheap is an America the Beautiful –
National Parks and Federal
 Recreational Lands Pass.
The Access Pass is free to all disabled or impoverished Americans. It is a lifetime pass to the Federal Park System. To obtain your own Access Pass simply apply in person at any Federal Park, Forest Service or Recreational Area. Bring along your basic documents; a letter from your doctor or from Social Security will suffice. For complete details look here.
I have been using my Access Pass for about twelve years. With your own Access Pass you can enter all of the National Parks in America at no cost. That benefit alone saves you $25.00 in entrance fees every time you visit a National Park. Once you are inside the National Park, or any pubic lands, the Access Pass will save you 50% on camping fees. Currently camping fees range from $10.00 to $50.00 a night depending on the amenities offered. A wilderness or primitive campsite, which provides a place to park, picnic table, tent area, running potable water and no flush latrines will cost a mere $5.00 a night with your pass -- now that is my idea of frugal lodging and your room is sure to come with a view.
In addition, most state parks will honor the Access Pass and give you the same 50% discount. Since state parks are generally less expensive than the federal parks a primitive camp site fee in a state park can be as little as $3.00 or $4.00 a night, or even free, depending on the state.
So, if you are ready to sing the song of the open road, now is the time to get equipped with an America the Beautiful Access Pass, a reliable vehicle and some basic camping gear. Your great escape awaits you! |
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Vagabonding Basics:
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| Lake McDonald, Glacier Park |
With 58 National Parks in America, encompassing 84 million acres of land, along with 190 million acres of Forest Service land, divided into: 155 National Forests, 9 National Grasslands, 1 National Tall Grass Prairie, and 2,387 campgrounds -- there is vast array of camping and recreational choices for the frugal traveler. And this is just within the federal lands system. For example, New York has 5,344 campsites in the state park system and camping is free of charge to everyone with an Access Pass. So, don't overlook state parks as a resource when researching your next excursion. But, ultimately, the best way to determine which of these options is right for you; is to know your purpose for traveling and be realistic about your limitations.
For instance, if you are severely, chemically sensitive and need to avoid chemical exposures the National Forests are the place for you. Remember, the National Forest is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. These lands are managed as multi-use lands and no fee camping is permitted for ten days at a time. So for a frugal traveler, who prefers isolation from other campers, the National Forest with close to 200 million acres, offers nearly limitless possibilities.
Using the National Forests
These lands are your National heritage, maintained with your tax dollars, and are, essentially, free for all Americans to enjoy regardless of income. If you do decide to camp on National Forest land, you will be giving up the amenities of a campground, but you are gaining open space, well away from people, their campfires and other potential environmental irritants.
There are many informative websites which will help you determine where you want to camp and recreate on the National Forests. But, once your vehicle is packed, and you are on the road, always drop in at the Regional Forest Service Office or local Ranger Station. Nothing replaces time sensitive, firsthand, knowledge of a locale. These outposts are generally staffed by friendly, informative people. It is their job to make your stay on the National Forest a good one and most Forest Service employees are more than happy to oblige. To assist them in assisting you, be specific when you ask questions. If you want to find a good place to camp, which is close to a paved road and no more than ten miles from a grocery store then be sure to state that. Without specifics they can't know what your looking for.
You also want to ask about other activities in the area that you may want to avoid. Are herbicides being sprayed? Are there cell towers or high voltage power line encroachments? What about cattle grazing? Is there logging or oil and gas exploration in the area? Are all terrain vehicles permitted? Are there any upcoming events that will be held on the National Forest that could impact your plans?
And don't forget to ask about the activities you want to enjoy while camping. If it is your heart's desire to pick berries, harvest mushrooms, wild craft herbs, try your hand at fishing, or float the river, ask if you need a permit and where to go on the forest lands to enjoy these pursuits. They will provide you with maps, brochures and permits -- most of which will be free, or for a very nominal fee.
And last, but not least, find out if there are any current problems with wildlife, fire restrictions, flood warnings, or road closures in the vicinity. If you are planning to camp alone, inform the rangers of that fact and what your itinerary is. And use common sense; if you are allergic to mosquitoes don't plan to camp a week in the Mosquito Creek Valley. Pay attention to the flora, fauna, climate and geography where you plan to camp. A little, prudent, preparation will make your vagabonding experience much more enjoyable.
National Parks Rock!
Our National Parks are the crown jewels of our natural world. Unlike, the National Forests, the Federal Parks are operated by the Department of the Interior, with an entirely different purpose and mission. The National Park Service's mission is to conserve nature,
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| Inside Lake McDonald Lodge |
protect wildlife and maintain the historic objects within the boundaries of each National Park. To accomplish this, the National Park Service restricts how we are able to utilize the land. For the frugal traveler, this means camping outside of designated campgrounds is strictly prohibited and fervently enforced.
There are other significant differences in experiencing the National Parks compared with the National Forests. The Parks are treasured destinations for people throughout the world. Every National Park I have visited has at least one, grand, historic lodge. These lodges are typically the focal point of human activity in the park and are magnificent examples of rustic architecture - a sight to see - as much as the nature and wildlife surrounding them. They also boast enormous fireplaces which are used year round. So, if you are affected by wood smoke, sight seeing in these areas is going to be problematic. The same will be true for the campgrounds: in the summer season each campground will be full to capacity, reservations are highly recommended and there will be a camp fire burning at nearly campsite. So, if you have asthma, which is triggered by wood smoke, the National Parks are going to be troublesome. You will be much more comfortable day tripping through the Park and camping outside of the Park boundaries in the National Forest.
Even so, the National Parks are truly a vagabonders delight. Designed to facilitate your enjoyment of the wonders of nature, by providing visitor and interpretative centers, access to historic sites, wildlife viewing, while also catering to your desire for creature comforts. If you are in need of a hot shower, a gourmet meal with a fine wine, or simply an evenings entertainment, the National Park Service, provides all of these conveniences, via private concessionaires. There are also outdoor amphitheaters offering, evening slideshows, short films, sing-a-longs and even cowboy story telling or Native American cultural opportunities.
Our National Park's excel at blending the best of both worlds. You won't be bombarded by constant advertising or televisions blaring cable news inside the confines of a National Park. You will see families playing board games, reading and relaxing on rustic terraces and cavernous hotel lobbies with expansive views. And, to be true to their mandate; economy rooms, cabins and family style buffets are offered in every National Park. So, if you can afford a night at the Motel 6, you will be able to afford a night in one of America's grand lodges. There is no doubt, our Parks provide a unique cultural and social scene all their own. Something, I firmly believe everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
So, if the call of the wild has roused your spirit of adventure and you are ready to enter into the world of frugal traveling be sure to bring along a free spirit, an eager heart, and an open mind. Be receptive to new people and experiences, while remaining flexible to what poet Walt Whitman calls, "the rudeness of the Earth." In this way, you will discover a whole new traveling experience beckons you to come forth and -let go- deep within the heart and soul of mother nature. |
As of the spring of 2011 the Access Pass is still available, but Congress has considered eliminating the program. Thanks to public out cry the program has survived. But, if you want an Access Pass, I would get one ASAP.
Article and photos by Lucinda Hodges |
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