With today's skyrocketing gas and food prices, many Michigan families are reevaluating their ability to take a vacation. If traveling to some faraway location is not in your family's budget this year, the Department of Natural Resources welcomes you to discover the wildness of Michigan at a state forest campground.

There is nothing more enjoyable than going to bed to the sound of crickets in the evening and then waking up in the morning to the sound of birds chirping outside your tent. Teaching a youngster how to roast a marshmallow over an open fire will be a fond memory for years to come and looking for shooting stars in a sky bright with stars is an experience that cannot be fully appreciated in the city.

But the best news is that the cost of camping is still a bargain compared to staying in a hotel, motel or a rental cabin at a resort.

The DNR offers a variety of camping facilities in Michigan's state forests and state parks that offer something for everyone.

State parks typically are more developed, offering higher density camping with closer neighbors. But if you are looking for an opportunity to commune with nature or an escape from the maddening crowds at a cost that's easy on your pocket book, then a rustic state forest campground is the place for you.

In fact, some state forest campgrounds are so remote they can only be reached by a determined hike through the woods or by paddling down a scenic river.

There are 145 state forest campgrounds, all in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. These campgrounds contain more than 3,000 campsites and are spread over nearly four million acres of state forests. Each designated site campground contains between four and 50 campsites that are available for use on a first-come, first served basis.

After arriving at the campground, select a vacant, non-registered site for use, return to the Information Station to register and pay the modest camping fee ($15 to $20 per night at designated campgrounds) and then return to the site with the camp card which is posted on the campsite marker post. It's that easy.

Group campgrounds are licensed for 80 to 200 individuals and are available for use by larger groups via a reservation. Small groups or individuals may use group areas on a first-come, first-served basis, if a reservation has not already been issued.

State forest group campgrounds are referred to as group camps, trail camps and canoe camps. At these locations, fees are $6 per person per night. If you are contemplating staying at one of these camps, it is recommended that you call the local DNR office to check reservation requirements and/or the camps availability prior to your visit.

State forest campgrounds and camps do not have electric hookups but they do have potable drinking water from hand pumps and rustic vault toilets. Most campgrounds are located on a body of water, such as a lake, river or stream. All offer multiple water-based recreation opportunities, so bring your canoe, fishing poles, swimming suit and sunscreen.

Sixty state forest campgrounds have nearby pathways for non-motorized trail recreation, such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and nature observation. Many people simply like to use the campgrounds as an easy means to access the surrounding forests for berry picking, mushroom hunting and exploring activities.

Other state forest campgrounds cater to equestrians. Most equestrian state forest campgrounds and trail camps are located along the Michigan Shore to Shore Riding and Hiking Trail. This unique trail was developed to facilitate long distance, multi-day riding trips and has two routes that span the state. Beginning in Oscoda, the east-west corridor traverses the northern Lower Peninsula to its end point in Empire. The north and south route begins in Mackinaw City and goes to Cadillac. There are a total of 18 campgrounds along this 500-mile trail corridor of which 11 are designated state forest trail camps.

The Michigan Trail Rider's Association, the organization instrumental in the development and maintenance of the Shore to Shore Trail, holds several trail rides each year. Riders interested in joining these organized events should contact the association at www.mtra.org.

Several campgrounds also have direct connectivity to designated ORV trails, which appeals to Sherri and David Burley of Milford, who are long-time campers and ORV riders.

"These two activities go hand in hand," Burley said. "We love the freedom of being able to step outside our camper's doorstep and access the trails we love to ride."

Denise Gruben of Portland prefers going for the peace and quiet. She likes to camp with friends several times each summer at some of the more remote campgrounds in the Lower Peninsula where they can kayak and go fishing.

"I lead a busy life and my work schedule can be hectic. So, when I find the time to go camping, I know the rustic campground offers me the peace and solitude I'm looking for," Gruben said. "Whatever outdoor activities are planned for the day, I'm communing with nature and that always relaxes me."

Many users of state forest campgrounds feel the same way. These rustic campgrounds generally are quiet and set away from the hustle and bustle you might find in other camping settings. However, in order to offer everyone that atmosphere, campers need to abide by a few simple courteous rules.

Though some people are tempted to "stake out" a campsite in advance, campers are subject to a ticket if they leave a campsite unoccupied for 24 hours. At least one member of the camping party must be present at the campsite during nighttime hours. Pets must be kept on a leash and never leave them unattended in a campsite at any time.

Excessive noise is not permitted either, meaning radios, generators and other amplified devices cannot be used in a manner that creates excessive noise. The designated quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., meaning that peace and quiet must prevail during that time. Camp stays are limited to no more than 15 consecutive days in a campground.

So, consider camping this summer for your vacation or even a weekend stay. Not only will it save you some cash, it also will provide you a pleasant getaway where you can enjoy high-quality recreational opportunities in one of the prettiest states in this country.

For more information, visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrcamping.