Gasoline is more than $4 a gallon and is still climbing. That's a lot of money to shell out for a fill-up, especially for families driving minivans or SUVs. For most of us with kids, soaring airline ticket prices and crumbling customer service have completely eliminated the option of flying anywhere. Along with gasoline, escalating hotel and restaurant costs have delivered a regular one-two punch to the vacation budget. Many have opted to stay home this year.

But, how many families does this "staycation" trend really appeal to? Home, sweet home, is great, but traveling sure is fun. What's a family with wanderlust to do?

Camping deserves a new look. Still the cheapest way to travel, life on the trail nowadays can be downright luxurious. Today's tents may not quite rival those in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but they're close. They range in size from pup tents to large enough to sleep a family of eight. They can have partitions for rooms and outlets for electric hookups. Portable stoves, hot showers, toilets -- even a portable ice cube maker -- can make life easier, cleaner, and ever so much more enjoyable for the finicky camper. Initial outlays for camping equipment can run from less than a hundred dollars to $1,000 or more, depending on how many of the creature comforts one needs to keep about.

MANY FOLKS believe that the only true camping is by backpack, roughing it up mountain trails with nothing but a compass, a bedroll, and a pack. They are the purists -- the aristocrats of the camping world.

On the other hand, there are those of us who consider camping grand fun only when we sleep on queen-sized air mattresses that inflate to 24 inches off the ground and are made up with sheets containing no less than a 300-thread count. We do enjoy a day of hiking, touring, or boating but also want to come back to a shower, a good meal, and a well-chilled bottle of Chardonnay.

Take a look at what's out there. Thousands of Web sites list national parks, state parks, and private campgrounds. Services and facilities vary enormously. Stores like Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shops, and REI sell state-of-the-art gear and have knowledgeable staff that can answer most questions.

Take a new look at Virginia. It is one of the most diverse, historic, and entertaining states in the Union. Mountains, beaches, and U.S. history abound. Virginia is loaded with fascinating areas that most people have no idea exist, or if they do, have never visited. For a really original vacation, read the book, Weird Virginia, for ideas on places to visit. It's a hodgepodge of quirky, kitschy, and spooky places in the commonwealth.

Like the beach but hate the crowds? Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel (an engineering marvel in itself) and drive up the Eastern Shore. Kiptopeke State Park has beautiful campsites with water, electrical, and even cable hookups available. It's a great place to relax, bird watch, fish, and swim. Check out the WW II concrete ships that have been sunk in Kiptopeke's harbor to create an artificial reef.

Visit the towns of the Eastern Shore. Cape Charles, Eastville, and Chincoteague are just a few. Many were founded in the late 1600s and early 1700s. Antique stores, great restaurants, beautiful old homes, and fantastic people thrive in these quaint townships. Caution; vacationing here can easily transport one back to an easier, more relaxed time.

The town of Onancock, founded in 1680, is a wonderful place to spend a day admiring beautiful Victorian homes or taking a walking tour of the place. For the ambitious, take a kayak tour of the area and visit some of the spots that Capt. John Smith explored 400 years ago.

DON'T FORGET to stop at the Chatham Vineyards and sample their award-winning wines. There are restaurants to be enjoyed -- or one can purchase fresh seafood to prepare at the campsite and enjoy a dinner under the stars while listening to stories of ancient pirates who are said still to comb the Shore looking for lost treasures.

Seashore not up your alley? There are several campgrounds just outside Washington, D.C. As close as Fairfax are campgrounds in pastoral settings just minutes from the updated and vastly improved Mount Vernon and the sights of our nation's capitol. With the election looming, the Smithsonian's Hall of Presidents is a must -- as is the collection of First Ladies' Inauguration dresses.

Think you've seen all the sights in D.C.? Think again -- ever see the full-scale replica of the Roman catacombs at the Franciscan monastery? Check out the medieval artifacts at the National Museum of Crime and Punishment. Want to totally gross out and awe the teenagers on the trip? A trip to the National Museum of Health and Medicine will morbidly fascinate and incredibly educate. To get really creeped out while sitting around the campfire at night, take an evening ghost tour of Georgetown and don't forget to visit the steps featured in The Exorcist.

Washington too crowded? The Blue Ridge Mountains are a camper's idea of perfection. Douthat State Park in Millboro is breathtaking and relaxing. The park offers great swimming, boating, and gorgeous hiking trails. Within an hours' drive are sites such as Natural Bridge, Foamhenge (don't ask -- just Google it), and the Haunted Monster Mansion, all are worth a visit. Close too, is Virginia Military Institute -- well worth a visit. Be sure to see Gen. Stonewall Jackson's horse, Little Sorrell, a miracle of 19th Century taxidermy.

Camping truly deserves a new look. Be adventurous and give it a try. Oh -- one last item you may want to pack is a credit card. There is that teensy-tiny chance that you find you truly detest bugs and dirt. The Homestead is a mere 30 minutes away, ready to pamper and delight.
Robin Beres is the executive assistant and office manager for the Editorial Pages. Contact her at mberes@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649-6305.