MADISON – Retired psychologist and university professor Frazier Douglass has just completed his fourth camping book. This book titled Basic Tent Camping explains how families can save thousands of vacation dollars and improve mental health by camping in developed state and federal campgrounds rather than staying in expensive hotels. It explains how to identify the best campgrounds in any state, reserve campsites, set up comfortable shelter, dress for the weather, cook delicious meals, enjoy varied recreational activities, sleep well, and much more. With a few well-chosen pieces of camping equipment, families can save thousands of vacation dollars and enjoy a variety of fun activities available in parks located within a four hour drive of North Alabama. The book will help all families—regardless of their past camping experience—plan and execute safer and more enjoyable tent camping vacation trips in the future.
Douglass explains that basic tent camping was America’s most popular family recreational activity back in the early 1900s: “Whenever families wanted to
Frazier Douglass
visit relatives or take vacations, they usually packed their camping kits in their automobiles and camped out in developed campgrounds along the way. With the right clothing and equipment, they were able to live comfortably for several days in any weather. After setting up their shelter, adults typically talked with campground neighbors and relaxed by their cozy campfire while their children played with new friends, explored the woods, swam in the lake, attended evening programs, walked through the campground in their pajamas, and roasted marshmallows.”
“Unfortunately,” Douglass laments, “various social and economic factors have lured many families away from tent camping. Although there are dozens of beautiful, safe, and comfortable state and federal campgrounds located in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and neighboring states, many families believe that they do not have the time or money to camp. Other families believe that they must spend thousands of dollars for luxurious resort rooms or recreational vehicles to live comfortably away from home. If these trends continue, our country will soon lose its independent pioneer spirit that made it great.” To reverse this trend and to strengthen family bonds, Douglass urges all families to plan more tent camping vacations—and take their children and grandchildren.
Previous books by Douglass focused upon motorcycle camping, camping basics, and camping destinations in the Upper Midwest. He also enjoys restoring vintage camp hatchets. To learn more about this new book and other works by Frazier Douglass, visit www.BasicTentCamping.com.
