By Staff
Special to the Advance
With the rising costs of gasoline, many vacationers are looking for summer recreation they can drive to that is close to home and won't put a dent in their pocketbook. The fun and excitement is practically right outside your back door and it won't cost you "an arm and a leg" to go there. Alabama's 22 State Parks are centrally located throughout the state and offer a wide range of affordable amenities for vacationers. Campers can choose from primitive camping to full hook ups for recreational vehicles. Those that wish to stay indoors can opt for resort lodging or cabins, many of which are brand new. While staying at an Alabama State Park, visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, golfing and much more in locations ranging from the north Alabama mountains to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.
Another convenience for park goers is to purchase an Alabama State Park Gift Card to use at most facilities, eliminating the need for carrying a lot of cash when enjoying your summer vacation. Guests simply purchase a gift card for the amount they wish and use it to pay for services such as food, golf, camping, lodging, etc., until the amount on the card is depleted. Alabama State Park Gift Cards can be purchased at 20 of Alabama's 22 state parks wherever credit/debit cards are taken. There is no fee and no limit on the number of cards purchased. To find out how to buy your Alabama State Park Gift Card, contact the Alabama State Parks at 1-800-ALA-PARK or visit www.alapark.com <http://www.alapark.com/>
So, when planning this summer's getaway, visit www.alapark.com <http://www.alapark.com/> and discover the many amenities Alabama State Parks offer. The kids won't be disappointed and neither will you. When you're driving and they ask you that ultimate question, "Are we there yet?" The response will be, "It's not very far." Then you'll look down at the fuel gauge and smile, thinking how wise it was to choose an Alabama State Park for your summer family getaway.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com <http://www.outdooralabama.com/> .