Tent Sales Up As Vacationers Stay Closer To Home

Cash strapped families are cutting hotel and fuel costs by vacationing closer to home. In yet another sign of the times, Tent sales pop up with gas prices.

Though cold weather delayed the start of Michigan's camping season this year, tent retailers and manufacturers say they are now seeing a spike in sales as families take to the woods for local, low-cost fishing and hiking trips.

Tent sales are up 14 percent this year and family-sized tents by 8 percent at retailer REI. This season's most popular tents, the REI Hobitat 4 at $180 and Hobitat 6 at $250 fit four and six respectively, according to spokeswoman Courtney Coe. Best-selling tents at Joe's Army Navy Surplus & Camping, priced between $89 and $129, fit four to 10 people and are large enough for a full-sized adult to stand in.

Families may be vacationing on a budget, but they aren't necessarily scrimping on equip