Oregon Public Broadcasting

You needn't look any farther than the nearest campground to see how people are economizing in this recession.

For the first time ever, Idaho State Parks are 100 percent booked for the Fourth of July weekend.

State parks spokeswoman Jennifer Wernax says every reserveable campsite, cabin, and yurt in the system is spoken for.

Jennifer Wernax: “It's an indicator to us that, yes indeed, people are choosing to recreate closer to home and choosing state parks as affordable opportunities.”

Washington State Parks have also experienced a jump in reservations, extending even to midweek.

Up 9% through the first half of this year. As in Boise, the parks spokeswoman in Olympia takes it as a sign of the so-called “staycation” trend – pinching pennies by staying closer to home.