Frazier Douglass explains need-to-know information about camping in his new book, “Basic Tent Camping.” CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Frazier Douglass, a retired psychologist and university professor, recently completed this fourth book, “Basic Tent Camping.”

An important component in Douglass’ book is his recommendation on ways that families can save thousands of vacation dollars and improve mental health by camping in developed state and federal campgrounds, instead of staying in expensive hotels.

His book “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,” he said.

Families will need 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 said.

“Unfortunately, various social and economic factors have lured many families away from tent camping,” Douglass said. “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.”

In earlier decades, family camping involved the adults talking with campground neighbors and relaxing by their cozy campfire, while their children played with new friends, explored the woods, swam in the lake and roasted marshmallows, he said.

“Other families believe that they must spend thousands of dollars for luxurious resort rooms or recreational vehicles to live comfortably away from home,” Douglass said. “If these trends continue, our country will soon lose its independent pioneer spirit that made it great.”

Douglass has authored other books about motorcycle camping and destinations in the Upper Midwest. For more information, visit BasicTentCamping.com.