Return to the great outdoors

Camping and Outdoor Show begins Friday at Eastern States Exposition

By K eith O ’C onnor

Special to The Republican

Outdoor lovers looking forward to their next great adventure can find help putting their plans into motion at this weekend’s Springfield RV, Camping and Outdoor Show.

This weekend’s four-day show opens its doors tomorrow on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition with more than 200 exhibitors, including RV dealers, campgrounds and specialty products spread throughout the Better Living Center, Mallary Complex and Young Building.

“Camping is a great social opportunity, especially for families with kids, to get out of the house and enjoying something that they all have in common. There is a lot of camaraderie among campers,” said Debby Boucher, who is chairing this year’s event along with her husband Jody. Both are members of the Pioneer Valley Chapter 8 family camping club, organizers of the annual event.

Boucher noted that campgrounds aren’t simply a place where you stop with your RV for a break in your travels that offer hookups to maintain your RV. She noted visitors at the show will find every kind of campground from those offering the basics to some with the word “resort” in their name that are the closest thing to spending your time in a luxury hotel.

Among a few of the many amenities found at campgrounds today include, spas, swimming pools, lakes for fishing, fire pits, children’s playgrounds, basketball courts, fitness rooms, slides, snack bars, hiking and biking rails, cabins, non-stop activities, and so much more.

Even the RV you may be traveling in can be outfitted with all the comforts of home. Dealers at the show will offer a look at the many ways