Eldon James is packing up the family RV this weekend and heading to the great outdoors.

Yet rather than spend hours on the road competing with traffic and pouring money down his gas tank, James is taking the family to Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, minutes from his western Kentucky home.

"I got things I need to take care of," he said. "If I leave home, I have to get someone else to do it. Here, I can go home and take care of it. ... The gas doesn't hurt us so bad that close to home."

James isn't the only one opting to stay put this holiday weekend. With gas around $4 a gallon and the rough economy forcing families to keep an eye on the bottom line, many families are opting to tone down summer vacations.

The decision has made state parks like Pennyrile a hot destination. The park's 24 lodge rooms and 12 cottages are nearly booked for the Independence Day weekend said park manager Peter Bowles. More than half of the park's 68 campsites are also reserved.

"A lot of people now want to take advantage of what's in their backyard," Bowles said. "They realize they've missed out on opportunities."

Kerry Lamb with the Kentucky Department of Parks said visitation at state parks is on the rise.

"I hope people will take the time to discover the hidden gems like Pennyrile," Lamb said. "It's far enough to get away a little bit, but not so far they have to spend and arm and a leg to go."

The park, however, hasn't been exempted from rising fuel and food costs. But the uptick in business means the park hasn't been forced to pass the increase on to travelers.

"We're seeing an increase in cost just like any other business, but sales are increasing," Bowles said. "I'm glad we're not experiencing an increase in expenses and a decrease in sales. That would be like a double-whammy."

Park revenue covers about two-thirds of the operating costs, with the rest coming from general tax funds, Lamb said. The cost is about $7 per year, per resident, to keep the state park system running.

"That's an investment in our well-being and the conservation of our land," Lamb said.

Besides, there are some things parks offer that other places can't. Melanie Williams of Madisonville often brings her 4-year-old nephew, Kaelan, to the park.

"He can swim here, and he really likes the rocks," she said. "But he's scared of snakes, so he won't go hiking."