Fewer campers visiting National Parks.

The National Park Service announced recently that national parks had 20 percent fewer overnight campers between 1995 and 2005. In addition, the first eight months of this year saw a 4.3 percent decrease in campers.

Park Service officials say the cause could be linked to the economy, gas prices, emphasis on other activities and changing demographics. Participation in tent camping and backcountry camping dropped 24 and 23 percent, respectively, while RV camping lost almost a third of its participation over the 10-year period.