Great Gear for the Hip Camper

Camping has gotten hip. And in the down economy, many people have turned to camping vacations, instead of the expensive alternatives.

But for many people, camping is not just about cutting costs; it's a way for families to explore the outdoors, learn about nature and sleep in the wild.

And they have plenty of outdoor space to choose from. The United States has 58 national parks that contain more than 700 campgrounds.

Paul Hochman, a contributing writer for Fast Company magazine, shared his camping advice and showed his favorite camping gear on "The Early Show" Tuesday.