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Hybrid Summer Getaway Offers 'Glamour' In The Great Outdoors

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — It's not quite a luxury resort, and it's not quite "roughing it", but for many cash-strapped families in Ventura County, one local getaway option is offering both summer fun and savings.

A number of cost-conscious families are heading to Ventura Ranch KOA, which owner Scott Cory told KNX 1070 it's kind of like a hotel-camping hybrid.

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"Compared to regular campgrounds, which are usually RV sites and maybe some tent sites, we are adding what we call a glamour component," said Cory, including a wood-decked tee-pee to keep occupants out of the dirt.

The 75-acre ranch is adjacent to the Santa Paula River and features hiking trails and other opportunities to "get back to nature", said Cory.

Similar to the variety found aboard a cruise ship, a separate recreation area for kids which boasts a climbing wall, a zip-line and a giant jumping "pillow".

"Think of this as a very safe trampoline that is the size of most homes," said Cory.

And compared with the typical summer getaway, price ranges at the ranch are on the modest side: a teepee with four occupants costs up to $69 per night, while RV spots range anywhere from $39 to $50 per night.

No food is included in the costs, but guests are encouraged to bring their own or visit the town of Santa Paula about four miles away for the restaurant experience.

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