With gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon, many families are opting to stick closer to home this summer rather than head to the beach.

The struggling economy has been a boon of sorts to state parks, which have become hot destinations for families trying to keep to a budget.

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

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park in western Kentucky will likely be near capacity this weekend.

Though state parks have been affected slightly by rising fuel and food costs, the uptick in attendance has kept them from passing it along to vacationers.