Camping On A Budget

Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it can be expensive if you’re not careful. Here are some tips for camping on a budget.

Tips for camping on a budget

1. Find free or low-cost camping sites.

There are websites that list free or low-cost camping sites in the United States. One such website is FreeCampsites.net. Another website that lists free or low-cost camping sites is Campendium. Also, many state and national parks offer camping for a fee.

2. Bring your food and cook over a campfire.

One of the most significant expenses when camping is food. To save money, bring your own food and cook over a campfire instead of going into town. There are many great recipes for campfire meals online. Consider eating less meat to further save on meals. Don’t forget to pack the salt and pepper.

3. Pack lightly.

Another way to save money when camping is to pack lightly. You reduce the weight in your car, reduce the purchases you need to make, and reduce the headache of packing everything. This means only bringing the essentials. For example, you might want to get a tent, sleeping bag, campfire supplies, water, and food.

4. Use coupons.

Camping has a lot of fun and useful products, however, so use coupons to help shave the cost and still get some neat camping gadgets. You can often find camping gear and supplies coupons in magazines, mailers, and online. For example, REI usually has sales during the year but gives a 20% off coupon that comes out semi-annually. Try timing your big purchases

5. Go during the off-season.

You can often find discounts at campsites and deals on camping gear during the off-season. As well, many campsites offer discounts for camping mid-week instead of on weekends.

6. Join a camping club.

Camping has a different meaning for everyone. Some don’t want any amenities and some want all the amenities. If you like amenities then KOAs may be your bag. Intern, camping clubs, such as the KOA Kamp Club, offer members discounts on campsites and camping gear. This can be a great way to save money if you are retired and camp often.

7. Try primitive camping.

Primitive camping is also known as dispersed camping it is a great way to camp on a budget because it is free. This means camping is more rustic, such as no potable water, trash collection, hookups for RVs, or toilets. Nonetheless, this is the best way to get out in nature and get off the grid. America has plenty of National Forest and BLM land that the public can camp on for free.

8. Rent camping gear.

If you don’t camp often and intend to, you can often rent the camp gear from sporting goods stores or outdoor retailers. For example, REI rents camping gear and supplies.

9. Buy used camping gear.

You can buy used camping gear if you’re looking for a more permanent solution. You can often find great deals on used equipment at garage sales, thrift stores, and online. One such used gear store is OutdoorsGeek. If you live in a very outdoorsy town or state the chances of finding more used gear are increased.

10. Camp in your backyard.

If you really want to save money, camp in your backyard. No gas money needs to be spent, and the bare minimum of camp gear is all that is required. This is a great option if you have kids interested in camping, as they can still enjoy all the fun of camping without leaving home. A great test before taking the family deeper into the mountains.

Factors to consider camping on a budget

When you’re planning a camping trip, there are a few factors to consider that will affect your budget. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. The cost of gas.

If you’re driving to your campsite, the cost of gas will be a factor in your budget. Be sure to factor in the cost of gas when you’re planning your trip.

2. The cost of campground fees.

Most campgrounds will charge a fee for camping. Be sure to check the cost of campground fees before you book your site.

3. The cost of food.

As we mentioned before, food is one of the biggest expenses when camping. Be sure to factor in the food cost when planning your trip.

4. The cost of gear.

If you don’t have your gear, you’ll need to factor in the cost of renting or buying equipment.

5. The cost of activities.

If you plan on doing any activities while camping, above hiking or relaxing in a hammock, be sure to factor in the cost of those activities which may include mine tours, horseback riding, or rafting.

6. The cost of souvenirs.

Tempting if you are at a cool national park and if you do plan on buying any souvenirs while you’re camping, be sure to factor that into your budget.

7. The cost of incidentals.

There are always incidental costs when you’re camping, such as firewood or bait. Be sure to factor in a little extra for these unexpected costs.

Now that you know some factors for camping on a budget, you can start planning your next trip! Just remember to keep the above factors in mind, and you’ll be able to enjoy a great camping trip without breaking the bank.

Conclusion.

This list of tips for camping on a budget should help you plan your next trip. Just remember to factor in the cost of gas, food, campground fees, and gear. With a little planning, you can have a great camping trip without spending a lot of money. Now get out there and start exploring! If you need help budgeting in other areas of your life, BlackBird Finance helps outdoor enthusiasts navigate the world of personal finance. Get Started