Do you dream of taking a luxurious summer vacation? I know I do….until reality sets in! As a family of 5 luxurious vacation are simply not in the budget. But, that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy summer getaways. Our idea of a luxurious summer vacation is just a little different. We enjoy spending good ol’ fashion quality time with our kids. We enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Our idea of a great vacation is camping! Camping on a budget is something that my family is really good at and I’m going to share my tips with you.
Camping on a Budget
1. Don’t buy new!
If you are new to the camping scene, you will probably be lacking some key items. Before you set off on your camping trip you’ll want to have a tent, sleeping bags, a BBQ, chairs, general survival tools and a sun shade is always helpful.
These items can quickly put you over budget if you head out to the store. Spend some time looking on your local Freecycle page or searching Craigslist for camping items or asking family. You can easily save 75% just by purchasing used camping gear.
2. Shop your kitchen first.
Your kitchen should be your first stop when making your camping grocery list. Dried and canned goods are perfect for camping, so make sure to look through your cabinets and pantry for essential camping food staples. If you do have to make a grocery run, plan out your camping menu and remember to keep things simple! Camping is supposed to be rugged and a fun experience for the whole family so don’t over think it.
Some good, yet affordable foods to bring are fruits, s’mores, hot dogs, chili and of course lots of water.
3. Go with friends.
Going camping with friends and family really adds to the excitement of the camping trip. Not only is it a lot more fun to camp with friends but it can help you save even more money! You might be able to split the campground fee, groceries and supplies.
4. Compare entrance and camp site fees.
Campground fees are going to vary depending on your location and if you are visiting a state, federal or private campground. In order to maximize your savings compare prices of the campgrounds in your area. Saving even $5 a night means more money in your pocket!
5. DIY – You don’t need to buy everything!
Pinterest is such a great resource for DIY projects and camping DIY projects are all over Pinterest. You’ll find tips on making candles, lanterns, mosquito repellent and much more! Spend a few weeks looking on Pinterest and coming up with a list of things you can do yourself instead of purchasing at a store.
To save even more money consider chopping wood from your backyard or looking on Craigslist for free wood. Summer nights can still cool down and you might want a campfire. Purchasing wood at the campgrounds can easily cost you around $12 for a very small bundle of wood.
What tips do you have for camping on a budget?
Nancy says
Do not take firewood from your backyard to go camping. You can inadvertently take fungus and insects to parts they are not currently in and wreck havoc on ecosystems!
K L says
THANK YOU! The destruction that can be caused because someone wanted to “save a few dollars” is devastating. Better to buy from a non-campground source in the area, or bite the bullet and buy at the campground. We sometimes take a few pre-made “patio” logs (made from 100% organic post-consumer waste), just for the ambience/s’mores, one per fire= three hours of guilt-free pleasure/warmth.
Nadine says
Very well said! Please be aware that in some areas this is also ILLEGAL!!! Another list on here should have been no areas rules! If you were to try to transport firewood from your house to the campsite you could be fined up to $500! There are many invasive species that are spread by transporting firewood which cost the government so much more money to get rid of. Our Maple industry, all are ash trees and so so much more are all completely jeopardized by invasive insects that have been spread by the movement of firewood. Knowing that’s a lot of campgrounds have outlawed firewood to be brought in from the outside. So even though this is a good suggestion to save money keep that firewood for your own home heating and enjoyment outside, and purchase firewood at the campground I know it’s a little more money but maybe roll all your change before you go! Return all your cans and bottles to make up the difference LOL it will be a lot better in the long run than a great big fun and lots of money out of your taxes to pay for funds to fix the problem later.
elsie says
wilderness camping is even more fun, more adventurous, less crowded, provides plenty of firewood, and no campsite fees.