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Camping is often the vacation of choice not only for those that love the outdoors, but also for people who cannot afford more elaborate vacations. Whether you're a regular camper looking to cut costs or someone who's heading camping for the first time, this guide will show you how to camp on a budget.
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Introduction
- Some people who regularly spend their off-work time at resorts may wonder why someone would consider sleeping outside in a tent or recreational vehicle a vacation. However, many avid campers would argue that "roughing it" is more relaxing than a spa, since it allows participants to commune with nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of city living. Camping is also musch less expensive than most other vacations, making it a good option for people on limited or tight budgets.
Step 1: Save Money on Equipment
- The most expensive part of camping is buying the equipment. If you're camping for the first time or do not have all the gear you need, you don't have to run out to your local camping supply store and drop hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on equipment. Consider the following options:
- Borrow equipment: If you have friends or family members who own camping supplies, ask to borrow theirs
- Buy second hand: Most tents and other camping supplies are built to withstand the elements and last for several years. Check out garage sales, flea markets and swap meets for your equipment
- Buy on sale: In most areas, camping is a seasonal activity, so most shops will sell off their excess stock at substantially reduced prices once the end of camping season rolls around
- Really rough it: If you're an experienced outdoor adventurer, you may be able to camp without a tent by building your own shelter. However, this is probably not a viable option for people with children or those who have not previously built shelters
Step 2: Save Money on Food
- When shopping for food for your trip:
- Plan all of your meals in advance and then buy accordingly. This will ensure that you have all the food you need and will not have to frequent the often expensive convenience stores at campgrounds
- Buy food that can be cooked over your campfire or portable camping stove
- Don't buy any more perishable items than will fit in your cooler
- Ensure that you have all the utensils, pots and pans you will need to cook your meals
- If you will be camping near a stream, river or lake and know how to fish, you may be able to reduce the amount of food you need to buy by catching your own meals
Step 3: Other Money Saving Tips
- If you can, plan your trip for mid-week as opposed to a weekend. Some campsites may offer discounted rates to mid-week campers
- Go camping with friends: You may be able to save money by sharing campsites and food
- Chop your own wood or buy it before going to the campsite. Firewood prices are inflated at most campgrounds
- Use ice packs rather than buying ice every day
- Bring your own water containers that you can fill up at the campground to avoid having to buy water
- Look for areas that allow free camping on beaches or in parks
- Make a checklist of everything you will need while camping, and then check off the items as you pack them. This way, you won't have to buy items at the campground or resort stores, which usually have much higher prices than shops in the city
Conclusion
- As far as vacations go, camping is relatively inexpensive. However, you can cut your costs even further by doing some advance planning before you head to the campground, since may campground convenience stores inflate their prices on food and other supplies. If you're an experienced camper, you may be able to cut costs even further by building your own shelter and collecting, rather than bringing your food.
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