Introduction
Camping is already one of the most affordable vacation options. With smart planning, you can reduce costs even further and stretch your adventure budget.
Gear Savings
Don't Buy New
- Borrow from friends and family
- Buy used (Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores)
- Rent for first trips (REI and others)
- Watch for sales (end of season especially)
Essential vs. Nice-to-Have
Must have:
- Shelter (tent or car)
- Sleep system (bag, pad)
- Cooking setup (stove, pot)
- Light source
Can wait:
- Fancy chairs
- All the gadgets
- Brand-name everything
Multi-Use Items
- Tarp: shade, rain cover, ground cover
- Bandana: towel, napkin, pot holder
- Large pot: cooking, washing, storage
Campsite Savings
Free/Low-Cost Options
- Dispersed camping on public land (free)
- National Forests (often free)
- BLM land (usually free)
- State park primitive sites (cheaper)
Discount Strategies
- Annual park passes (pays off quickly)
- Weekday camping (often cheaper)
- Off-season rates
- Loyalty programs
Bookings
- Book early for popular spots
- Check for last-minute availability
- Call directly for unadvertised deals
Food Savings
Eat Before You Go
- Shop at home (cheaper than camp stores)
- Prep ingredients before leaving
- Make simple meal plans
Budget Meal Ideas
- Hot dogs and beans
- Pasta with sauce
- Eggs any style
- Sandwiches and wraps
- One-pot meals
Avoid
- Buying at camp stores (premium prices)
- Over-buying (food waste)
- Elaborate cooking (expensive ingredients)
Other Savings
Transportation
- Carpool with friends
- Choose closer campgrounds
- Combine camping with other travel
Activities
- Hiking is free
- Swimming in lakes/rivers
- Nature exploration
- Stargazing
- Campfire time
Energy
- Skip sites with hookups (cheaper)
- Use solar for small charging
- Reduce power needs
Sample Budget Weekend
| Item | Cost | | ------------------- | -------- | | Campsite (2 nights) | $50 | | Food (family of 4) | $50 | | Gas | $40 | | Firewood | $15 | | Total | $155 |
Compare to hotel weekend: $300-500+
Key Takeaways
- Borrow and buy used gear first
- Public lands offer free/cheap camping
- Plan and prep food at home
- The best activities (hiking, fire, stars) are free
Find affordable campsites at campreserv.com