09/23/2021
Camping on a Budget
Just because you don’t own a new Montana RV with slide out beds and satellite TV doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a weekend at the campgrounds. There are many alternatives to make camping inexpensive while not taking away any of the enjoyment.
First, let’s look at shelter. RVs such as Airstream and Jayco make for a very comfortable stay for your long weekend away, but they come with a hefty price tag. There are 10-12 person tents with more amenities than a hotel room that will run you hundreds of dollars and may take you hours to assemble. One affordable option is purchasing a smaller, secondhand tent from a thrift store or a garage sale. You might have a few holes to patch or suffer the tight quarters, but you can spend little to nothing on a decent tend and save your money for something else. Another option for shelter is a tarp. A small tarp can cost $5-$10 and is extremely light weight. Obviously, you will want to check the weather forecast before leaving home when sporting this one-piece shelter. Many people, myself included, use their vehicle as shelter. From a single cab truck to a soccer mom van, anything that can protect you from the elements for a few hours of shuteye should suffice.
Second, let's look at a budget friendly location. There are wonderful destinations across the US that will give you an experience like no other without breaking the bank. Some of these might even be close to your home! State parks will be your best bet when looking for an affordable place to set up a campsite. Many have a primitive camping designated area for less than $10 dollars a day that also comes with amenities such as toilets and showers. Since there are state parks around every corner it seems, you can save gas and still feel like you’re a world away from home.
Next, it’s a good idea to take the time of year into consideration. During the peak summer camping season and holiday weekends rates can almost double at nearly every campground there is. As well as rates, camping gear and supplies will be either low on stock or price gouged as they prepare to display new inventory. A cord of firewood will typically run you $75 to $85 dollars during the majority of the year but can soar to $150-$200 for the same wood in the peak camping season.
A different approach to camping on a budget is to do just that, make a budget. You will be surprised how far $20 a week will add up to buy camping equipment. Once you build up a small account for just camping related purchases, you can keep your eyes open for off season deals that won't make you feel guilty after buying them.
Taking good care of your camping supplies is an important habit to keep your cost down over the years. Having to purchase a new tent or sleeping bag every year because you set up too close to the fire, or you didn’t store it properly and the critters got to it, can add up over the years. Accumulating new gear every year while treating it properly will, in turn, lower your cost year over year.
Another sure-fire way to lower your cost is to borrow equipment from someone. If you have a good reputable past with some other camping minded folks, they surely won't mind letting you borrow a couple supplies to enhance your camping experience. Heck, if someone knows enough generous people, they could probably borrow everything that they need for a long weekend at the campground. It is very important to return the supplies back in good condition so that they will let you borrow them again next time.
Staying budget friendly with food Is probably the easiest way to camp on a budget. Trade that T-bone steak for some cheap flank steak cooked over the campfire will save your pocket and taste great as well. Bring food that you have at home because food at campgrounds tend to be a little pricier.
Applying a few of these tips to your next camping trip will help you save your hard-earned money without taking away the experience. After a few years of budget camping, you will grow your pile of supplies and have everything you need. The most important thing to remember is that the money you spend on a camping trip will never affect the fun you have.
