When you think of going camping, there are many expenses you think about. You mostly think about the cost of camping gear before you can even consider how much you’ll need to pay for transport, food, and permits. These costs can go through the roof, but camping does not have to be costly.
If you are planning to go camping, there are several things you can do to save money while still enjoying your trip. Below are the seven tips on how to go camping on a budget:
1. Rent Camping Gear
You can be indecisive buying camping equipment since it can cost a lot, especially when you plan to get high-quality equipment. Instead of buying stuff when you’re still undecided, talk to a friend who has some and borrow their gear so you can decide which one you should buy. If you can’t acquire any, then consider renting one from shops that offer the kind of equipment you’re eyeing for.
2. Buy Used Camping Equipment
If you have finally decided to buy your own set of camping equipment, you may want to consider purchasing a used one. A complete set of new camping gear can cost you a fortune when you are working with a limited budget or if you’re still testing the waters.
The best thing about buying used camping equipment is that you can buy it for less and you can get quality brands at an affordable cost. You might also meet someone who is selling used equipment. On the other hand, you can also try finding great bargains in shops that sell used camping sets and camping accessories.
The flipside of it is that used equipment can have damages that you won’t notice until you start using it. It also doesn’t come with a warranty so you will not be able to return it if it is in a terrible condition.
If you decide to buy used camping gear, check and test it to ensure that it is working well. You do not want to spend your money on a piece of equipment that will break after a few rounds of use. Going for used equipment can help you to save a significant amount of money.
3. Prepare A Camping Menu
When you are on a budget, preparing a camping menu is a good option. When you are planning your menu, opt for canned goods or one-pot meals. They are easy to make on a single burner or a campfire while using reusable utensils for cooking it.
You can also bring some spices or herbs from your kitchen to keep your food tasty. If you are camping with a group of friends, you can cut down on food costs by cooking in bulk. Take turns in preparing together rather than making small meals separately.
4. Camp During Off-Peak Season
Most camping grounds charge varying prices depending on the season. During the peak season, the fee tends to be expensive because the demand for camping grounds is high. To ensure that you don’t pay so much for camping grounds, avoid camping during the peak season.
Alternatively, book camping grounds way in advance to avoid spending more during the peak season. If this is not possible because you want to camp with your kids during the holiday season, then find a camping spot that does not attract many tourists. Look for something cheaper.
5. Hire An RV
If you are going camping with your family, Hiring an RV can reduce your travel costs significantly. Although you will still need to bring essential items, camping in an RV saves you the hassle of getting and pitching a tent on the camping grounds. You also need to ensure that the camping site you choose allows you to park an RV. You can rent an RV from a reputable RV rental site like thewanderingrv.com.
6. Pack Food and Drinks
When going camping, buying food along the way in rest shops or service stations can be an unnecessary expense and can be a burden when you are on a budget. To save money pack food and drinks instead before you go to bring on your trip.
You can make some wraps to eat on the way, carry a reusable bottle with coffee in it, and pack some snacks to munch throughout the day. It will save you some money that you would have otherwise spent on buying snacks and drinks on the way.
7. Opt for Inexpensive Activities
There are numerous activities you can do on camping grounds. If you camp in public parks, you’ll find lakes where you can engage in swimming, fishing or boating activities and these can be expensive. Opt for camping sites that have a large environment to explore instead. You can participate in different adventure activities that do not require special equipment. You can go on a hike with others, build small rafts to paddle on a river, or visit waterfalls if there’s any.
Some camping grounds even have playgrounds with a wide range of amenities, including basketball courts and swings. To keep your camping costs low, bring your balls, bikes, board games, and toys.
It works well when you are off camping as a family or a group of friends. Alternatively, you can entertain yourselves by playing exciting camping games with your camping mates. You can also entertain yourselves by singing or playing cards around the campfire.
8. Camp As A Group
Inviting friends to go camping enables you to reduce the cost of travel, food, and other fees. Most campsites can accommodate up to eight people in three tents. If you camp as a group, you will individually pay a fraction of the cost.
Camping as a group also means sharing chores. You can partner up and assign tasks with each person to lessen the things needed to be done.
Final Word
Camping is a great way to relax and to get away from the city. You may want to get off to the woods and experience nature. Still, the cost of going on a camping trip can be expensive and might discourage you from continuing. These costs can be significantly reduced by inviting your friends to go camping with you and following the tips mentioned above to stay on a budget.
