Our Best Budget Camping Tips for Frugal Campers

Camping holds the allure of being a cheap getaway. After all, you’re staying in a tent outdoors, cooking your own meals, and hiking all day!

But believe it or not, camping expenses can really sneak up on you. The cost of booking a site, buying gear, groceries, the gas to get to your location, and more. And don’t get us started on the miscellaneous spending! If you’re camping at a national or state park, you may get swept up in purchasing souvenirs at the gift shop. Before you know it, you’re well over budget. So keep reading to learn our best tips and tricks for frugal camping.

Cheap Camping Hacks: Gear on a Budget

Become a savvy outdoors person with these cheap camping hacks! Save yourself time, headaches, and especially money. With a little extra preparation and resourcefulness. From repurposing household items to renting camp gear and sharing with your friends. There are so many ways to stay on budget while adventuring and enjoying the great outdoors. Saving money simply takes creativity and outside-the-box-thinking!

Use What You Have

It might sound silly, but you’d be amazed how many items we think we need but already own.

Look around the house for items you may already have to use for camping and not even realize it! A plastic tarp can be used as a rainfly or footprint. Storage bins can be used for camp kitchenware. Bungee cords you may have lying around can be used to stack firewood and secure other gear items. Take a gander around the house and consider what items would work well outdoors.

Borrow From Your Friends

If you’ve got outdoorsy friends, don’t be shy! Reach out and ask to borrow the gear pieces you may need. Even better, plan to camp together and share gear while adventuring. Just remember to return everyone’s stuff! If everyone wants to do a permanent switch, organize a gear exchange with friends!

Rent Gear

Gear gets pricey. Snowboards, paddleboards, and skis can be majorly expensive upfront. Not to mention the maintenance that adds up over time. So, if you need gear for an activity you’re new to, or don’t do very often, just rent it! Most major outdoor retailers like  REI and Dick’s Sporting Goods have a gear rental section.

National parks often have gear rentals. Ask a ranger or visit the welcome center to find out how to rent. Did the weather turn out snowier than expected? Head over to the lodge for snowshoes! Just check out your options before leaving for your trip.

Buy Second Hand

Remember, you don’t need all the latest gear to have a memorable time! Before breaking the bank on expensive tents or hiking boots, explore second-hand options. 

A used canvas tent, for example, is still of excellent quality. If you’re not typically a hiker, buy a sturdy pair of second boots that are already broken in! You’ll save yourself time, money, and blisters. REI has a second-hand section of their storefronts. 

Thrift stores, community swap meets, and garage sales. These are all great ways to shop for discounted camp gear. Use these as opportunities to get savvy and make new friends. Practice negotiating prices, trading goods, and giving back to your local camping community!

Ask for Camping Gifts

When holidays and birthdays roll around, it is time to be strategic! Use the opportunity to your advantage. It’s time to ask for specific camping tent accessories. Always wanted a hammock? Binoculars? A tent stove? Now is the time to ask for what you’ve been putting off buying for yourself. And hey, while you’re at it, ask for gift cards to your favorite outdoor retailers.

Budgeting While Camping: Save Money on Food, Supplies, and Activities

Budgeting while camping is really easy to do. It just takes a little extra attention to detail and planning before you leave. Let’s talk about simple meals, free activities, and more. There is no shortage of budget-friendly and free fun to be had in the outdoors!

Simple Meals With Simple Ingredients

The key to camp cooking on a budget is this: it’s all about planning and prepping.

Some campgrounds may have a small market or nearby grocery store. These are great for one-off items. But they won’t have everything you need. Usually, these shops tend to be much pricier than a regular grocery store. Don’t rely too much on these shops. Instead, do your shopping in your hometown! Shopping locally makes it easier for you to not only prep and pack.

Use basic, versatile ingredients to make simple meals. Prioritize nonperishables like canned and dry goods. These are generally cheaper to buy, are easier to transport and store, and last much longer. If you can, buy nonperishable ingredients in bulk! Because of a longer shelf-life, you can store these away for future camping trips to cut down on trips to the store.

Pick out some tried and true recipes that you know you’ll love! Read our blog all about cooking yummy meals at camp for creative ideas and even more hacks!

Bring DIY Firewood

If you are able– or if you know someone who is– get chopping! Learning a new skill is always a good idea, and even if it’s rough at the first go, you can only improve from there. If you’ve never chopped wood before, do not attempt this without supervision and guidance. 

Now’s the time to try your hand at gathering and chopping your own firewood to save money and time at the campsite.

Do Free Activities

There’s a time to splurge on a ski trip, a private wildlife tour, and a climbing lesson. And, there’s a time to splurge on… absolutely nothing. 

Have you ever considered how much money it costs you to hit a trail, jump in the water, or lay in the sun? The best ways to spend time outdoors are completely free and at your disposal! Some of our favorite camping activities are hiking, biking, swimming, and spotting wildlife. Get creative! You can turn your simple camp dinner into a beautiful picnic spread on a canvas tarp. Create a cozy vibe while stargazing with blankets and music. There are so many ways to spruce up your usual camping activities.

When budgeting, focus your funds on getting there, food, and campsites. Focus the fun on what’s free!

Save on Locations

One of the easiest ways to save on camping is simply in the location. If you have the itch to camp, but don’t have the means to roadtrip or fly to a national park, not all hope is lost! Choose to camp locally. Rediscover the natural beauty of your own backyard! Support your local state parks and private campgrounds. 

If you’re really ready to commit to a low-cost camping trip, boondock! Check out BLM lands near you and start free camping this season.

Share the Cost– Camp with Friends!

Camp with friends and share the cost! Consider carpooling, pitching in for meals and campsites, sharing gear, and more. This is the easiest way to have a top-notch, low-cost camping trip. Spend quality time with good friends and save money while doing it!

Wrapping Up…

Camping is one of the best ways to spend time—not money. Getting outdoors with friends and family, or on a solo mission, can help you recharge and relax. But don’t let budgeting slip away! Between gear, provisions, and locations, costs can add up. But by being savvy with funds, you can have a high-yield, low-cost adventure!

When it comes to gathering gear, no need to feel overwhelmed by crazy price tags. If you’re new to an activity, you can always rent specialized gear. Better yet, borrow from friends and family! Get in the know on local gear exchanges and swap meets, and reach out to retailers for rentals. Camping gear is likely lying around your house without you even realizing it! Assign multi-purpose uses to household items like tarps, bungee cords, and containers.

Cooking for camp can be daunting, but focusing on a few priorities helps a lot. Shop local, use fresh ingredients first, and stock up on non-perishables. Stick to your tried-and-true recipes to cut down on waste and random ingredients. 

Support local campgrounds, focus on free activities, and involve your friends! Get the pals together for a group camping trip and split the costs. 

Whether you’re borrowing camping tent accessories from friends or visiting a local swap meet in search of a used canvas tent. You’re bound to find everything you need within a reasonable budget.

Yes, there is the cost to location, getting there, and supplies. But the outdoors themselves are free by nature. So get out there and find ways to enjoy it without having to think about your wallet. With smart budgeting and planning, you can spend less time. 

So you can focus on having fun outdoors. Happy camping!