How to Go Camping on a Budget

Fresh air, green trees and starry skies. Camping can be the perfect way to unwind. It also can be perfectly economical, especially for families on a budget.

Ideal for weekend getaways, you don’t need for go far to enjoy a family camping trip. And you definitely don’t have to spend much.

From camping essentials to melt-in-your-mouth mountain pie, we’re here with what you need to know for low-budget camping that can yield high-energy fun.

How much does it usually cost to go camping?

The cost of camping depends on a variety of factors, including what kind of camping you’ll be doing (tent or RV camping), where you’ll be doing it, what kind of accommodations you’ll need (restrooms, for example, or electrical/water hook-ups) and when you plan to go.

For tent camping, expect to pay $12 to $45 per night.¹ RV camping is typically more expensive , with rates ranging between $25 to $80 per night.² Compare these rates to the cost of the average hotel or home-stay vacation rental, and you’ll find that camping is likely to be a major bargain, depending on your travel location.

Camping equipment can start at $0 (if you borrow gear and bring things from home – more on that shortly) and run into hundreds of dollars or more. But that’s why we’re here: to help you get as close to zero dollars as possible!

Tips for your family camping trip

Camping on a budget doesn’t mean you need to forgo comfort. Low-budget camping can be relaxing and fun. Here are some tips to get started.

1. Do your research
   All camping requires a bit of research. Camping on a budget may take a little more, but the money you’ll save is well worth the effort. Start by choosing a moderately priced destination.
   
   The following camping websites are a great place to start:

   • Recreation.gov — A one-stop shop for trip planning, information sharing and reservations by 12 participating federal agencies.
   • Forestcamping.com — Browse a deep-rooted list of campgrounds in all 157 national forests and grasslands.
   • Reserveamerica.com — Search a vast campground directory, plan a trip and much more.
   If you’re RV camping on a budget, there’s no shortage of online resources to help plan your trip, too:
   • Campaddict.com — Find an entire section devoted to discount RV camping
   • Pitchup.com — Search for discounted RV and tent camping sites throughout the country.

2. Rent or borrow camping gear
   Once you figure out where you’ll be going, it’s time to get your gear on the cheap. There’s no need to blow your budget on new equipment. Try renting it from an outdoor store or borrow it from friends or family. If you don’t know anyone who has what you need, put a call out on social media. You may be surprised how many people will be happy to lend you a tent, sleeping bags, even backpacks, tarps and lanterns.

3. Buy secondhand equipment
   If you’d rather not rent or borrow camping equipment, or you’re coming up empty-handed, consider buying it used. Googling “used camping equipment” can yield some great results. Even big-name outdoor retailers like REI are getting in on selling used camping gear.

4. Use your home kitchen cookware
   Camping on a budget means using what you have. And that goes for cooking, too. Why buy cups, utensils, pots and pans labeled as camping equipment, when you can go shopping in your own kitchen? Take whatever you think you’ll need that can handle a little wear and tear. Every time you use a spatula or plate from home, you’ll be secretly high-fiving yourself that you didn’t spend money on camping cookware.

5. Keep food simple
   Budget-friendly camping calls for simple meals. Whether you’re going RV camping or just pitching a tent at a local campsite, opt for easy, filling and fun foods. Egg in a hole is a classic campsite breakfast, but instant oatmeal with nuts and dried fruit works fine as well. Cook hotdogs and canned baked beans over a fire. Try some freeze-dried meals. Make s’mores and mountain pies. If peach cobbler and salmon are more your speed, inexpensive campfire recipes abound, so bring your appetite.

6. Avoid camping during peak times
   Whether you’re hitting the beach or sightseeing in the city , everything – including camping – is more expensive during peak travel times. To score the best deals, avoid warm-weather holiday weekends. Consider a weekday overnight. If it’s not too chilly, an early fall camping trip could be budget-friendly and beautiful.

7. Stay close to home
   One of the best things about nature is that it’s great no matter where you go. So why take the time, and spend the money, traveling far from home when you could camp close to home? Your own state is a great place to become a tourist! Without a long drive (and traffic), you’ll probably wind up feeling even more relaxed on your trip. You’ll also save on gas. (More on that next!)

8. Fill up on cheap gas
   Since you’re already doing research, take a little time to find cheap gas so you can fill up before you hit the road. This is especially important if you’re going RV camping, since RVs typically require more gas than cars. GasBuddy and Waze are great options to find discount gas. You can also score cheap gas if you’re a member of a warehouse store, such as Costco or Sam’s Club, since they typically feature discount gas stations.

9. Enjoy free outdoor activities
   There’s no better price than free! And Mother Nature offers no shortage of free activities. Go fishing, biking, hiking, backpacking or swimming. Sit and take in the view from a tall rock while you munch on some trail mix. End the night with some stargazing by the fire, then settle in for a good night’s sleep.

Kick back and relax

A little research and resourceful thinking can go a long way when you’re planning a budget-friendly family camping trip. Once you hit the road and set up camp for the night, knowing you saved some money will make your outdoor adventure that much sweeter.

This article has been updated from its original posting on July 15, 2019. Alex Porter contributed.

1. Esmen, Ben. “The Average Cost of Tent Camping (And Simple Ways to Save).” MyBackyardLife.com. https://mybackyardlife.com/average-cost-of-tent-camping (accessed July 1, 2021).
2. “Average RV Campground Rates: How Much to Expect Per Night.” CamperReport.com. https://www.camperreport.com/average-rv-campground-rates-much-expert-per-night (accessed July 1, 2021).