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Life can be stressful, busy, and overwhelming. Sometimes we all just need to get away and reconnect with nature. Camping is the perfect way to leave the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle and spend some quality time with friends or family in the great outdoors. However, camping requires a lot of gear, and the costs can really add up. But camping for cheap is still possible.
If you have the urge to break out of the office and break onto the trail, here are some ways you can save on your next camping adventure.
Camping For Cheap – What You Need To Know
Quality over Quantity
When it comes to purchasing camping gear, it’s best to get the highest quality product you can. The reason is that you will likely have to replace it if you don’t.
For example, it’s better to buy a $200 dollar tent that will last you 10 years than buying a $50 dollar tent every two years. Your overall camping experience will be much better when you have high-end gear as well.
Tepui Explorer Kukenam Rooftop Tent
Waterproof Bell Tent for Family Camping Outdoor Hunting in 4 Seasons
Pre-made Bundles
There are a handful of companies that will sell a bundle of gear for backpacking or camping. Buying these pre-made bundles will not only save you time but money as well.
First aid and survival gear is an absolute must for any camping or backpacking trip. You should always hope for the best and prepare for the worst when you’re on an adventure.
Purchasing a survival backpack kit will give you and your friends everything you need to camp or backpack safely and responsibly. These all-in-one survival backpacks will make preparation for your weekend in the woods a cinch.
17pcs Camping Cookware Outdoor Emergency Gear Kit for CampingFamily Cabin Tent
Food
Rather than buying a bunch of prepared food and bringing it along, buy everything you need to cook while you’re camping. Buying food at the grocery store and cooking at home is always cheaper and healthier than going out. The same can be said about camping.
Bring along an iron skillet or pick up all of the cooking ware you’ll need to make your meals. Cooking over an open fire is all part of the camping experience, and makes for a much more authentic camping trip.
Season Camping Passes
Plan on putting all of this new gear to good use and camp as often as possible. Some states will allow you to buy a camping pass for the whole season.
If you’re new to camping you may not know that state camping sites usually charge a nightly fee for upkeep and maintenance. One way you can save is to purchase a season pass: just make sure to crunch the numbers and make sure you’re going to use it enough times for it to be worth it.
Used Gear
Buying used gear is a great way to get everything you need for camping—especially if you are just starting out. You don’t want to buy tons of new gear if you aren’t sure you like camping yet. So many families and people load up on tons of expensive camping gear only for it to sit in their garage and collect dust. Browse sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for high-end used camping gear. You could end up getting that $200 dollar camping tent for a measly 50 bucks.
Share Everything
If you have a large enough family or group, share everything you can. Rather than buying 4 individual tents, buy one large family-sized tent and pile in!
This strategy is especially effective for food. It’s going to be significantly cheaper to buy food in bulk and split the cost between all of the campers.
Coordinate before you leave and have one person pick up all of the food you’re going to need for the whole trip then split the cost at the end.
Maybe one of your friends used to be in the scouts. See if anyone has the equipment you can borrow before going out and spending money.
Check Your Location
Most campsites are going to cost a fee but there are a few that don’t.
If picnic tables and fire pits aren’t a major concern or priority, you can always camp in national forests for free. There are some strict guidelines about what you can and can’t do, but it can make for a much more exciting and challenging adventure.
Use all of these camping strategies when prepping for your camping trips and be amazed by how much you save! Camping for cheap can be as much fun as camping that costs a lot more. Why not save your money for more important things?
