How to Save Money on a Camping Trip

by Garrett

If you begin camping, it can be tempting to purchase all the gadgets and knick knacks presented to you to make the camping life easier. These small additions to your equipment and clothing may be helpful at times, but do you really need to spend a ton of money on equipment and clothing if you are going to be a weekend camper?

It can be difficult to determine what you truly need if you will only be camping every now and then. Keeping an open mind and allowing yourself to be open to innovative ideas and ways of doing things will benefit you in the long run, no matter how often you plan to be camping.

Shelter

If you are new to the camping scene, rest assured that you do not have to spend a ton of money up front to enjoy yourself. The most expensive thing you need is a tent, but you can even be creative in this if you need to save money.

There are many ways to construct improvised shelters using only large tarps, like the wedge tarp method, a tarp wing that’s suspended above by trees, and many others. Of course, if you’re skilled enough you may also consider building a more permanent structure out of available wood and leaves, just allot yourself enough time and practice.

Of course, shelter is your number one priority for surviving a camping trip, so if you’re not a skilled survivalist it’s a wise decision to buy a camping tent. Used options are available and certain camping sites even give you the option to rent a tent at an affordable price.

Clothing and Gear

Outside of a tent, there are a few things you need to spend a lot of money on. You can successfully use the clothing you already have; you may just need to layer the clothing depending on the weather. As a weekend camper, you can keep an eye out for what weather is expected and pack only for that weather.

If there is expected weather that involves cold temperatures or climates that you are not prepared for, you have the option to reschedule your trip instead of purchasing new and expensive clothing to wear on the trip.

Another option is to frequent secondhand stores, look for snow gear, and rain gear in good condition. Secondhand stores are much more inexpensive than buying brand new, so you will be able to purchase the items while on a budget. The best idea is to keep a list of the items you would like to purchase and look for them each time you
go to the thrift store.

Food and Water

There will be some items that you will need to replace each camping trip, either by purchasing new things or replenishing them from other sources. Things you will need more of each trip will be food, water, and firewood.

Camping can be a great way to practice your survival skills of finding water, foraging, and acquiring food. If you want to get very connected with the outdoors, you can learn to hunt and gather food in the area you will be staying. Searching the area, you are camping and using the resources available to you are the best ways to save money when camping.

If you plan to gather your food, you will want to be sure you have done some research on what plants are around you and be able to identify the ones that are safe for you to consume. Luckily, you can usually purchase plenty of food and water to bring with you on your trip on the cheap if you’re not up to the challenge of surviving on the land.

Strength in Numbers

If you plan to camp with family or friends, it is also an option to split the cost between you on certain items. This is the best way to save money. One person can bring food, another shelter, and so on.

Another wonderful way to camp on the weekends without spending much money is to borrow items you may wish to use. That way, the burden is shared, and you can enjoy the benefits of whatever items you want to use. Community items such as coolers and cookware can be shared between camps.

Communing together at mealtimes is a wonderful way to socialize, regroup, and save on what items each camp needs to bring with them. It is always good to share! You can also network with your friends and family to inquire about borrowing certain items. Campers are eager to share their love of the outdoors with others, so if they’re not using the gear you need then there’s a good chance they’ll be happy to lend it to you for your next trip.

Bring an Open Mind

Finally, the best thing you can do to keep your resources plenty and your costs low is to bring an open mind with you as you go camping. Remember, people have camped for years, and this was the way of life for many as they traveled. This is still the way of life for some. If they can sustain themselves with a few items, then so can you.

Sometimes you may need to use your imagination to use what you have to create what you need. Other times, you want to have an open mind to purchase the items you need. Often, you get what you
pay for in the store.

If you spend less money, you are likely to purchase a lower quality product. Be sure to do your research before going to the store to see what brands work best and be willing to spend the money needed to obtain a quality product. The better the product, the longer it will last, and this will save you money in the long run.

In short, you do not have to spend a ton of money to enjoy yourself on a weekend camping trip. There are many resources you can seek out to fill each of your needs. Hopefully, this will take stress off your mind as you prepare yourself for a trip and will enable you to enjoy every moment.

What prepping books do you own and recommend? Let us know in the comment section below.