6 Tips for Camping on a Tight Budget

Camping is considered a cheaper alternative to many other travel options. But as many new campers realized, the costs of purchasing new camping equipment add up and may not be as cheap as we would like.

But do not worry. There are many ways to ease into camping on a tight budget:

1. Do not buy all the gear right away. Borrow or rent if possible. Ask your friends and family and they will let you use their outdoor gear if they do not need it at the moment. Just take good care of their equipment, treat it as your own. I am sure that you would like to spend your first camping vacation in a comfortable, brand new tent, but even older and used tent will do. You do not need to impress anyone. Actually older equipment may automatically put you in the “experienced camper” category.

 

2. Visit thrift stores and  garage sales to buy used items. Just last Saturday I saw a whole set of sleeping bags for $5 each at a garage sale.

3. Go to dollar stores to buy some cutlery, dishes etc. You don’t need expensive brand names.

4. Cook over campfire instead of purchasing an expensive grill or a camping stove. All you need is a cast iron pot and pan or a Dutch oven. Even the best ones are not that expensive. You can also find some used ones.

5. Make your reservations at provincial or state parks instead of private campgrounds. They tend to be cheaper.

6. Do not buy any expensive “camping” pre-packaged food. Just bring what you would normally eat. Even better cook all your food at home and freeze. Bring it in convenient packages and then warm-up in a pot or Dutch oven. You have to eat anyway, so there will be no extra cost to you.

You will be able to enjoy yourself without spending a lot of money, but it will take some planning and some extra work. It will take more time and effort to complete your gear, since you cannot just walk into a store and buy everything brand new.

Do a test run of your gear in the backyard (or park) first. You will see if there is anything missing and if your equipment needs repair.

If you decide that you still need to purchase a few items quickly, then on-line stores often present the best deals. Try eBay or Amazon.com

Have fun!