Camp on a Budget
A while back, I asked my readers for their tips on how to camp on a budget. Since my family is new to camping, we’ve been looking into doing more of it without spending a fortune. I know that camping gear can get pricey, but here are some tips to make it enjoyable and affordable.
Here are some great tips to Camp on a Budget:
Camping Gear
Goodwill, Garage Sales and even Craiglist are great places to start. You don’t need to spend a fortune on camping gizmos – look at what you already have around your house. If you’re going to splurge, do it on a good tent, a tarp, sleeping gear & a good cooler. If you have an REI in your area, check out their Scratch-and-Dent Sale (Thanks, Lauren!)
Cooking Supplies
Check the clearance sections of Walmart and Target, Goodwill and Garage Sales for pots, pans, dishes and a washing pan. If you can find cast iron pots & pans you’ve hit the jackpot! Look for a larger pot/dutch oven for boiling water & cooking, as well as frying pans for cooking meat (so you don’t have to cook it right on the grates). A few heavier-duty plates & knives are good if you’re planning to eat something besides finger-foods. Also, if your camp site has electricity, look into bringing an electric griddle, toaster, and a coffee pot. 🙂
Camping Necessities
Flashlights and Bug Spray! Also aluminum foil for easy cooking. Keep all your supplies in large Rubbermaid containers to keep the bugs and rain out. Be sure to keep those free travel/sample size personal hygiene items (toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, etc) you get in the mail for camping. It will save you money and packing space!
* Checkout my favorite homemade DEET-free Bug Spray Recipe here.Â
Fun Family Activities
Scavenger hunts are so much fun, especially if you’re camping with other families. Otherwise, cards or small games like UNO, Checkers or Skip-Bo are great. I often find these at Goodwill for next to nothing. Check out the travel game section at Walmart, Target or the Dollar Store for ideas.
Favorite Camping Food and Recipes
Hobo Dinners are my family’s favorite camping meal. You can also freeze meals ahead of time (lasagna, chili, etc) and then heat them on the grill. (Thanks, Dawn!) Do as much preparation at home before you go so you can enjoy more time with your family. I mean, who wants to go camping only to spend all your time slaving over a hot campfire?! This S’mores Dip can be made before you go and is a delicious change from the traditional s’mores. You can find more recipes shared by my readers here and here.
*Need more inspiration, I have a fun S’mores Pinterest Board you might like too!
And the #1 Camping Tip from my readers… put your food in the car over night! Put all of your food (including the cooler) in the car at night or when you leave the campsite. Otherwise, your meal may be gone when you get back. Guess those racoons are smarter than we think, huh? 🙂
I hope you try out these tips the next time you go camping. I can’t wait to get out and go with our kiddos!
Checkout my Pinterest Camping Board for more tips and ideas!
If you’re camping in bear country, keep ALL food and toiletries in a bear-proof place and away from your sleeping area; if the campground provides bear-proof lockers USE THEM! Otherwise you can learn how to “tree” your supplies safely. Savvy bears know how to “open”a car and get the goods inside, hint, not good for your car! So if you have to keep food toiletries etc in the car make sure it’s well sealed and well disguised, bears know the shape of coolers! Also don’t bring scented toiletries, those nice scents smell like food to a bear.