Saving $$$
While camping can be much cheaper than other types of trips, I’m still always looking for a way to save money. Luckily, there are many ways to stretch your dollar further!
When getting a campsite, book a tent site that doesn’t come with electricity or water hookups, they’re cheaper than sites with hookups or trailer/RV sites. Also stay at government campgrounds versus privately-owned campgrounds—and if you’re backcountry camping, even better! There won’t be any reservation fees where you’re going, just make sure that you’re staying on land that is open to backcountry camping and that you have any permits that may be required.
You can also save money by sticking to bringing only camping gear essentials and buying gear that can be used in a wide variety of weather or temperature ranges—more information on this is available on the “Buying Quality Camping Gear” page. You can even manufacture some of your own camp gear—portable toilets, for example; it’s nice to have a retractable camp loo, but you can make your own out of a home improvement store five-gallon plastic bucket, a foam pool noodle cut to top the bucket edge, and small trash bags to hang around the inside of the bucket underneath the noodle cushion, for use with or without kitty litter…not as nice as a portable toilet but it works just as well and is much cheaper—just make sure you dispose of the waste properly!
When it comes to food, eating those freeze-dried camp meals tends to be cheaper than buying groceries to cook at your site if you’re solo camping. You also don’t have to worry about needing ice to keep groceries fresh, and it’s cheaper than eating out. Try to bring some fresh staples such as nuts or fruit, though; these don’t require a fridge or microwave to stay good or cook, and are simple sources of healthy fats, proteins, and good sugars. Canned beans, fish, and meat are also cheap and can make nutritious meals. More information on camp meals can be found on the “food” page.
When getting campfire materials, make your own fire starters! These can be made with toilet paper tubes stuffed with dryer lint leftover from laundry day. Also get your firewood right before you enter the campground—it’s cheaper than the wood available at camp stores. Or pick up your own dead wood near your campsite.
In general, get what you need before you arrive at camp; the campground stores are usually overpriced since they’re the only business close to camp.
Lastly, try to plan ahead! Some destinations are in high demand that require booking campgrounds months ahead of your actual visit. If you plan well ahead of your trip, you can save money here and there to put towards your visit, or reserve various ticketed experiences rather than spend a bunch of money at one time.