Whether it is in our nature to be pioneers in this country, or we’re just looking for an inexpensive getaway, camping can be an awesome way to get away! Whether you’re “roughing” it in a tent, or planning your vacation in a fully equipped motor home, camping can look very different, depending on your budget. However, one thing is certain, you CAN save money by camping.
Obviously, the most inexpensive way to camp is to tent. However, if you’re extremely frugal, and not sure if you will like tenting, I suggest asking a friend or family member to borrow their tent/camping supplies for a weekend to see if you like it. This is the most cost effective way to try it out, and then if you love it, you can invest in your own supplies. It also helps to borrow from someone when starting, because they will usually give you a ton of free advice!
Several of my cousins starting camping in tents as a family, and they loved it. Eventually they felt it was worth it to buy campers, and now they camp frequently. However, they all started by tenting. At least when you start in a tent, the amenities can only get better as you move up the camping ladder!
Typical costs for a tent site range from $15-$25 per night in most areas. This is a frequent getaway for people in our area, because we live in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains. Therefore, we spend very little on gas to get there. However, if you live in an area where you have to travel great distances to camp sites, then this may not be the most frugal vacation budget for your family. Also, the lights hung by the RV’s are so adorable, and it really looks welcoming, but I wouldn’t start out by spending this much money until you’re sure this is something you really enjoy.
The biggest draw to camping is obviously the fun you want to have. Many parks have pools, lakes, streams, hiking trails, and many other attractions. Making S’mores and making camp food is another MAJOR draw to camping. There is something about eating a hot dog cooked over the fire that makes my mouth water! There is also the fellowship with others in playing card games by lantern, or hiking trails and feeling at peace. No matter what your reason for camping, make sure you make memories while you are there!
Camping Tips/Articles:
Tip #1: If you are new to setting up a tent, try erecting it first in your backyard. This way you have some experience when you go, and you don’t waste time getting frustrated. This is also a way to know if you are missing parts.
Tip #2: Make sure you take a tent that is big enough to do what you want to do. Obviously, if there are four of you, and you want to put a card table up in the tent as well, you will need more than a two person tent.
Tip #3: If you’re going to go camping at the beach, you may want to spring for an air conditioned cabin at the KOA. Know how much heat you can take! I speak from experience on this one. We tented at Frontier Town in Ocean City, Maryland once. It was 90+ degrees, and we had a terrible thunder storm in the middle of the night. I came home with over 60 bug bites! Needless to say, we only made it there one night! Another time we stayed in a KOA air conditioned cabin when visiting my sister-in-law in Virginia Beach. This was a MUCH better way for me to camp, and I was able to get a break from the heat when I needed it! So, think about what you can/can’t take in regards to weather, roughing it, etc.
Tip #4: Just Do It! Nike had it right in some ways with this message. Because I had never tented in my life, it was tougher for me to get used to. However, my husband has hiked over 200+ miles on the Appalachian Trail, and I have gone on several hikes with he and his father (only one overnight ;). While there may have been un-enjoyable moments, I have wonderful memories of these experiences, and at least it will give you something to talk about in the future!
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