Is it possible to buy camping gear on a budget? It is true that a "cheap" family vacation can become pretty expensive after you’ve bought all the gear you need. However, there is also plenty of budget equipment available for large families who might not be able to buy top-of-the-range camping gear.
The good thing about camping is that apart from food, this is likely to be your biggest expense. Fees at a campground range from around $12 to $25 and this is pretty reasonable for a family. You can use the savings to buy your camping gear on a budget and may even have some money left over for those little extras.
Most campsites will have a fire-pit, charcoal grill, and a picnic table and will have an area where you can erect your tent. So you don’t have to buy a camping stove or other pricier items. Drinking water will probably be available as will bathrooms and showers. So what do you need to know about buying camping gear on a budget?
If you currently don’t own any camping gear you should be able to purchase everything you need for around $600. This will buy the basic gear you need to sustain yourself on a camping trip. Even if you’re buying camping gear on a budget buy a six-person tent for a family of four right at the outset. You will have more room to move around and a space to stow your camping and hiking gear. You should be able to find a decent sized family tent for around $200.
The next thing you need to invest in is some good sleeping bags. If you can afford it, choose a 3-season bag. These are rated for 30 to 40 degree weather. If it gets too warm at night just unzip the zipper. These are adequate unless you are going to be camping in very cold temperatures. You can find sleeping bags for under $50. Choose the best you can afford even if you’re buying camping gear on a budget.
What about sleeping pads? These are a good idea because they really do give you a better night’s rest. They will protect your body from the cold, hard ground and you can get one from $10-$30. If you’re getting your camping gear on a budget you can use buy exercise mats or thin foam mattresses at the local thrift store instead.
If you want to keep your dishes free from soot you CAN invest in a propane camp stove. You can find a 2-burner propane stove for around $35-$80. The propane refills cost about $2-$3 dollars. If you’re buying camping gear on a budget that doesn’t allow for the purchase of a stove, don’t worry you can use the fire-pit or grill and do it the old fashioned way!
Even if you’re buying camping gear on a budget you should invest in a cooler to keep drinks and food items cold. Make sure it will be big enough for all your items. Reasonable coolers can be found from $30-$100.
If you’re buying camping gear on a budget a good rule of thumb is to figure around $600 for new gear, $200 or less for campground fees for a week, and $200 for food, gas, and ice. It will be much cheaper next year when you realize you already have everything you need!
