The great outdoors is calling to you. You can’t wait to get closer to nature as soon as the good weather arrives. Camping is your favorite way to unwind while you enjoy the beauty around you. Depending on your life, you could camp most of the year. Otherwise, late spring to early fall means you have a long period to plan your outings. The best part about a camping trip is you can enjoy your trip without spending a fortune. Take some tips to save money the next time you take to the wild.
Pack a Tent
Cabins, campers, and sites with a complete hookup for utilities cost more money. A tent is the most reasonable way to camp. It will also give you many returns on your investment. It’s easy to throw in the trunk or pack in the backseat. You can choose a compact model if you are camping alone or going with only one other. Pick a larger tent if the family is coming along for the ride. If you go with something like a Toyota 4Runner rooftop tent, you aren’t even confined to a camping site. Your tent is already mounted on your vehicle. Pullover anyplace that grabs your attention in your travels.
Try Bargain Shopping for Gear
When it’s time to load up on equipment for your camping trip, there’s nothing wrong with choosing gently used items. Scope out your local yard sales, the classified ads, and the thrift shop. There’s no reason to spend more than you have to when you can gear up for a fraction of the price tag you would pay on new items. You’d be surprised at your discoveries. People may get out of the hobby with equipment that was never used.
Make it Simple When You Cook Outdoors
You don’t have to bring a cookstove or a grill the next time you go on a camping adventure. Avoid going out to restaurants. They will only hurt your wallet when you pay more for what you could prepare yourself. Wood for a campfire is cheap. You can also chop your kindling and scavenge for deadwood in the forest. You’ll soon discover everything tastes better when you cook outside over an open flame. You can also pack your cooler and vehicle with items that don’t need to be cooked at all.
Check Out State and National Campsites
Private campgrounds typically cost more than campsites set up in state and national parks. You can save money on your campsite fees. You can also give yourself flexibility about choosing your site if you book early. Explore your options on the Internet. You could locate free sites that are pristine and off the beaten path. While you are on your travels, you can stay in parking lots for a night at some of the major retail stores for free. It’s a great way to save money when you are in between your destinations.
Choose Activities that Don’t Cost Anything
You don’t have to pay extra money while you are filling your free time during a camping trip. Strap your bike to the back of the car to explore your surroundings on your own steam. Go hiking, take a dip in a lake, or toss a line in for fishing. Be sure to check state regulations wherever you go to determine if you need a fishing license. Birdwatch. Keep a journal. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures. Pack cards and other board games for fun in the evenings or when it rains. Listen to the radio. You might catch a ball game while you stare up at the stars.
Vacations don’t have to break the bank, especially when you camp out. You’ll create memories to last a lifetime. If you bring your family along for the journey, you’ll set the stage for years to come as they follow in your footsteps. People don’t remember how much money they spent on a trip. They hold on to the joy they’ll carry inside of them for the rest of their lives. It’s time for you to start a tradition you’ll keep for years to come without spending your savings.
