Fall is almost here and, if you're like me, you're looking forward to evening fires around the fire pit, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, and spending more time outdoors. It’s also the perfect time of year to consider going camping. Camping tends to elicit strong reactions - people are either passionate enthusiasts or adamant non-campers. Yet it remains one of the most budget-friendly vacation options and has become very popular in recent years.
I grew up camping in a tent but now prefer to camp in a camper. Tent camping is a lot cheaper but also doesn’t provide the same creature comforts this frugal teacher prefers! Our very first camper was a pop-up we bought for a thousand dollars and then fixed up. My frugal husband is very handy and is able to fix and build anything. We flipped that pop-up a year or so later and made a nice profit, which allowed us to buy our first “bumper pull” camper, also known as a travel trailer. We did the same thing all over again and were able to then buy our current fifth wheel camper. Over the years, we’ve gradually improved our gear and now have a pretty solid setup.
Here are my top tips for turning camping into the cheaper vacation option:
Plan your trip. Careful planning is crucial for a successful camping trip. Booking campsites in advance will save you money every time. The cheapest option, by far, is to camp at a state park. In Florida, you can book campsites for anywhere between $16 and $42 per night - and Florida residents over age 65 get 50% off. You can’t beat those prices! However, popular state park campgrounds like Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine fill up quickly, so it pays to book your trip well in advance. We’ve booked a camping trip to the Florida Keys a year in advance and paid less than $300 for the campsite for the entire week. If you’re new to camping, it may be wise to start with a weekend trip to get the hang of it before committing to a longer vacation.
Keep it simple, especially at first. There’s no need to buy fancy camping equipment and supplies if you are new to camping. Keep it simple and start with the basics - a tent, sleeping bags, and a cooler. Grab some chairs, flashlights, and your pillows from home and you can do what is called “car camping,” where you drive to a campsite and have all of your camping essentials right in your vehicle. This is, hands down, the cheapest and simplest form of camping. You can also consider borrowing camping equipment from friends and family or buying it used from somewhere like Facebook Marketplace. You really don’t need much to camp, and it’s smart to see if you and your family will enjoy it before investing too much money. You can always buy items slowly over time to add to your gear if it is something you want to continue doing.
Cook your meals at the campsite. There are so many creative and yummy camping meal ideas out there! A simple Google search will provide you with a wealth of recipes perfect for camping. Keep it simple - there’s nothing wrong with sandwiches for lunch and campfire-cooked meals at night. Don’t overthink it and buy your groceries before you leave home or have a grocery order delivered right to your campsite. Pack a cooler with ice for drinks and cold items, and you’ll be set. Limit eating out as much as possible and plan your meals for each day.
Look into free activities. Almost every campground I’ve been to offers free activities and amenities. They are usually family-focused and are not only fun, but also a great way to meet fellow campers! Try to book a campground that offers free things to do like hiking, swimming, and fishing. Before booking, do a quick online search to see what free local attractions and events are available in the area. Again, planning your trip goes a long way with keeping the family entertained without spending too much money. Don’t forget to bring board games and a deck of cards from home!
Whether you tent camp or prefer a nice, big camper like me, I hope you’ll give camping a try this fall. It’s a great way to enjoy the cooler weather and get away for a few days.
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