Sleeping under the stars could be viewed as a budget-friendly getaway. But purchasing equipment and booking campsites or hiring an RV can be costly.
With a few cost-saving tips camping can be a good fit for any budget regardless of whether you’re planning an automobile or camping trip in an RV or even going on a backpacking trip. Use these suggestions to have a great time in the wilderness, free of the distractions of traffic, technology, and the cost of a hefty bill.
- SEARCH FOR FREE CAMPSITES
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Do not unplug your phone just yet. When you leave, you can put your phone to good use by locating the perfect campsite on websites like Campendium.com and FreeCampsites.net.
Most campgrounds have fees for nightly camping. However, you can also find free campsites, according to Brian Easterling, co-founder and president of Campendium, which is a review of camps on its App and site.
Campendium offers information on more than 27,000 camping sites (free and paid), including state and national parks and RV parks. Lists include user reviews and fees, pictures, and cell coverage information. Some sites do not have a cost for nightly rates, but you may need a pass for access.
Note to the wise The free campsites may offer less amenities than paid campgrounds, according to Kristin Addis, the CEO of Be My Travel Muse, an online travel site. If you decide to go with a free campsite, you should find a location near enough to take care of your mess; Addis says she’s paid to shower in campgrounds close to free camps for less than the campground’s overnight fees.
- CHECK THE WEATHER
Check out an accurate forecast of your location about nightly lows and temperatures, according to Addis, who has been camping on every continent, with Antarctica being the only exception. Antarctica has discovered the benefits of an insulation-proof sleeping bag.
“The most important thing is staying warm and comfortable in your tent,” Addis adds. “So maybe the tent doesn’t need to be super fancy or expensive, but I would maybe spend a bit more on your sleeping bag so you’re not freezing.”
“The sleeping mat is important, too, that it’s insulated and keeps you enough off the ground (so) that you’re not getting bruised by rocks or roots,” she explains.
Investing in top equipment right from the beginning, even if it’s expensive, can save you money over the long term instead of buying a product that could be better and having to change it in the future.
- TRAVEL WITH LESS
Take it easy It’s a good idea to travel light, according to Tom Lionvale, a backpacking instructor and adjunct faculty member at the College of the Sequoias in California. It’s not a good idea to have too much weight to carry around 20 pounds without water, and food is a good starting point when backpacking adds. You’ll need to buy lesser gear even if you’re not backpacking.
For equipment deals, check out online sales. REI.com offers REI Garage, where you’ll get gear and clothing at a discount. Backcountry.com has markdowns on sale at its discounted segment, Steep and Cheap.
Remember seasonal sales. For instance, REI has an Anniversary Sale every May. There are also discounts on outdoor equipment in October, which is the peak of the camping season. Another option to save money is renting equipment at an outdoor equipment retailer, especially if you’re brand new to the outdoors.
“Borrow your equipment or rent your equipment because maybe you won’t like it after the first trip and then you’re stuck with all of that,” Lionvale advises.
- FIND A PLACE TO REST
If you’re camping with a vehicle or RV, you should plan the route you’ll travel on and the stops you’ll stop at in your journey to and from your destination.
If you’re traveling with an RV, Easterling suggests looking up dump stations to dispose of waste before traveling. If you require some rest during your journey, you can search for free overnight RV parking online, like at rest areas and truck stops. Make sure to verify local laws, as policies regarding the length and frequency of time you are allowed to park may differ.
“If you’re going on a road trip from San Francisco and you want to get to the Grand Canyon, and you want to do it cheaply, utilize rest areas and utilize free campsites for just your quick overnighters as you’re trying to make those miles with your family,” Easterling advises.
- MAKE YOUR OWN RULES
There are a variety of ways to camp. Therefore you should plan an adventure that’s within the financial budget. Eliminate the items you don’t need, such as the latest camera or a smartphone that can take pictures.
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“Anything goes,” Lionvale declares. “I’ve seen men and women with World War I army surplus doing a good job and having a good time, and I’ve seen men and women with ultralight equipment having a miserable time.”
This story was made available by The Associated Press by the personal finance site NerdWallet. Courtney Jespersen is a writer for NerdWallet. Email: courtney@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @courtneynerd.