Where camping costs come from
Camping can be one of the cheaper ways to travel, but costs add up in a few predictable places:
- Campsite fees
- Gear (tent, sleeping bags, pads, stove)
- Getting there (fuel, tolls, parking)
- Food (groceries, ice, firewood)
- Extras (activities, showers, permits, park entry fees)
Knowing where your money goes lets you cut where it matters most.
Choose cheaper places to camp
- Public campgrounds. State, county, and national forest campgrounds are often lower priced than private resorts. Fees vary widely by region, so compare a few.
- Basic sites. Sites without hookups or showers usually cost less. If you are tent camping you may not need electricity.
- Dispersed camping. On some public lands, camping outside developed campgrounds is allowed and may be free. Rules differ by area and agency, including stay limits and fire restrictions, so check the land manager’s website first; is wild camping free explains what to expect. You are usually responsible for your own water and waste, and there are no facilities.
- Stay close to home. A shorter drive saves fuel and lets you go more often. See what frontcountry camping is for the easiest, most affordable kind of site to start with.
- Avoid tourist hotspots. Lesser-known campgrounds are often cheaper and less crowded.
- Check for discounts. Some park systems offer reduced fees for seniors, veterans, or residents, and some camping clubs and memberships offer savings. Compare the cost of a membership with how often you will actually camp.
Go off-peak
Peak summer weekends and holidays tend to be the most expensive and the most crowded. Shoulder seasons, when the weather is milder and demand is lower, can mean cheaper sites and more choice. Weekdays are usually cheaper than weekends. Be sure your gear suits the cooler nights, and check opening dates, since some campgrounds close or reduce services outside the main season.
Spend less on gear
You do not need everything new.
- Borrow. Friends, family, or neighbors may lend a tent or stove. Some outdoor clubs run lending programs.
- Rent. Some outdoor shops rent gear, which is useful for a first trip.
- Buy second-hand. Used gear is often sold through community groups, resale sites, and outdoor-store swap events. Inspect zippers, seams, poles, and waterproofing carefully.
- Shop sales. End-of-season sales can lower prices significantly.
- Prioritize. Spend on what affects sleep and shelter first: a tent that keeps rain out and a sleeping setup suited to the weather (a foam or basic pad is the cheapest ground insulation). Cheaper options are usually fine for chairs, cookware, and lighting.
- Use what you have. Pots, plates, blankets, and flashlights from home work fine for early trips.
If you are weighing a hike-in trip, note that lightweight backpacking gear tends to cost more than car-camping gear. See camping vs backpacking.
Save on food
Food is an easy place to save, since cooking at camp is cheaper than eating out.
- Plan meals before you leave and shop from a list.
- Prepare ingredients at home to cut down on cooking time and waste.
- Choose simple, filling meals such as pasta, rice dishes, chili, foil packets, tacos, and oatmeal.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up from taps instead of buying bottled water.
- Pack a decent cooler and keep it in the shade to cut ice costs.
- Bring snacks from home.
See our camping weekend menu for a full plan. Easy camp meal ideas include breakfast burritos, pancakes, sandwiches or wraps, hot dogs, pasta with sauce, and one-pot soups or stews.
Pack smart
- Do not overpack. Extra gear can mean a larger vehicle or a bigger shopping list, and you may not use it. See best ways to pack for camping.
- Check your list. A checklist (try our printable camping checklist) prevents emergency purchases at a camp store, where prices are often higher. The how to plan a camping trip guide has a category-based packing approach.
- Bring firewood or buy locally according to the campground rules. Prices at camp stores can be higher than elsewhere.
Share the costs
Splitting a campsite fee, fuel, and groceries makes a big difference. Many sites allow a set number of people or tents per site, so check the limits.
Find free or cheap activities
- Hiking and walking
- Swimming or paddling where it is safe and allowed
- Stargazing
- Cards, board games, and storytelling
- Wildlife watching, with respect for distance
- Ranger programs, which are often free or low-cost at parks
Try a trial run
If you are unsure whether you will enjoy camping, try an overnight in your yard first. This is cheaper than a failed first trip, and our guide to urban camping outlines low-cost ways to practice.
Does camping actually save money?
It can, especially compared with hotels and restaurants. But the first year may involve gear costs, and expensive campgrounds or long drives can narrow the gap. Comparing the full cost, including fuel, fees, food, and gear, gives a more accurate picture. Staying in a glamped-up unit is usually pricier than tent camping, as explained in is glamping better than camping.
Quick budget checklist
- Pick a public or basic campground near home
- Go midweek or off-peak
- Borrow or rent gear for the first trip
- Plan and prep meals in advance
- Share costs with others
- Bring water bottles and snacks
- Stick to your packing list