Budget Family Camping: A Growing Trend

Is the cost of a family vacation a source of concern for you?

Airline and train tickets have skyrocketed in recent months due to the rise in gasoline prices. Booking a weekend in a hotel for a family of four could cost the equivalent of a week’s salary, and that does not include meals. These factors leave many families with a small budget wondering how they can afford to take a family vacation without breaking the bank. Budget family camping may be the answer.

The option of packing the family car and driving out to a secluded place at the lake or in the woods sounds ideal to some families.

Let’s face it; we all want to get away from the incessant ringing phones, the sound of traffic, and the responsibilities of life now and then.

Budget family camping doesn’t require much planning for a pleasant trip.

Many campgrounds around the country offer overnight camping for tent campers ranging anywhere from $7-25 a night which is far less than the cost of even the most budget priced hotel. Even if the family chooses to camp in their Recreational Vehicle (RV) the rates usually, do not exceed $35 per night in all but the most exclusive parks. Most of the government owned National Parks now have online systems in place for booking camping trips in advance. A family can plan their budget family camping trip as much as a year in advance, in almost any state.

And don't forget, especially out West, BLM camping is FREE, usually up to a 14 day stay!

Once the reservations are made the family simply packs their bedding, extra clothes, fishing gear, and their food before heading off for their budget family camping trip for some family togetherness time.

If you have never taken a camping trip before, you will need to invest in some camping gear which will last for several years. For a family of four your budget family camping trip will require the following gear (for the most comfort):

• A good size cooler to keep food and drinks cold
• Disposable cups, plates, and silverware
• Quality sleeping bags for each family member ($40-60 per person - you can even get pretty nice, cheaper ones at Walmart for around $20 each)
• Tarps for ground cover under the tent (keeps out moisture) around $8-10 (HINT: Get them cheaper at Harbor Freight)
• Battery powered lantern, extra batteries (less messy)
• Family tent (buy bigger than you think you need) $80-170
• Basic game gear- balls, bikes, horseshoes, dominoes, cards
• Fishing tackle box, bait, fishing poles, (optional)

Once you purchase the gear for the first trip, you will have what you need for each additional budget family camping trip. You will probably keep adding items as you continue camping. Many campers find it addicting to get away at least once or twice a year with the family.

Camp Cooking Made Easy

Camp cooking can be as elaborate or simple as you want it to be.

If you want to prepare quick and simple but nutritious meals while you are camping, camp cooking doesn't even have to require a fire.  But if you are interested in fueling your camping trip with a feast, camp cooking can allow you to make hot, healthy foods that are as good as you can make them at home in your own kitchen.

Camp cooking does not have to be limited to sandwiches and baked potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil.  Almost any cooking method you use in the kitchen can be duplicated around the campfire.

For example, use a Dutch oven or pit cooking to bake your food.  You can also easily fry foods in a pan over a grill, or boil, braise and roast.  What type of camping cookware is best for you? Camp cooking and clean-up can be easy or a hassle, it all starts with great camping equipment.

Some pots/pans come in sets that mate together or "nest" for storage and even allow you to tuck a canister of fuel inside them. This comes in handy when you're looking to save room while camping. 

Following are some camping items to take with you if you are planning on preparing some meals around the campfire.  These common kitchen items will allow you to duplicate tasty meals while you are out of doors.

• Salt and pepper

• Your favorite herbs and spices (Hint: use old tic tac containers to hold them all in a small space, but easy to use when needed)

• Cooking oil

• Pot holder (make sure you don't mind if these get smoke or burn marks from using with the fire pit)

• Hand-held can opener

• Aluminum foil (heavy duty is best, if you can get it)

• Tongs and spatula

• Cutting knives

• Cutting board

• Mixing bowl

• Paper or plastic silverware, plates, and cups

Not only should you look to include these items into your camp kitchen, but look for smaller or travel size versions of these to save space when packing.

If you have just a few campers and are looking for some simple camp cooking, try the easy and quick technique of tin can cooking.  All you will need is a clean tin can – a one gallon size can works well.  Your source of heat can be a small campfire, or if wood burning is prohibited, a small buddy burner will work well, which can be found at sporting good stores or online.

Place your meal in the tin can and simply heat the contents of your can over a flame.  You will have a hot meal ready in minutes.  This technique works great for soups, stews, beans, and tuna fish.

A more time-consuming camp cooking technique that also produces tasty meals is pit cooking.  Pit cooking is great for items that can be wrapped in aluminum foil to be cooked.  It is also a great camp cooking method if you are using a Dutch oven or cast iron cookware.  Pit cooking warms your food by heating rocks and coals that are buried in the ground.  As the rocks cool off, their emitted heat cooks the food.  To pit cook, first dig a hole that is about three times larger than your cookware.  Line the pit with rocks and build a fire in the middle.  Once the fire has burned rapidly for about an hour, push the hot coals and rocks into the center.  Layer your wrapped food or covered skillets on top of the rocks and coals and place more on top.  After a few hours, you will have some delicious camp food to enjoy.

And most importantly, do not forget to have simple items like fresh fruits and vegetables. They are portable and easy to eat without a need for any type of fire whatsoever - and they are healthy as opposed to bringing unhealthy snacks such as chips, cookies, and other treats.