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.

Camping Essentials 101

If you’re planning to head out camping in the great outdoors – but you’re not exactly a seasoned camper – you may want to take a few moments and think about the kinds of things you’ll need while spending time outside.

If possible, grab a seasoned camper and take him or her along with you – they’ll be able to tell you what to do in just about any situation – but if that isn’t an option, think about what you’ll need to start with: shelter, warmth, and food.

Most beginning campers start out as tent campers, simply because it’s the easier thing to learn and the best way to ease yourself into the thrill of camping without too many variables.

Also, this is a good way to see the “great outdoors” without giving in to your desire for the comforts of home – stay away from that RV and pack up the car instead! When you’re purchasing a tent, make sure it has adequate weather protection and durable mosquito netting – and do the same with sleeping bags, ensuring that they’re well insulated for ultimate warmth.

Of course, the problem for many beginning campers is that there are simply too many styles and types of tents to choose from – so how do you know which one is the best for you? First, consider how many people are going to be sleeping in your tent, and whether you plan on storing your bags in the tent or keeping them in the car.

Do you want to reserve the tent for sleeping-only, or will it also serve as a change room and relaxation area? In terms of space, it’s always best to choose a tent that is two people larger than the amount you plan to fit inside – for example, purchase a four-person tent if two people are going to using it.

SLEEP & COMFORT

Before you think about setting up the tent and throwing the sleeping bags inside however, remember that the bags will be lying right on the hard ground – and unless your spine is incredibly durable, your body won’t be too happy with you in the morning if you don’t cushion the surface. Inflatable air mattresses or ground-pads work very well for this, and they’re compact enough to fit in the car easily without demanding too much extra space. And make sure you’ve brought your pillow!

We've always used the basic foam type because they guard your back against rocks, but can roll up to easily fit when packing - and fit at the bottom of a back-pack if you're backpacking only.

FOOD PREP

Next, think about what you’re going to eat and how you want to prepare it. If you’re familiar with backyard cooking, you probably already know how to work a camp stove and grill, and your family may already be familiar with sitting down at a picnic table outside. Pick up a bag of charcoal, grab the spatula, and pack some buns – hot dogs and hamburgers make the perfect camping meal, and if you’ve got a small pot and can opener, you can heat up plenty of canned vegetables to round out the selection. 

While these are the main essentials you’ll need when heading out to camp, it’s always a good idea to make yourself a checklist beforehand – plenty of people have the best of intentions, but arrive at the campground only to find that they’ve forgotten a can opener and the toothbrush is still sitting in the washroom at home. The little things count too, so plan ahead and get a checklist organized. That way, you’ll have all your bases covered – and will have a fantastic camping trip all around!

For some campers who are stressed out by packing because they cannot distinguish what’s essential and what’s not, those that are tempted to bring the whole house just to make sure they have not forgotten anything, or are apprehensive about the thought that they missed putting something important on their checklist. To ensure that you’re not forgetting anything and to make packing easier, use that checklist each and every camping trip.

No matter what you decide needs to be on your camping checklist, here are the 3 basic Camping Essentials I would say are needed for every camping trip:

Camping Essentials List

1. A reliable and durable tent. Choose one that has sturdy poles, durable fabric, heavy duty zippers and sufficient ventilation to make the atmosphere inside the tent fresh and breezy.

2. Comfortable sleeping bag with insulation for cold nights.

3. A lantern and flashlight to provide you with light.

Some of my fondest camping memories only included these basics, with food and water.

Moral to the story, do not make the camping gear that many people buy and use be the thing that stops you. Just get the camping essentials and go camping!