Camping on a Budget: How to Camp Inexpensively but Safely

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Even if you are not a big fan of sleeping outdoors or adventuring out into the wild, consider taking the family camping in a state or national park.  Traveling across the country or within your own home state to a scenic location can be worth the memories made and can be a fairly inexpensive way to share a vacation with your family.  By following some simple tips for packing effectively for a camping trip and for utilizing tools that can be used for a variety of functions, you may find that a camping vacation is just what your family can afford.

There are a few costs to consider outside of your camping equipment. First, the cost to camp in a state or national park will range from $12 to $25 a night. It is smart to look online or call a park ranger to find out more about the grounds you plan to visit, any security issues you should be aware of an any extra amenities that it may offer. Some sites may have built in fire pits, charcoal grills, picnic tables, designated tent sites, free or paid parking, running water, full-facility bathrooms or showers and trash service.  Knowing this information ahead of time will help you pack for the right circumstances. Additionally, estimate the cost for fuel to get you to and from your camping area and have extra gas with you in case you get lost or run out of gas in between stations.

Once you know where you are going to camp, begin pulling together the right equipment to take along.  The type of tent to have depends on how many people you want it to hold and what season you plan to be camping in. Tents are divided into which season is appropriate. If you're a summer, camper, buy summer tents, which are made for hot climates only. They usually weigh between 4 and 8 pounds, which is important if you are moving camp from day to day. Winter tents are specially made to withstand cold, winter weather or mountain camping. They weigh generally 5 to 10 pounds. A general rule of thumb is to get a three-season tent, which can withstand light snow and a variety of climates. They weigh between 5 and 10 pounds. A fourth tent which is most practical is an all season tent. These are for your average camper who enjoys camping any season, but doesn't follow the mountaineering route. This tent weighs in at 5 to 10 pounds. A variety of sleeping bag options are available. Choose one that is light enough to be carried should you need to pack your equipment in, but is warm enough for cold weather.

Knives are important outdoor tools essential for any camping trip. When trying to save money, a survival or multi-purpose knife is the best option. It provides the benefits of a quality hunting knife along with several other tools that can be useful when in the great outdoors. A survival knife can be used while camping to cut string that holds the tent, to rig up lanterns and to clean and gut fish, among other miscellaneous uses. They are also important to have for emergency survival situations. Should you get lost in the woods, a knife would be protection against animals and would aid you in building a temporary shelter. When looking for a good quality multi-purpose camping or hunting knife, either a full size or pocket knife version will work. Just buy one that has several blade types, screw drivers, a potential storage spot for matches and small scissors – these things may come in handy while hiking or camping.  By having these items in one easy-to-carry survival knife, you save money and space in having to carry each of these items separately

Outdoor lighting is one of the most necessary pieces of equipment when camping. A long-lasting, bright camping light will help ensure a safe trip.  LED lanterns are appropriate for providing light to a wide camping space. For walking at night or looking for items in a tent, an LED flashlight or LED mini flashlight is useful and provides a strong, bright beam. In both cases, having an LED light source is the most cost-efficient option for camping equipment because they will last thousands of hours longer than a standard flashlight or lantern. This means families will save money on replacing batteries and bulbs over the life of the light.  LED outdoor lighting equipment is also more robust and durable than other flashlights so they are perfect for rough hiking or camping situations. This is also important should you find yourself in an emergency situation. Knowing that your LED flashlight or lantern will not die out, gives you assurance.

Doing a bit of research ahead of time, preparing a list of must-have camping equipment, and utilizing equipment that can save money and space will help your family have a fun, inexpensive vacation in the great outdoors.

-Ben Anton, 2007
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