Frugal Fun Camping Trip

Taking a vacation can be a costly proposition. Between airfare, hotel rooms, and the endless dollars spent eating at restaurants, even a short family vacation can quickly end up costing well over $1,000. If that’s not in your budget this year, consider going camping instead. It can be a great way to spend a frugal summer vacation, particularly if you already have the equipment you need.

The Equipment

If you’re a seasoned camper, this will be no problem. You check your gear, make sure nothing has gotten damaged since the last camping trip and you’re good to go. If you’re new to camping, you have some decisions to make. Do you want to camp in a tent, in a camper, or do you want to rent a cabin at a camp site.

If you don’t have any gear, asking around about a tent you can borrow from family or friends is a good inexpensive way to get started. Put it up in the backyard at least once before you head out to make sure you’re familiar with the setup and that everything is in good working order. Sleeping mats are a good idea to make sure you’re comfortable. Depending on the climate, you can take some old blankets and comforters to snuggle up under instead of investing in sleeping bags.

Head to your local super store and pick up a gas stove and a few essentials like a pot and pan. Dig through your cabinet for plastic plates and bowls, or stick to disposables for this first trip. Keep it simple and inexpensive until you know you’ll enjoy camping.

The Campsites

There are plenty of inexpensive campsites all across the country. Ask around, check with your local camping friends, or stick with one of the bigger campgrounds. State and National parks are also great sources for camping.

Reserve your spot ahead of time if possible. Many campsites fill up very quickly in the busy summer months. Do your research and find a site you’ll be happy with. Head out and take a look ahead of booking if you can. No matter where you camp, it will be a lot less expensive than staying at a hotel.

Food and Entertainment

This is where you can save a bundle on your camping vacation. Bring what you can from home, shopping at your favorite frugal stores. Dry goods are easy to store in the car, and you can always pack a cooler for everything else. Keep it simple. Soup and sandwiches are always a big hit, as is roasting hot dogs over a campfire. Pack a bunch of hot dogs and a big bag of marshmallows and much of your evening entertainment is taken care of. Sitting around the fire, roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories is always a big hit.

Give camping a try. It may just become your favorite new way to spend a family vacation and create new memories!

See you tomorrow to discover another frugal way to have fun this summer!
Your happy WAHM, Stephanie Gilbert

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