Camping trips allow you to spend time with your family, reconnect with nature, and relax. Many families also like to camp because it is a frugal way to vacation. It’s true that campsite rentals are less expensive than most hotels, but you have to be careful not to overspend on supplies if you really want to save money on vacation with a family camping trip. Here are some money-saving tips to keep in mind before you start packing the car for your next family camping trip.
Things You’ll Need:
Borrowed camping gear Groceries S’mores ingredients (marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers) Water- pitcher Coffee pot Cooler Ice
- Borrowed camping gear
- Groceries
- S’mores ingredients (marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers)
- Water pitcher
- Coffee pot
- Cooler
- Ice
Step 1
Contact several campsites in your area to see which sites have the best deals during the time you wish to vacation.
Step 2
Consider the amenities that are included. It may be worth your money to pay more for a campsite that includes free access to activities such as swimming and horseback riding.
Step 3
Ask whether the camp offers special discounts at certain times of the year. Planning your trip around those dates may save you money and allow you to extend your vacation by several days.
Step 4
Make a list of the equipment and supplies you will need. The list may be quite long, especially if this is your first family camping vacation.
Step 5
See if you can borrow at least one or two of the most expensive items on the list. For example, try to borrow a camping tent, air mattresses or sleeping bags.
Step 6
If you plan to do a lot of camping, consider splitting the cost of any new items you need to purchase with another family.
Step 7
Plan each meal your family will eat during the vacation. Then, starting several weeks before your camping trip, begin purchasing items you need, planning your grocery shopping around sale items listed in your local newspaper.
Step 8
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks. Consider taking your own water filtration pitcher, too, and, if the campsite includes electricity, take your own coffee pot.
Step 9
If you will be camping with another family, coordinate your food shopping so that you don’t purchase duplicates of items you can share. Be sure to pack plenty of marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers, too, to make S’mores each night.
Step 10
Find out where to purchase additional ice during your camping trip. You’ll need it to prevent your food from spoiling.
