One of my favorite escapes from the city is to spend time camping. If you're not careful though, the cost can add up to far more money than you might expect. With a little bit of planning, you may find it is a wonderful low cost way to spend quality time with friends and family.
Most of the time you can find some great campsites close to home without spending the time or gas to drive hundreds of miles. I am a huge fan of state parks but you may even be able to find some free campsites in your area.
Unless you're carrying all of your equipment on your back hiking, you really don't need a lot of specialized, high dollar, camping equipment. Unless it is super cold, I bet the blankets and pillows that you already have will work just as well as sleeping bags. You likely already own a few flashlights you can grab to take with.
If you do decide to buy equipment, watch for sales or buy used. I have seen some amazing deals at rummage sales and on sites like craigslist.
The dollar store is a great place to find re-usable plastic plates, cups, and even cooking utensils.
Although park stores are wonderful for forgotten items they tend to be very expensive. Be prepared so that you don't end up having to buy anything beyond perhaps ice while you're there.
You may save money by choosing a primitive campsite instead of paying for electricity or water.
Much like at home, you are going to pay more for convenience foods, but you don't need to buy special camping food. Just about anything you would have eaten at home can be prepared at your campsite. Prep ingredients ahead of time and you will be set up and ready to go for quick and easy meals! Check out Pinterest for some great ideas!
Freeze gallons jugs of water ahead of time to pack in the cooler! Not only will you save a little money on ice, as it melts you will have quick access to ice cold drinking water.
Check your local state parks for special deals. Some have wonderful family programs that teach the basics of camping and even provide most of the equipment you will need. Almost all have free scheduled activities to learn about nature. If you end up deciding camping is something you would like to do often, check on their yearly passes.
Get creative with your ideas and above all, just have fun.
Most of the time you can find some great campsites close to home without spending the time or gas to drive hundreds of miles. I am a huge fan of state parks but you may even be able to find some free campsites in your area.
Unless you're carrying all of your equipment on your back hiking, you really don't need a lot of specialized, high dollar, camping equipment. Unless it is super cold, I bet the blankets and pillows that you already have will work just as well as sleeping bags. You likely already own a few flashlights you can grab to take with.
If you do decide to buy equipment, watch for sales or buy used. I have seen some amazing deals at rummage sales and on sites like craigslist.
The dollar store is a great place to find re-usable plastic plates, cups, and even cooking utensils.
Although park stores are wonderful for forgotten items they tend to be very expensive. Be prepared so that you don't end up having to buy anything beyond perhaps ice while you're there.
You may save money by choosing a primitive campsite instead of paying for electricity or water.
Much like at home, you are going to pay more for convenience foods, but you don't need to buy special camping food. Just about anything you would have eaten at home can be prepared at your campsite. Prep ingredients ahead of time and you will be set up and ready to go for quick and easy meals! Check out Pinterest for some great ideas!
Freeze gallons jugs of water ahead of time to pack in the cooler! Not only will you save a little money on ice, as it melts you will have quick access to ice cold drinking water.
Check your local state parks for special deals. Some have wonderful family programs that teach the basics of camping and even provide most of the equipment you will need. Almost all have free scheduled activities to learn about nature. If you end up deciding camping is something you would like to do often, check on their yearly passes.
Get creative with your ideas and above all, just have fun.