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This is a great time of year to go camping, but if you’re new to it, it can be overwhelming to figure out what you need. Like most things, simple is best and camping can be a frugal activity. Here are some tips for frugal camping for beginners.
Frugal Camping for Beginners
What to Do
The most important thing to remember is to keep things simple. You could spend thousands of dollars on camping gear and have it be a lot of stuff that you don’t need or that is more than what you need.
It’s also a lot easier to go camping if you don’t overpack! Start simple, with the basics I am going to list below, and then you can upgrade based on what you actually use.
On that note, for your first camping trip, try to go somewhere with good bathroom amenities and showers that isn’t too far from home. Just do a night or two at a time.
Similarly, don’t go when it’s super cold. The colder the weather, the more complicated camping becomes. Go in late spring or early fall when it’s also not too hot, and then you can try out your gear without worrying about how cold you are!
What to Buy
If possible, buy secondhand! Camping gear is something that often shows up at thrift stores, yard sales, and Facebook Marketplace. Here’s a quick list of what I think are the camping essentials
Two-person tent, $21.18
Depending on how many people are camping, you may want a larger tent, but in that case you could just buy a couple smaller tents.
Sleeping bag, $25.99
When ordering a sleeping bag, make sure you pay attention to the temperature rating!
Sleeping pad, $25.99
This is optional—we certainly didn’t use these growing up—but just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to be completely uncomfortable. A sleeping pad means you can be more flexible about the kind of ground where you put your tent.
Camp stove, $29.99
You can cook over the fire for the most frugal option, but this camp stove is inexpensive and will make cooking a lot easier.
Mess kit, $25.99
This set comes with four sets of everything you need to eat, and stainless steel lasts forever!
Mini lanterns, $24.99
This pack of 4 is great because you can hang a couple around the campsite and have a few to carry around.
First aid kit, $9.99
This has everything you need for minor scratches and injuries.
The only other things you really need are some camping chairs or other folding chairs, and a cooler if you’re bringing cold stuff with you!
What to Eat
The easiest things to take camping are things you don’t have to cook at all. Think trail mix, granola bars, peanut butter sandwiches.
If you want to eat some hot food, think of cheap, simple things like macaroni and cheese, instant ramen, or canned soup.
For the next level, you can bring food that you already cooked from home and froze, and then just heat it up over the fire or on the camp stove.
The final stage is to cook real food while you’re camping! Here are some posts I’ve done with camping food ideas:
26 Easy Campfire Recipes
10 Easy Campfire Recipes
15 Favorite Campfire Desserts & Treats
Do you have any tips for frugal camping for beginners? Let us know in the comments!
