Camping On A Budget

Now in all reality you could stop with the purchase of the tent if you;re willing to use your own blankets and pillows but one recommendation I would make is the use of a sleeping pad. I’m not talking an air bed or air mattress. Although they can be used they are often more expensive. I’m talking about a simple pad that you sleep on each night. For a cheaper model costing around $30 this means you aren’t sleeping on the cold hard ground but more importantly is you added a vapor barrier between you and the surface of the earth. This will make all the difference in your rest and the pad is relatively nothing to pack or carry along on the trip.

From here I’m leaving the options to you as they aren’t necessary. Lanterns, heaters, compasses, first aid, all might be things you will want on your trip and I would recommend some sort of first aid kit but as far as pricing and what you may need will be a personal choice. So we’ll move forward to finding a place to camp.

This is where the fun and often the work comes in. You have to realize that the general rule is the more amenities you require, or want, the more the overnight camping will be. Some campers demand running water and plumbing. Some campers are just fine with an outhouse and maybe a well to pump their own water. While others, possibly you on a tight budget, default for no extras because you want your camping for free and don’t mind a little extra legwork to get away from the seasonal crowds and the high-dollar campgrounds. Just be advised that if you’re venturing out for your first camping trip to a deserted area that you need to inform someone where you’re heading, make sure you have enough water, and realize you’ll be doing your daily personal business in the woods like the local critters.

Here’s some irony of sort for thought. From where I type at this moment I am two miles from a campground with running water, showers, a playground, and a nice beach. If I travel 6 miles in the opposite direction I find myself at another park. No running water. Just a well and a couple of outhouses. An eroding beach and a small playground are the highlights if you will at this park. Yet another 6 miles from that park is a main state park with everything you could want from outbuildings and cabins with fireplaces to a beach, groomed hiking trails, an office with munchies and of course running water with hot showers. Although I couldn’t quote the overnight price on each I can tell you it’s expensive even for the least modernized campground. But, head just a mile inland from this desk and you’re on state land with the option to camp nearly anywhere for free in several very large designated areas. You would have to trust me when I say if you’re willing to do a little walking you’re gong to find the quietest most relaxing little meadows nestled in the center of some of these huge mature growth forest stands. These areas practically beg the invite for a small tent and a couple of blankets. Not to mention the price is right and it’s highly likely you can find something similar to this in your areas with the help of your computer or some local inquiries.

So, if you were thinking that maybe a family camping trip was out of your budget’s reach, think again. With a basic tent and blankets, water, and oh yes, a few hotdogs and marshmallows, you can make one heck of an evening with the family around the campfire enjoying the starlit night realizing what matters most is sharing the great outdoors together.

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