How Much Does Camping Cost

If you’re planning a trip under the stars, one of the first questions on your mind is likely how much does camping cost. The answer isn’t as simple as a single number, because the price can swing from nearly free to surprisingly expensive.

Your total cost depends entirely on the style of camping you choose. Are you pitching a tent in a national forest or parking a luxury RV at a full-hookup resort? Your gear situation is another huge factor. This guide will break down all the variables, give you real numbers, and show you how to camp on any budget.

To give you a clear picture, let’s look at the three main budget categories for a typical weekend trip for two people. These are estimates that include campsite fees, food, gas, and a share of gear costs.

Budget Camping ($50 – $150): Uses existing public land, borrowed gear, and simple meals.
Average Camping ($150 – $400): Involves a paid campsite, your own basic gear, and grocery store food.
Comfort/Luxury Camping ($400+): Includes premium private sites, high-end gear, and special equipment or activities.

Breaking Down the Major Cost Factors

Think of your camping budget as being built from a few key pieces. Changing any one of these will change your total cost.

1. Campsite Fees and Permits

Where you sleep is often your biggest fixed expense. Fees vary wildly.

Public Land (National Forests, BLM Land): Often free or $5-$20 per night for dispersed camping. Developed sites with a picnic table and fire ring might be $10-$30.
National/State Park Campgrounds: Typically range from $20 to $50 per night. These offer great amenities like restrooms and water, and sometimes showers.
Private Campgrounds & RV Parks: Can cost $30 to $100+ per night. They often have full hookups, pools, wifi, and laundry.

Always check if you need a permit or a pass, like the America the Beautiful Pass for federal lands.

2. Gear: The Big Investment (or Not)

Gear is your largest potential upfront cost, but it doesn’t have to be. You have options.

Borrow or Rent: Ask friends or family. Many outdoor stores and even some libraries offer rental programs for tents, sleeping bags, and packs.
Buy Used: Check online marketplaces, gear swaps, or thrift stores for incredible deals on quality equipment.
Buy New, Start Basic: You can get a starter kit for two people (tent, bags, pads, stove) for around $300-$500 if you shop sales at major retailers.
Buy New, Invest in Quality: High-performance, lightweight gear from specialty brands can cost $1500+ for that same basic kit, but it lasts for years.

3. Food and Water

You can eat very well without spending a fortune. The key is planning.

Plan Every Meal: Make a list for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. This prevents overbuying.
Prep at Home: Chop veggies, pre-mix pancake batter, and season meats before you leave. It saves time and space.
Simple is Best: Foil packet meals, one-pot pasta dishes, and hot dogs are cheap, easy, and satisfying.
Water: If there’s no safe water at the site, you’ll need to bring it or purify it. A good water filter is a wise $50-$100 investment.

4. Transportation and Fuel

Don’t forget to factor in the cost of getting there. A remote, beautiful site might require a long drive or extra fuel for rough roads. Carpooling with friends is a great way to split these costs and its more fun anyway.

Sample Budget for a First-Time Camping Trip

Let’s assume a couple borrowing some gear and going to a state park for two nights.

Campsite: $30/night x 2 nights = $60
Food & Ice: $75 (for simple meals, snacks, and drinks)
Fuel: $40 (for a 2-hour drive each way)
Gear Rental (if needed): Tent $40, Sleeping Bags $30, Stove $20 = $90
Park Firewood: $10 (always buy local to prevent pests!)
Miscellaneous: $25 (batteries, s’mores supplies, etc.)

Estimated Total Cost: $300 for the weekend, or $150 per person. This is a very realistic starting point.

How to Camp on a Tight Budget

Camping can be one of the most affordable vacations. Here’s how to keep costs minimal.

Use Free Dispersed Camping: Research public lands near you that allow free camping. Leave No Trace principles are crucial here.
Borrow Everything You Can: Don’t be shy about asking. Most campers have extra gear they’re happy to lend.
Eat Cheap and Simple: Peanut butter sandwiches, oatmeal, rice and beans, and hot dogs are your budget-friendly friends.
Go with a Group: Splitting campsite fees, food costs, and fuel makes a huge difference per person.
Camp Close to Home: Minimize fuel costs by exploring a local state park or forest you’ve never visited.

When Costs Can Creep Higher

Be aware of these common budget-busters so you can plan for them.

Last-Minute Gear Purchases: Buying a jacket or cooler at a gas station near the campground will cost double.
Forgotten Essentials: If you have to buy firewood, matches, or a can opener on the road, it adds up.
Premium Amenities: Choosing a campground with a pool, wifi, and full hookups will always cost more than a basic one.
Specialized Activities: Adding fishing licenses, boat rentals, or guided tours to your trip will increase your budget.

Also, remember that gear needs maintenance. A broken tent zipper or a deflated sleeping pad needs fixing, which is a small cost but important to factor in over time.

The Long-Term Cost Perspective

While the initial gear investment feels big, camping saves money over time. Compare a $300 camping weekend to a $800+ hotel weekend. After a few trips, your gear has paid for itself. High-quality gear can last for a decade or more with proper care, making the cost per trip very low.

Think of it as an investment in countless future adventures. The memories you make are pricless, and you can’t put a number on that.

Budgeting for Different Camping Styles

Your preferred style dramatically shapes your budget. Here’s a quick comparison.

Car Camping

This is the most common and flexible. You drive to your site and unload. Gear can be heavier and cheaper. Costs are moderate, mostly dictated by your campsite choice and food plan.

Backpacking

This requires lighter, more expensive gear (ultralight tent, sleeping pad, backpack). However, you often save on campsite fees by using backcountry permits, which are usually cheaper than drive-in sites. The major cost is the initial gear outlay.

RV and Van Camping

The vehicle is the biggest cost, from purchase to insurance and maintenance. Campsite fees are higher for hookups. But, you save on gear like tents and sleeping bags. Daily costs can be similar to car camping once the vehicle is owned.

Glamping

This is the high end. You might rent a furnished canvas tent or a cabin. Costs are comparable to a mid-range hotel, often $100-$300 per night. You pay for convenience and unique experience, not for gear.

Creating Your Personal Camping Budget

Follow these steps to build a budget for your next trip.

Pick Your Style & Location: Decide on car camping, backpacking, etc., and choose a general area.
Research Campsite Costs: Look up fees for 2-3 specific campgrounds on your list.
Inventory Your Gear: What do you own? What can you borrow? What must you buy or rent? Price those items.
Plan Your Meals: Write a menu and build a shopping list to estimate food costs accurately.
Calculate Fuel: Use a map to estimate round-trip mileage and calculate fuel cost.
Add a 15% Buffer: Always add a little extra for unexpected costs like a surprise park entry fee or an extra bag of ice.

FAQs About Camping Costs

What is the average cost of a camping trip?

For a weekend car camping trip for two at a paid campground, using your own basic gear, the average cost is typically between $150 and $400. This covers site, food, and fuel.

Is camping a cheap vacation?

It can be one of the cheapest vacations possible, especially if you use free campsites and borrowed gear. Even with purchased gear, it becomes very affordable after a few trips, much cheaper than hotels and flights.

How expensive is camping gear to get started?

You can acquire a basic set of new gear (tent, bags, pads, stove, cooler) for two people for around $300-$500 by shopping smart. Starting with used or borrowed gear can bring this cost down to almost zero.

What are the hidden costs of camping?

People often forget about fuel for long drives, firewood (which you must buy locally), ice for the cooler, park entry fees separate from camping fees, and the cost of repairing or replacing worn-out gear over time.

How can I save money on camping gear?

Buy used, wait for end-of-season sales, borrow from friends, rent first to try things out, and prioritize your purchases. You don’t need a $300 jacket for your first summer car camping trip.

Are public campgrounds cheaper than private ones?

Usually, yes. National forest or state park campgrounds are generally less expensive than private RV parks with lots of amenities. However, some basic private campgrounds can be competitively priced.

How much should I budget for food while camping?

You can feed a person for about $10-$15 per day with simple, planned meals. If you want steaks, fresh fish, or special treats, budget $20-$30 per person per day. Planning is key to avoiding waste and overspending.

So, how much does camping cost? As you can see, it truly is up to you. With careful planning and smart choices, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor getaway for less than the cost of a single night in a hotel. The most important investment isn’t money—it’s the time you take to get outside and make memories. Start with what you have, keep it simple, and the rest will fall into place. Your next adventure is waiting, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.