If you’re thinking about a trip into the outdoors, one of the first questions you’ll have is how much does it cost to go camping. The answer can range from almost nothing to a significant investment, but with some smart planning, it can be very affordable.
This guide breaks down all the potential expenses. We’ll look at budget options, mid-range gear, and the premium stuff. You’ll get a clear picture of where your money goes and how to save it.
Let’s get started.
How Much Does It Cost To Go Camping
The total cost depends entirely on your style. Are you car camping at a developed site? Backpacking deep into the wilderness? Or maybe trying glamping for the first time? Each has a different price tag.
We can split the costs into two main categories: Gear and Trip Expenses. Your first trip will be the most expensive if you need to buy everything. After that, costs drop dramatically.
Breaking Down the Gear Costs
This is your biggest potential expense. But remember, you don’t need the top-of-the-line everything. Start with the essentials and borrow if you can.
The Absolute Essentials (The Big Three)
These are your shelter, sleep system, and pack. They are the core of your comfort and safety.
- Shelter (Tent): A decent starter tent for car camping costs $80-$200. Backpacking tents are lighter and more compact, starting around $150 and going up to $600+. A basic tarp can be under $30.
- Sleep System (Bag & Pad): A synthetic sleeping bag good for summer can be found for $50-$150. A budget foam sleeping pad is $20-$50. Inflatable pads for more comfort start at $70. Remember, temperature rating greatly affects price.
- Backpack: For car camping, any old duffel works. For backpacking, a properly fitted pack is crucial. Expect to pay $100-$300 for a good one that will last years.
Kitchen and Food Supplies
You don’t need a full kitchen. A simple setup works great.
- Stove: A basic propane canister stove costs $30-$50. Backpacking stoves can be as low as $40. A used camp stove from a thrift store is even cheaper.
- Cookware: A single pot, a pan, and a mug are enough. A basic set is $25-$60. You can often use old pots from home.
- Cooler: A standard cooler is $30-$100. Rotomolded coolers that ice for days cost $200+. For short trips, a simple one is fine.
- Food: Cost varies wildly. Packing food from your pantry is cheapest. Plan for $10-$20 per person, per day for simple meals.
Clothing and Miscellaneous Gear
Don’t buy a whole new wardrobe. Use what you have, focusing on moisture-wicking layers and avoiding cotton.
- Footwear: Good shoes are important. Trail runners ($80-$150) or hiking boots ($100-$250) are an investment. Don’t hike in old sneakers if they offer no support.
- Lighting: A headlamp ($20-$50) is essential. Lanterns are optional for camp ambiance.
- First-Aid Kit: Don’t skip this. A pre-made kit is $20-$40, or you can assemble your own for less.
- Other: Multi-tool, water filtration, map/compass. Budget another $50-$150 for these important items.
Trip Expenses: The Ongoing Costs
These are the costs you’ll pay every time you go out.
Campsite Fees
This is usually your main trip expense. Fees vary widely.
- Public Campgrounds (State & National Parks/Forests): Typically $15-$35 per night for a basic site. Often have amenities like water, toilets, and fire rings.
- Dispersed/Backcountry Camping (on public land): Often FREE! But requires more skill and preparation. No amenities, and you must follow strict Leave No Trace principles.
- Private Campgrounds: Can range from $30-$80+ per night. They often offer more amenities like showers, pools, and hookups for RVs.
Travel and Fuel
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of getting there. If your campsite is 100 miles away, that’s 200 miles round trip. Calculate your vehicle’s fuel cost for that distance. Carpooling with friends splits this cost nicely.
Permits and Park Entry
Many popular parks have an entrance fee ($10-$35 per vehicle). Some wilderness areas require a separate backcountry permit, which may have a small fee ($5-$15 per person). Always check the rules for your destination.
Food and Consumables
This includes the food you pack, plus fuel for your stove (a small propane canister is about $5), and ice for the cooler. These are small but real costs that add up over a long trip.
Sample Camping Budgets
Let’s put it all together with three common scenarios.
Budget-Friendly Car Camping (First Timer)
You’re borrowing some gear and buying cheap basics for a weekend at a state park.
- Tent: $100
- Sleeping Bag: $70
- Sleeping Pad: $25
- Stove/Cookset: $60
- Cooler/Lantern/Other: $80
- Total Gear (one-time): ~$335
- Campsite (2 nights): $50
- Park Entry Fee: $10
- Food & Fuel: $40
- Gas: $30
- Total Trip Cost: $130
- First Trip Total: $465 (Next trip will only be the $130 trip cost!)
Established Backpacker (3-Day Trip)
You already own all your gear. Now you’re just paying for the trip itself.
- Backcountry Permit: $20
- Food & Stove Fuel: $30
- Gas to Trailhead: $40
- Total Trip Cost: $90
See how cheap it gets after the initial investment? This is why camping is such a affordable hobby long-term.
Family Glamping Weekend
You want more comfort at a private campground with lots of amenities.
- Large Family Tent: $250
- Air Mattress & Pump: $120
- Camp Chairs for 4: $100
- Fancy Cooler: $200
- Camp Kitchen Table: $80
- Gear Investment: ~$750
- Private Campsite (2 nights): $120
- Food & Drinks: $150
- Gas & Ice: $50
- Total Trip Cost: $320
Smart Ways to Save Money on Camping
You don’t have to spend a fortune. Here are proven tips to keep costs low.
Borrow or Rent Gear First
Ask friends or family if you can borrow a tent or sleeping bag for your first trip. Many outdoor retailers and even some universities offer gear rental. This lets you try before you buy.
Buy Used Gear
Check online marketplaces, gear swap forums, and thrift stores. Gently used gear can be 50% off or more. Inspect tents for mold and zipper function, and sleeping bags for loft.
Start with Car Camping
It’s the most forgiving and least gear-intensive. You can bring blankets from home, a cheap cooler, and more food options. It’s the easiest way to test if you like camping without a huge commitment.
Choose Free Dispersed Camping
On National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, dispersed camping is usually free. Research the area first, as you’ll need to be self-sufficient and pack out all waste.
Go with a Group
Split the cost of a group campsite, which is often cheaper per person. Share gear—one person brings the stove, another the tent, another the water filter. This drastically reduces what each person needs to own.
Invest in Quality Where it Counts
It’s better to spend more on a few key items that affect safety and comfort. A reliable sleeping pad and a weather-appropriate sleeping bag are worth the money. A cheap stove that fails is a worse value than a reliable one.
Common Money Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from others errors can save you hundereds of dollars.
- Buying Everything New at Once: You might buy the wrong thing. Acquire gear slowly and based on need.
- Skimping on Sleep: A cold, sleepless night will make you hate camping. Don’t use a summer bag in fall or a thin pad on cold ground.
- Paying for Unnecessary Gadgets: Focus on the essentials list first. You probably don’t need a specialized camping popcorn maker on trip one.
- Forgetting Hidden Costs: Budget for gas, park fees, and ice. They sneak up on you.
- Not Checking the Weather: Bad weather can ruin cheap gear and your trip. Being prepared is cheaper than replacing soaked, broken items.
Is Camping Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. When you compare the cost of a weekend camping trip to a weekend in a hotel, with restaurant meals and paid entertainment, camping almost always wins. The initial gear cost pays for itself over a few trips.
More importantly, you’re paying for an experience. The cost covers memories, connection with nature, and the health benefits of being outdoors. That’s a value that’s hard to put a price on.
So, how much does it cost to go camping? You can make it fit almost any budget. Start simple, prioritize safety and comfort, and the investment will pay back in countless adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the average cost of a camping trip?
For a couple on a weekend car camping trip at a paid site, the average trip cost (excluding gear) is usually between $100 and $250. This covers site fees, food, fuel, and any park entry.
Can you go camping for free?
Yes, through dispersed camping on most public lands. You must find a legal spot, often away from developed areas, and follow strict Leave No Trace rules. There are no facilities, so you need to be prepared.
How expensive is camping gear?
You can assemble a basic car camping kit for around $300-$500 if buying new, budget items. Backpacking gear is more specialized and lightweight, so a full kit often starts around $800-$1,200 new. Buying used or borrowing cuts these numbers significantly.
What is the most expensive part of camping?
The initial gear purchase is the biggest hurdle. After that, the recurring costs like campsite fees, fuel, and food are the main expenses. For backpackers, high-quality, lightweight gear (like tents and sleeping bags) are the priciest single items.
Is camping a cheap vacation?
It is one of the most affordable vacation options available, especially after you have your basic gear. Compared to flights, hotels, and eating out, camping provides incredible value for money and allows you to travel more often.