If you’re thinking about trying the outdoors, one of the first questions you’ll ask is, how much is camping? The answer isn’t as simple as a single price tag, because camping costs range from nearly free to surprisingly luxurious. This guide will break down every possible expense, from gear and permits to hidden fees, so you can plan a trip that fits your budget perfectly.
Let’s look at the factors that shape your final cost.
The Biggest Factor: Your Camping Style
Your total spend depends almost entirely on how you choose to camp. Are you hiking into the backcountry with a tent on your back, or are you parking a large RV at a full-hookup site? Your style sets the baseline for everything else.
1. Backpacking & Wilderness Camping
This is often the most affordable style after the initial gear investment. You usually camp for free in national forests or on public lands (dispersed camping). The costs are upfront: a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, pack, and stove. Permits for popular areas might cost $5-$30 per person.
2. Car Camping at a Developed Site
This is the classic family camping trip. You drive to a campsite with your gear. Fees here vary widely:
- Public Campgrounds (State/National Parks): $15-$40 per night.
- Private Campgrounds (KOA, Jellystone): $30-$80+ per night, often with pools and wifi.
- RV Sites with Full Hookups: $40-$100+ per night.
3. Glamping & Unique Stays
This is the high end. Think safari tents, yurts, or cabins. Prices can range from $100 to over $500 per night, but they include much of the gear and comfort.
How Much Is Camping
To give you a clear picture, let’s build a detailed budget for two common scenarios: a first-time car camping trip and a backpacking adventure.
Scenario 1: Budget Car Camping Weekend for Two
Let’s assume you need to buy basic gear and are staying at a state park.
Gear (One-Time or Infrequent Costs)
- Tent (4-person): $100-$250
- Sleeping Bags (x2): $80-$200 total
- Sleeping Pads (x2): $50-$150 total
- Cooler: $30-$100
- Lantern/Headlamps: $40-$80
- Basic Cookset & Stove: $50-$120
- Total Gear Estimate: $350-$900 (but this gear lasts for years!)
Trip Costs (Per Weekend)
- Campsite Fee (2 nights @ $25/night): $50
- Firewood (2 bundles): $15
- Food & Drinks: $60
- Park Entry Fee (if separate): $10
- Gas to get there: $40
- Total Trip Estimate: $175
Your First Trip Total (Gear + Trip): Roughly $525-$1075. But your next trip will only cost the trip amount, around $175, making it very affordable.
Scenario 2: A 3-Day Backpacking Trip for One
Gear (Lightweight & Durable)
- Backpack: $150-$300
- Lightweight Tent: $200-$500
- Sleeping Bag & Pad: $200-$400
- Water Filter: $50-$100
- Backpacking Stove: $40-$100
- Total Gear Estimate: $640-$1400
Trip Costs (Per Trip)
- Wilderness Permit: $0-$30
- Specialized Backpacking Food: $40
- Gas to Trailhead: $30
- Total Trip Estimate: $70-$100
Again, the big cost is upfront gear. After that, hitting the trail is very cheap.
Breaking Down Ongoing Trip Expenses
Beyond gear, these are the costs you’ll pay every time you go.
Campsite Reservations & Fees
Always check reservation rules. Popular parks book up months in advance on sites like Recreation.gov. Fees are higher for RV hookups (water, electricity, sewer) and prime lakefront spots.
Travel & Fuel
This is a major but often overlooked cost. A remote destination might double your budget with fuel costs. Consider camping closer to home to save money, there’s probably a great spot within an hour’s drive.
Food & Consumables
You can eat simply or gourmet. Plan meals ahead to avoid waste.
- Budget: Pasta, canned beans, hot dogs. (~$30/weekend for two)
- Moderate: Pre-made foil pack meals, better meat, fresh fruit. (~$60/weekend for two)
- Premium: Specialty dehydrated meals, steak, fancy snacks. (~$100+/weekend for two)
Permits & Passes
Many federal recreation sites charge a per-vehicle entry fee. An annual pass can save you alot of money if you go often.
- America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year): Covers entry fees at all federal sites for you and your car.
- State Park Annual Pass: Varies by state, usually $60-$120.
How to Camp on a Tight Budget
Camping can be incredibly cheap if you’re strategic.
1. Borrow Gear First
Don’t buy anything before your first trip. Ask friends or family to borrow a tent, sleeping bags, and a cooler. See if you even like it before spending money.
2. Use What You Have
You don’t need specialty clothing. Use old sweatpants, a fleece jacket, and durable sneakers. For cooking, bring a old pot from home and cook over the campfire (where allowed).
3. Find Free Camping (Dispersed Camping)
On most National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, you can camp for free outside of developed campgrounds. Research “dispersed camping” in your area. Always follow Leave No Trace principles.
4. Go Off-Season or Midweek
Campsite fees are often lower, and parks are less crowded. A Tuesday night in October is cheaper than a Saturday in July.
5. Buy Used Gear
Check Facebook Marketplace, REI Used Gear, or GearTrade. You can find high-quality gear for half the price. Thrift stores are great for kitchen items and wool blankets.
6. Keep Food Simple
Pack meals from your pantry: oatmeal, peanut butter sandwiches, soup mixes. A simple diet cuts costs and prep time.
Hidden Costs to Plan For
These can sneak up on you if your not careful.
- Parking Fees: Some trailheads require a separate fee.
- Campfire Permits: Required in some regions, even for stoves, and are usually free but mandatory.
- Shower Tokens: At some campgrounds, showers cost $1-$2 in tokens.
- Ice: You might need to replenish ice for your cooler every day or two.
- Gear Repair or Replacement: A broken pole or leaky air mattress might need a fix.
- Pet Fees: Many campgrounds charge an extra $2-$5 per night per pet.
Investing in Quality Gear: Where It Matters
If you camp often, spending more upfront saves money and hassle long-term.
Worth the Investment:
- A Good Tent: A $300 tent that stays dry for 10 years is better than a $100 tent that leaks in 2.
- Sleeping Bag & Pad: Comfort equals better sleep, which makes your trip more enjoyable.
- Rain Jacket & Layers: Staying dry and warm is a safety issue, not just comfort.
Can Be Budget:
- Cookware
- Camp chairs
- Lanterns (a headlamp is more useful)
- Most clothing (avoid cotton, choose synthetics or wool)
Sample Budget Worksheet
Copy this to plan your own trip:
My Camping Budget
Trip Date: ________
Style: Car / Backpack / RV
Number of Nights: ________
- Campsite Reservations: $____
- Park Entry / Permit Fees: $____
- Gas / Travel: $____
- Food & Consumables: $____
- Firewood: $____
- Showers / Misc: $____
- Total Estimated Trip Cost: $____
Gear Needed (if buying):
1. ________ : $____
2. ________ : $____
Total Gear Cost: $____
FAQs: Your Camping Cost Questions Answered
What is the average cost of a camping trip?
For a family of four car camping at a public campground for a weekend, the average cost is often between $200-$400, including food, gas, and site fees, but not including gear.
Is camping a cheap vacation?
Yes, it can be one of the cheapest vacations available. Once you have gear, a weekend trip can cost less than $100 for two people, which is far cheaper than a hotel.
How much does camping gear cost for beginners?
You can get a full set of basic, reliable car camping gear for two people for around $500-$800. If you buy used or borrow, you can reduce this to almost zero.
Are there any free camping places?
Absolutely. Dispersed camping on BLM land and National Forests is generally free. Always check the specific area’s rules online or at a ranger station before you go.
What’s the most expensive part of camping?
The initial gear outlay is the biggest single cost. For recurring trips, the campsite fee and travel fuel are typically the largest expenses.
Final Thoughts on Cost
So, how much is camping? It’s truly up to you. It can be a $20 adventure using borrowed gear on free land, or a $2000 investment in a top-tier RV setup. The beauty of camping is it’s accessibility. Start small, stay local, and borrow what you can. The memories you make sitting by a fire under the stars are priceless, no matter your budget. Just get out there and give it a try—you might be surprised at how little it actually costs to have a great time.