Thrifty Strategies for Enjoying Outdoor Excursions with Loved Ones on a Tight Budget
Camping with the family on a budget can be a cheap and enjoyable way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life this summer. Tired of planning a family camping adventure? Here's an ultimate guide packed with tips, activities, meal ideas, and a packing checklist, all designed to make your camping trip as budget-friendly as possible.
A Forgotten Family Adventure Awaits
It's been a few years since my family went camping, but we're giving it another shot this summer! Camping seems like the perfect holiday away from the chaos of daily life. You can envision laying under the stars, surrounded by your loved ones, with naught but the wind and rustling leaves for company. But organizing a family camping adventure can be overwhelming. Where should you go, what activities can you do, and what should you bring? This guide is here to help!
The Ultimate Guide to Family Camping on a Budget
Camping doesn't have to cost a fortune. With some careful planning, you can enjoy a fun camping trip without breaking the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips for organizing your family camping adventure:
Make a Camping Reservation
Find campgrounds in your area using sites like Reserve America, Go Camping America, or KOA Campgrounds. Choose a campground with flat ground, close to services like restrooms and running water but far enough away to ensure peace and quiet.
Prep Your Food Ahead of Time
Preparing meals before heading out will reduce stress during the camping trip. Cut up veggies, fruits, and prepare breakfast meals like egg sandwiches or breakfast burritos.
Save Money and Borrow Camping Gear
Don't splurge on new camping equipment. Borrow from friends and family or check out thrift stores and garage sales for affordable camping equipment.
Bring Your Own Firewood
Purchasing firewood at the campground can be expensive, so buy it locally and bring it with you.
Stay Close to Home
Save on gas by choosing a camping spot near home. Ask friends and family for tips on any free camping spots in the area.
Essential Camping Gear
Tent
Tent camping is the most cost-effective type of camping. Look for a larger tent than you think you need, such as a 6-person tent for a family of 4, for extra space. Don't forget a ground cover or tarp and a rainfly for protection.
Sleeping Bags or Blankets
Sleeping bags are a good investment if camping during the summer's later phases, when nights can get chilly. Otherwise, light blankets will do the trick.
Air Mattress
Sleeping on hard, cold ground is no fun, especially for fussy kids. Air mattresses offer a bit of comfort and are relatively inexpensive.
Lawn Chairs
Picnic tables are often available at campsites, but extra chairs around the fire pit can be nice for cooking meals and enjoying s'mores.
Firewood
Don't forget to pack wood for the campfire.
Cooler
A cooler is essential for keeping food cold.
Cooking Supplies
Pack pots, pans, skewers, disposable plates, cups, silverware, and a plastic tablecloth.
Download Your Free Family Camping Checklist
Don't forget to download our free family camping checklist for a handy reminder of essential items to bring on your next camping trip.
Family Camping Activities
Most campgrounds offer activities like fishing, hiking, and swimming. Here are some inexpensive and fun camping activities for the whole family:
Card Games
Teach the kids how to play classic card games like Rummy, Solitaire, War, or Crazy 8's.
Get Up and Move
Play games like Simon Says, Charades, or Twister. You can also print out a list of other fun ideas or use a charades word generator.
Word Games
Play games like hangman, tic-tac-toe, or mad libs.
Campfire Games
Enjoy classic games like 20 Questions, Would you Rather, or Guess the Lyrics around the fire pit.
Stargazing
Wrap up in a blanket and look up at the stars. Use a smartphone app to explore the night sky.
Make S'mores
Nothing beats roasting marshmallows over a campfire, then smashing them between graham crackers with bits of chocolate.
Camping Food on a Budget
Affordable, easy-to-make meals are the key to a fun family camping trip. Here are some budget-friendly camping meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner:
Breakfast
- Omelets in a bag
- Breakfast Burritos
- Muffins
- Pancakes
Lunch
- Homemade Lunchables
- Wraps
- Campfire pigs in a blanket
Dinner
- Pizza Pies
- Walking Tacos
- Sausage Foil Packets with Corn
- Chicken Fajitas Foil Packet
- Hobo Dinner Hamburger and Potato Foil Packet
With these budget camping tips, meal ideas, and activity suggestions, you're all set for a fun and memorable family camping adventure! So pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready to create unforgettable memories under the stars this summer.
Incorporating a mix of activities can make for a more enjoyable family camping trip. Consider adding home-and-garden inspired crafts to the list, such as DIY bird feeders or nature journaling. Moreover, to maintain the tranquil ambiance at the campsite, bringing along some quiet lifestyle games like chess or checkers is a great idea.
