If you are looking to save money while still having a vacation this summer, camping is a great choice. Although camping is much cheaper than paying for hotels and restaurants, if you aren’t careful, costs can quickly add up. Here are some easy tips to help you minimize costs while still having a good time.
Stay close to home
Staying close to home means not only saving time, but also money on gas. We are pretty lucky to live in a state with a plethora of options when it comes to camping. With over 35 million acres of public land, it’s not hard to find a beautiful place to visit. You can visit Visit Idaho to find a campsite in your budget and your area.
Buy used or borrow your gear
Gear can be the most expensive part of a camping trip. However, a lot of people buy brand new gear and end up using it once or twice and then selling it at garage sales, gear swaps, Facebook sales, eBay and Craigslist. Keep an eye out for some great deals out there. Another option when it comes to gear is to borrow what you can from friends and family.
Plan and pack your meals before you go
Avoid having to make expensive trips to a small town grocery store or gas station for things you forgot to bring. Plan out all your meals ahead of time and make a list of any spices, condiments and kitchen items you’ll need to prepare your food. Bring real dishes and flatware to cut down on costs and things you’ll need to throw away.
Once you get to where you are going, most activities will be free. Enjoy hiking, swimming, bird watching and relaxing around a campfire. Not only will you be saving money by avoiding big hotels and tourist attractions, but you’ll be making memories with friends and family that will last a lifetime.
