It's summertime and that means it is time for lots of camping trips and hiking. The only problem with that is it can cost so much just for one trip, but what if it didn't have to? With these money saving tips for camping and hiking, you can have an inexpensive and fun time camping and hiking all summer long.
Pick Somewhere Close
Save yourself some money on gas by searching for campgrounds or hiking trails close to you. This way you aren't spending half your money on gas and it's also nice to be fairly close to home just in case you forgot something and need to go pick it up.
We have found a campground that we love that's only about an hour and a half from us. We still feel like we're getting away, and we save on gas (and don't spend all day getting to our campsite!). If we really wanted to camp close to home, we have another campground about 5 minutes from our house off the lake.
Ice
Use block ice in your coolers instead of crushed or cubed. It will last a lot longer that the other two and it will make you have to take fewer trips to go and get more ice (or buy overpriced iced from the campground).
Bulk Foods
Always shop for bulk foods when you are going on a camping trip. When you buy in bulk it tends to be a lot cheaper, it will also give you more food so you won't have to worry about running out and having to go buy more.
Gear
Don't go out and buy new camping or hiking gear, it's tempting but very often everything is so overpriced. Keep a lookout for yard sales that may be selling old gear or go to a second-hand store. You could even ask friends or family if they have any items they'd be willing to let you borrow. New gear isn't necessary when pre-owned items will work just as good. Just be sure that they are in fairly good condition.
For the Kids
If you have young kids and don't want to worry about the hassle of having to pack up and go to the great outdoors, just take a nice little camping trip in your backyard. It will feel just like camping but without stress and saving you a lot of money in the end. Plus, you're close to home in case they change their mind in the middle of the night!
Clothes
You may be worrying about your kids or even you ruining good clothing while on your trip. It can get pretty messy, so you'll probably want to go to a Goodwill or a second-hand store and buy some cheap clothes for the trip that way you won't have to worry if they end up beyond repair. You can also search the stores for sleeping bags and other essentials you may need.
Plan Meals
Plan your meals in advance so you won't have to worry about running low, and you will know just how much you need to have for everyone. Another little tip is while planning the meals, make it a little extra just in case because all the fun and activities of camping or hiking can make you hungrier than usual, so it's best to play it safe.
Plus, when you plan meals, you can shop for the best deals at the store and you know which condiments you'll need to bring along rather than buying all new at your final destination.
The best part of summer are the camping trips and hiking but it's even better when you can enjoy these activities and not end up broke. Hopefully, these money saving tips for camping and hiking will help you be able to do just that.
Have you used any of these tips for your camping or hiking trips? Do you have any that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
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