17 Budget Camping Tips

What You Can Skip & What Actually Matters

Camping is one of the best ways to disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with nature — and it doesn’t have to be expensive to be rewarding.

I’ve been tent camping and overlanding for over a decade, from the Mojave Desert to challenging Jeep trails like the Rubicon. Through real-world trips, gear failures, and trial-and-error, I’ve learned that budget camping isn’t about sacrificing comfort — it’s about knowing what actually matters and what you can leave behind.

This guide shares practical, experience-based camping tips to help you save money, avoid unnecessary gear, and still camp safely and comfortably.

Quick Answer: How Do You Camp on a Budget?

You can camp on a budget by planning ahead, choosing low-cost or free campsites, simplifying your gear, cooking easy meals, and skipping unnecessary camping gadgets. Most expensive camping gear is optional, not essential.

Mojave Desert budget camping setup
with my Jeep Wrangler."

How to Plan and Prepare for a Camping Trip

A solid plan prevents last-minute purchases and forgotten essentials.

Do this before every trip:

• Map your destination, campsite, and activities

• Know your trip length and fuel distance

• Build a simple packing checklist

• Identify resupply options if needed

Planning costs nothing and it eliminates panic spending.

How You Can Find Affordable and Free Campsites?

Not all great campsites charge a nightly fee.

Budget-friendly camping options:

• Dispersed camping on BLM or National Forest land

• Camping mid-week instead of weekends

• Off-season trips

• Camping closer to home to save fuel

Some of my favorite campsites cost $0 and are far less crowded.

Jeep Momma Tip:  Look for dispersed camping areas on public lands.

How Can You Save on Camping Gear?

You don’t need brand-new gear to camp well.

Smart ways to save on gear:

• Buy second-hand or lightly used equipment

• Borrow or rent rarely-used items

• Stick to true essentials and skip hype gear

Most “must-have” camping gear isn’t necessary. Don't get caught up in the camping gadget frenzy. 

What are Budget-Friendly Camp Food Tips?

Food costs add up quickly without planning.

Save money by:

• Meal prepping at home

• Cooking simple one-pot meals

• Freezing water bottles instead of buying ice

• Using reusable dishes and utensils

• Cooking over a campfire instead of propane

Simple meals often taste better outdoors.

A delicious budget-friendly
 meal cooked over a campfire
 in the Mojave Desert.

Free Entertainment Is the Best Entertainment

Nature already provides everything you need at no cost.

Free camping activities include:

• Hiking and exploring trails

• Swimming

• Stargazing

• Campfire conversations

• Card or board games

You don’t need expensive activities to make great memories.

What are Some Additional Money-Saving Tips?

• Use cashback or reward apps for fuel and groceries

• Invest once in durable gear instead of replacing cheap gear repeatedly

• Avoid impulse purchases labeled “camp essential”

Camping Gear You Don’t Need (Save Your Money)

Less gear means less cost, less setup, and more enjoyment.

❌ Gear You Can Skip

Expensive GPS Units
Your phone with offline apps like Gaia GPS or AllTrails works perfectly.

High-End Coolers
A basic cooler with ice packs is enough for weekend trips.

Jeep Momma Tip: Freeze water bottles they double as drinking water.

Fancy Fire Pits
Most campsites already have fire rings or allow simple setups.

Elaborate Camp Kitchens
You don’t need multiple pots, griddles, or specialty tools.
A pan, a pot, and basic utensils are enough.

Jeep Momma Tip: All I need is cooking grate from Walmart and a cast iron pan. 

Collapsible Camp Sinks
Use a pot, basin, or container you already own.

Too Many Food Containers
Resealable bags and a few multi-use containers save space and money.

Camping Pillows
Bring your pillow from home your neck will thank you.
(Stuffed jackets never worked for me.)

Camping Showers
Baby wipes and a hot shower at home are lighter and simpler.

Specialized Camping Clothing
Athletic and quick-dry clothes you already own work great.

Camping Axes or Saws
Unless you’re doing bushcraft, most campsites don’t require them.

Inflatable Camp Furniture
Bulky, time-consuming, and prone to punctures.

Overbuilt First Aid Kits
Stick to essentials you actually know how to use.

Overcomplicated Multi-Tools
 A good quality knife usually does the trick. 

Expensive GPS Devices: Use your smartphone with offline maps apps like Gaia GPS or AllTrails. 

Equipping yourself for camping doesn't require emptying your savings. By focusing on essential, budget-friendly gear and skipping the luxury items, you can enjoy nature economically. Remember, the best camping experiences often aren't about the gear, but about the adventure, the company, and the stories you gather along the way. 

Safety Note

Always match your gear and planning to your environment. Saving money should never mean compromising safety  it means choosing wisely based on experience and conditions.

Budget Camping FAQ's

Is budget camping safe?
Yes. Budget camping is safe when you plan ahead, carry essential gear, understand your environment, and don’t skip safety items like navigation, water, and weather protection.

What is the most important camping gear?
Shelter, water, food, weather-appropriate clothing, navigation, and basic first aid matter most. Many accessories are optional.

Can beginners camp on a budget?
Absolutely. Beginners often overspend. Starting simple helps you learn what you actually need before investing in gear.