Camping is a popular recreational activity, especially during the months when the weather is perfect for being in nature. Based on Statista data, approximately 40 million people enjoy camping annually in the U.S., so much so that campers have spent a whopping 1.69 billion dollars to get the best camping equipment. If that amount of money suddenly made you think twice about going camping, then you don’t need to worry, as you don’t need professional camping equipment if you plan your trip properly.
Camping Tips and Hacks to Save Cash
1. You should plan all your meals for every day of your trip.
Your meals can cost more if you don’t plan them before your trip, so avoid running out of food to eat on your last days of camping, then be left with no choice but to buy from a nearby restaurant if you want to save some cash. To do this, you have to cook your meals and plan them along with some snacks for every day you’re out camping. Of course, don’t forget to pack your cooking tools and the ingredients you need.
2. You should invest in a proper cooler box.
If you will be camping for a few days, having a camping fridge or a cooler box would help a lot in storing your food—having one would keep your perishable food safe and your drinks cool. Thus, instead of buying an average cooler box, invest in a decent one as it is worth your money.
3. You should invest in a decent sleeping bag.
While this list is supposed to help you save money, it’s also recommending some tips for you on the items you should invest in. A proper sleeping bag would allow you to have a relaxing time and good night’s sleep no matter how cold it could get at night, even if the ground is too rocky.
4. You should make a list.
It’s easy to forget some essential things you need when going on a camping trip, which will be a huge hassle since you might be in the middle of nowhere. A perfect way to make sure you wouldn’t forget anything is to make a list of the things you need, then tick them off once they’re already in your bags and car.
The most important things that should be on your list would be some clothes, medications, food, utensils, cutlery, water, snacks, extra fuel, flashlights, batteries, chairs, trash cans, phone chargers, toiletries, sunscreen, and insect repellents. If you’re the kind of person insects like preying on, then getting an affordable insect trap should do the trick. Bringing a lamp or lantern will also help you have a source of light at night if you want to read or find your way to the toilet without tripping.
Lastly, don’t forget to double-check your tent and ensure that you have the pegs, poles, and mallet in the tent bag. If you don’t have one of them, then it would be tough to set your tent up.
5. You should pick a proper camping spot.
Okay, so now that you’re at the campsite, there are still some things you should not forget to do so you would have a good time during your trip. The first thing you have to do is choose the perfect spot by looking for the flat ground near the toilets and far from the main roads and other campers if you want to have a quiet time. Additionally, you have to choose an area with some trees as your shelter when the sun gets too intense in the afternoon.
After you’ve chosen your sport and set up your tent, you can now make your tent your home away from home by putting your stuff where it should be. Have a designated area like your kitchen where you can cook and eat. Don’t forget to secure your area when you’re taking a nap or going for a walk in nature.
Lastly, be a responsible camper and dispose of your trash in bins or trash bags. It’s a beautiful area that a bit of trash you don’t throw in the bin would end up harming the environment, and you wouldn’t want that.
Your Home Away From Home
Once you’ve gotten used to camping and how you can do it more effectively without spending too much, it can be a life-changing and transformative experience you would want to do as much as you can. There’s nothing like sleeping under the stars and waking up in nature, after all.
