All things Outdoors – Camping like loons!

Camping can be cheaper than you think!

Camping is our fave way to connect with nature, break free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and create memories with friends and family that will be remembered fondly. (Perhaps you’ve read our article on the benefits of camping.) Even the bad experiences. Hell, especially the bad ones.  (You think the funny stories all write themselves? Shoot, no.) However, the idea of camping can be intimidating for some folks because of the perceived cost of gear and where to go. The good news is that (without tooting our own horn), we have some ideas about camping like a cheapskate. Meaning “We’ve made the mistakes, so you don’t have to.” As a matter of fact,  you can enjoy the great outdoors without laying out a lot of scratch. Read on for some tips and tricks for camping on the cheap.

1. What are “Camping on the Cheap” Essentials?

First, all human beings have the same four needs; food, water, air, and shelter. To meet these requirements, you’ll need some basic camping gear. (Except for the air. We pretty much have to scuff our shoes and say, “Well, shucks. That one whips us.”) However, you don’t have to splurge on top-of-the-line equipment. (At least not until you’ve really got the bug. And we’ll talk about more expensive stuff later in another post.)

Look for budget-friendly options or consider borrowing from friends or family. The borrowing idea is great because you may actually lasso them into coming along, which will a) help to cut down on costs, and b) show you the ropes. People being people, they like to show what they know. We digress.

The essential items include a tent, sleeping bags (Tick the shelter box), a camp stove, (although a campfire is cheaper and more fun – and a grill is really all you need), and cooking utensils. You probably have an old pot or frying pan at home that you never use. If not, you can often find remarkably good values viz second-hand camping gear at thrift stores or online marketplaces. In Canada, we often visit the loony stores. (Loony – Get it?) In Japan, there are hyaku (100) yen shops which are basically the same thing. Don’t forget your lighter and flashlight! (And batteries – As with all gear, check them before actually heading out.)

2. Where should we go camping on the cheap?

What a fine question. Obviously, it depends on where you are. So let’s break it down:

1. See if you can find some Free or Low-Cost Campsites. This is almost always possible. A little research will go a long way, and Google is your good friend.
2. Hey, remember those friends you asked about borrowing gear from? Guess what? They are a great resource, too. We love to brag about wonderful places that we have discovered, and we’d gladly eat our ugliest camping hat if your friends are any different. You may well be surprised at the many options available for free camping areas. We often are. On the other hand, this will vary according to where you are, time of year, and other factors.

3. We’re Hungry! No Compromise Cheap-Eats.

Uh, no. No, you can’t. That has nothing to do with camping. Or where you live. I think we paid almost $2.00 for a head of lettuce last week. That’s just the way the bottle bounces. It can’t be helped. (Sho ga Nai)

As a result, no matter where you happen to find yourself, you are parting with some hard-earned cash. It can’t be helped. Inflation is a global concern. But we recommend that as a general rule, you eat as well as you can, whether you are under the stars, or at home. Luckily, we have discovered that it’s pretty easy to eat pretty much the same food no matter where we are. (Except for the s’mores and so on. Weenies and whatnot – We don’t usually do that at home.)

But you’ve got this.

At the end of the day, our advice is to do just what you normally do. Plan your meals, make a list, cut your coupons, count the change in the cushions of the couch, and head for the supermarket. We like to prepare most of the food at home, ahead of time. (See our list of camping tips and tricks that we are inordinately proud of.) The best part of that is that you can be sitting around the campfire with the guitar and a beer waiting for the chili to warm up. (We’re pretty much over the whole Sous Chef of the Wild thing. That’s for folks who can’t sing.) Having said that, a barbeque over coals on a grill is pretty sweet, too, so our advice is to keep your options open.

You do need a cooler. You can get by with a styrofoam cheapo, but real coolers aren’t all that expensive, and you can use them for keeping your fish or chicken cold in the car on the way home from the supermarket just on a weekly basis. The point is, they aren’t just for camping, so invest in one. You can thank us later.

4. What is the bottom line? What do we really need for a Camping on the Cheap trip?

That’s a really great question. We believe that you can get away with shelter, food and warmth, but you’re not gonna be a happy camper. (See what we did, there? That’s the kind of silliness you can get away with around the campfire.)

You need a tent. Inside that tent, you need some sort of sleeping set-up. (For us, that means a sleeping pad of some kind to keep you off the ground and insulated, and you need a sleeping bag, or blankets and a bedroll. You need something to start a fire with, or a camp stove. You need a grill or a pot. You need something to eat and drink.

That’s probably not enough for most people. We like to find the sweet spot between “roughing it” and the Four Seasons. But this is about camping on the cheap.

You can see our essential camping checklist for what is absolutely necessary, but YMMV. Comfort is relative. (*See Python, Monty. “You lived in a box? Luxury!”)

Oh. One other thing: It’s really easy to overlook stuff that can really mean the difference between a tremendous experience that you will remember forever, and one that is best quickly forgotten. So don’t forget. Use the Lone Loon Song Camping Checklist.

5. Go Camping with a Group

This is really our favorite one. Those folks who told you where you should go, and lent you the tent. Yeah? Well, if they are anything like us, they are already thinking about joining you. They just are. Trust us. We would be. We’d be packing the damn car, already.

First, we have to clear something up. We do love solo camping. Truly. On the other hand, camping with a group of friends or family is a really great idea.

• You can often share costs – food, gas, campground fees, gear, there is less chance that you will forget something, …we can go on.
• It’s a lot easier to get in the cold water if Dianne and Mike are there to egg you on, calling you a wuss, and other things we can’t really print in a family blog. (See also hiking.)
• As our Sainted mothers always said: “Many hands make light work.”
• You try singing harmony by yourself. It can’t be done. Well-known fact.
• It’s a great chance to really talk to your friends. Don’t forget your camera. (See also funny stories.)

6. Look for Discounts and Deals

Every single season, without fail, manufacturers offer new stuff. All of it. Almost anything you can possibly imagine. (Apologies to The Rolling Stones – See Girls, Some.) Before you head out on your camping trip, be sure to check for discounts and deals on last year’s camping gear and supplies. Many outdoor retailers offer seasonal sales and clearance items. Additionally, you can find coupons and promo codes online to save on your purchases. Moreover, we have found this to be good advice in general. Last year’s model was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Buy it now for 50% off. Makes sense to us. It’s not that much work and it pays well. Give it a whirl.

7. Don’t Forget Nearby Destinations

Hey, we love a long road trip just like the next guy, but gas prices being what they are, consider the alternatives. Once again, a little research might surprise you with camping spots closer to home that are every bit as delightful as you could possibly want. You might be surprised at the beautiful and budget-friendly camping opportunities in your local area. (We certainly have been – The picture on our home page (Kawanaka) is a beautiful free camping spot less than an hour away. One of our friends turned us onto that one.)

In Conclusion

Camping like cheap-skate loons is not only possible with some careful planning and a willingness to embrace simplicity, but much more simple and fun than you might have thought. You owe it to yourself. See our Benefits of Camping article, if you aren’t yet convinced.

By focusing on the essentials, choosing budget-friendly campsites, packing / pre-preparing your own food and sharing the experience with others, you can enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors without emptying your wallet. So call your friends, grab your gear, head out into nature, and savour the joys of affordable camping.