People new to camping often ask, ‘how much does camping cost?’ Camping novices may feel overwhelmed by the number of things that they need to buy before they plan their first trip.
Things like backpacks, tents and sleeping rolls can cost hundreds of dollars. This is a particularly big problem for people on a budget who have to put their camping plans on hold because they just cannot afford it.
However, camping does not need to be as expensive as you think. While essential items are a must, there are many areas where you can save yourself some serious cash by getting the essential items for the right price.
Here’s a short guide on how much camping costs that can give you a good idea about how you can pursue this hobby, without breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
What You Will Need
There are many camping accessories in the market that you can do without. However, some items are a must if you want to have a stress-free experience. Here is a list of items that you will need to go on a camping trip.
Camping Backpack
- NOT YOUR BASIC BACKPACK: Continues to be the top selling internal frame backpack on Amazon at a great price for all the included features
- VERSATILE QUICK TRIP PACK: Perfect backpack for men, woman and youth; best for 3-5-day backpacking trips; 4000 cubic inches (65 L) capacity; weighs 5 pounds (2.3 kg)
- COMFORT YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE: Multi-position torso adjustment fits wide range of body sizes; Durable open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels provide maximum airflow and balance
- TRUSTED QUALITY: Hiking backpack with hundreds of verified 5-star reviews testifying to the quality and design; sleeping bag compartment, compression straps, and exterior pockets for strategic packing
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS with TETON Sports
Tent
- Dome tent with spacious interior allows you to move comfortably
- Easy setup in only 10 minutes
- WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
- Large windows and a ground vent for superior ventilation
- Measures 9 x 7 feet with 4-foot 11-inch center hei
Sleeping Bag
- USED FOR 3 SEASONS:Our Sleeping Bags can be used for 3 seasons.They are designed for 10~20 Degrees Celsius. Moreover, these bags also have a weather-resistant design to keep you warm even in extreme conditions and prevent you from any dampness - this is achieved through double-filled technology.our sleeping bags are designed to ensure that after a tiring day of trekking, hiking, travel or any other exploration you can get a good and relaxing night’s sleep.
- DESIGN: Separated zipper at the bottom can also make your feet often come out through the wind. Half-circle hood with adjustable drawstring keeps your head warmer even in extreme conditions.Our sleeping bags are designed to provide much needed rest after a full day of outdoor activities.
- MATERIAL:Outer Cover Material-premium 210T Anti-tearing Polyester Fabric which is waterproof and Breathable; Lining Material:190T polyester pongee
- SIZE&EASY TO CARRY:(190 + 30)cm x 75 cm.Can be wiped clean making it versatile and convenient. Each sleeping bag comes with a compression sack with straps, allowing for super convenient storage and easy carry maneuverability
- 100% SATISFACTION :100% NO QUESTIONS ASKED, no hassle money back or replacement .We try over very best to make sure every customer is completely satisfied. If theres a problem, message us! Order now!At your service,dear.Anyway,thanks for your com
Cooking Stove
- Optimized for efficiency, the Jetboil Flash camping and backpacking stove, in Wilderness Gray, boils water in a lightning-quick 100 seconds, making it the fastest Jetboil ever.
- Jetboils 1-liter FluxRing cooking cup with insulating cozy makes boiling water—and keeping it warm—a breeze, making the Jetboil Flash personal cooking system the ultimate camping stove for preparing coffee, soup, or dehydrated meals on the trail.
- Start heating instantly with the convenient, reliable pushbutton igniter, and verify that the waters ready with the thermochromatic color-change heat indicator.
- Bottom cup doubles as a measuring cup and a bowl.
- Compatible Jetboil accessories, such as a coffee press*, hanging kit*, pot support*, skillet*, FluxRing cooking pot*, and utensils* make this a necessity for your next backpacking adventure. *Accessories sold separately.
- Includes: Flash Camping Cook System (stove, cooking cup, lid, bottom cup, fuel can stabilizer); Instructions. *JetPower fuel sold separately. One-year limited warranty.
- Measures 4.1 in W x 7.1 in H (104 mm x 180 mm); weighs 13.1 oz (371 g).
- Ideal for: backpacking, camping, hiking, camp cooking, overland camping, survival camping, fishing, hunting, and emergency use.
- For any adventure—from alpine expedition to a weekend trek—Jetboil offers a stove that will keep you fueled. When exploring the backcountry, a compact and efficient stove is fundamental, no matter the level of cuisine you want to crea
Cooking Set
- 21 NESTED COMPONENTS: (1) 3 5L pot, vented lid, (1) 7 3-ply frying pan, (1) cutting board, (1) spatula, (1) serving spoon, (4) 6 plates, (4) 22oz bowls, (4) sporks, (1) dish drying rack, (1) heat resistant trivet, (1) locking bungee
- TOUGH AND DURABLE: Manufactured using 18/8 stainless steel this cooking set is strong, scratch proof and rustproof No maintenance other than washing is required, making this cookware easy-to-use and reliable for every trip
- SPACE SAVING: This comes fully loaded with 21 different pieces that can cook meals for small or large groups without taking up too much space The kit all nests together (instructions are engraved in the lid), making this compact and easy to transport
- EASY TO CLEAN: You should spend your time adventuring, not cleaning – that’s why we’ve made our cookware easy to clean A basic clean needs just soap and warm water or a paper towel while steel wool can be used for deeper cle
Insulated Cooler
- Ultratherm insulated body and lid keep ice for 5 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Reinforced swing-up handles with tie-down loop feature
- Dual snap-fit latches secure lid closure
- Threaded drain plug for hose hook up and easy draining
- 188-can capacity, Exterior Dimensions 38.31 L x 17.38 W x 17.75 D. Top - 34.69 x 14.88 x 13.25 inches. Bottom - 33 x 13.25 x 13.25 inc
Portable Lamp
- BRIGHT & LASTING - Equipped with 30 crazy bright LEDs, this compact lantern cuts through 360 degrees of darkness on the stormiest, dimmest nights. Easily lights up the entire tent or room.
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT - Collapsible design that reduces or increases the light as you collapse or expand the lantern. When collapsed its as small as your phone. Easily fits in your backpack or emergency kit.
- WATERPROOF - Constructed with aircraft grade materials: your lantern is able to survive a 10-foot drop and being temporarily submerged under water.
- ORIGINAL PATENTED VERSION - We hand-craft each lantern with the strict quality control to give you the best gear you deserve. Do not equip yourself with inferior lanterns.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY - You can rest in knowing that this camping lantern is of utmost quality. Warranted for life, it is covered against loss, theft, and defects in materials and workmanship for as long as you own the product. CE/ RoHS/ EMC certifi
First Aid Kit
- Manufactured by the #1 leading manufacturer of First Aid Kits in the USA. 100 pieces of comprehensive first aid treatment products.
- This Kit meets United States FDA Regulatory Standards as a Medical Device. Ideal for most businesses and perfect for family use at home or travel.
- Fully organized interior compartments provides quick access. The rugged, sturdy, high density plastic case is impact resistant
- Compact size case measures 7.5in x 2.5in x 6.8in, is portable and can easily fit anywhere.
- Features Easy Slide Latches that securely locks into pla
Cost of the Main Gear
The camping tent, backpack and sleeping bag are the three most expensive items that will increase the cost of camping for your trip.
Unless you have an RV, a tent is necessary to provide shelter and cover during the night. It acts as the home base where you will be storing most of your other gear.
Many new campers spend a lot of money on their tent because they want to get the best. Keep in mind that you don’t need to buy anything too fancy. The tent must be sturdy, water proof and big enough to accommodate you. It will cost you around $40 – $200 depending on the size and quality of tent that you need.
The sleeping bag is the next necessary item required for your trip. The price of a bag varies based on how comfortable and versatile it is. You can buy very comfortable sleeping bags that are built for all kinds of weather and cost more than $200. However, you can also find sleeping bags that are deisgned for specific seasons and cost $60 to $80.
Backpacks are a must while out in nature. You need one to carry food, water and other items like the tent and sleeping bag etc.
On the low end, you may already have a backpack for other purposes that can be used for your camping trip. If you don’t you will need to get one that can cost around $50 to $120.
Water Container
Water is free. You should be able to find a source of clean drinking water at your camping spot, especially if you are going to a camping destination that is popular with tourists.
Still, you will need to have a water container on hand to keep some water in your backpack. You have multiple options here.
First, you can can take some empty plastic bottles with you on the trip. This option costs nothing.
You can also buy a collapsible cooler bag to keep your water or other drinks cool. Such coolers cost around $30 to $80 and are very handy on a trip.
Lastly, if you are concerned about the availability of water at your camping desination, you may want to get water purifiers that cost $15 to $40.
Cooking Set and Stove
You may be able to get by with packed sandwiches and meals for a halfday trip. But if you are looking to camp over night or have a weekend-long trip outdoors, then you will need to pack cooking utensils and a stove with fuel to have a good time.
Many beginners go overboard buying lots of cooking tools and supplies that raise the cost of camping. However, you won’t need to buy many items for your first trip. At the very least, you will need a good portable stove and a simple cooking kit. You can take the cooking utensils you already have to save some money.
You will also need to have some fuel such as a gas tank, unless you are planning to use wood for burning. These items can cost you around $20 to $110.
Lighting
You will need a lighting device for the night. A chargeable or battery powered electric lantern costs around $30 to $50 and provides very good illumination for 15 – 20 hours.
You will also need a carrying light such as a flashlight that costs $10. Some campers get headlamps that are easier to use on your head and cost $20.
First Aid Kit
Some people believe that first aid kits are entirely optional, but we don’t agree with that. A first aid kit can be a lifesaver in case of an emergency and worth ten times its cost.
You should get a first-aid kit with at least the bare essentials including bandages, plasters, disinfectants, sterile dressings, painkillers and tweezers etc. A simple first aid kit costs less than $20.
If you are new to camping, it is best to stick to populated paths and high-traffic campsites where you can get medical help quickly, if required.
Our Final Thoughts
How much a camping trip costs depends on multiple factors. The length of your trip, the destination you are going for, whether you already have some of the camping gear and how comfortable you want to be on the trip can increase or decrease your costs.
Some campers report spending $300 to $500 per person on their trip. Others claim that their entire trip cost less than $100 per person.
The latter tend to be more experienced campers who already have much of the camping gear and prefer to get their own firewood, water and food on the trip for an authentic camping experience.
According to our estimates, the cost of camping is higher up at first and goes down over time as you go on more and more trips.
If you have been on a camping trip, we would love to hear from you about how much money you spent on your trip. Feel free to let us know your thoughts and experiences about camping expenses!
