You may be wondering how much the hobby of camping is going to cost you. Is this a hobby you, or you and your family, can afford to participate in?Most people associate camping with a cheap form of family entertainment, however the drain on your pocket book can become quite significant if your not careful. The cost varies depending on the type of camping you are doing and the type of equipment you want to have with you.
Assuming that we are talking about car camping, where you can pull your car right up to your tent site, and your idea of fun is not sleeping under a tarp on a bed of pine needles. Here are some guidelines you might find helpful. All cost are in US dollars
Sleeping System
- You can get an inexpensive tent (or hammock and tarp) at stores such as Walmart. I've found that the Coleman brand tents may cost a little more, but stand up to wear and tear that's typical of kids. 25-70$
- You can also utilize your own blankets from home instead of purchasing a sleeping bag.
- Choose an ensolite style pad to sleep on. These are inexpensive and will keep you warm more than an open cell inflatable mattress. 6-10$
Food Cooking Systems
- We have found both a charcoal and propane gas grill at Walmart in the lawn and garden section for 15$. Each of these grills were small in size. You can buy larger propane stoves that are more sophisticated and allow for more temperature control, but you will spend more money. 15-100$
- You can skip the cost of a stove by choosing to cold camp. This is where you only bring food that doesn't have to be heated. Sandwiches and cereals can all be brought along when car camping. 0$
- If you are worried about weight (say you are backpacking) there are special light weight stoves, but we'll save that for another blog.
Clothes
- Be sure to remember to take a warm jacket as well as a rain jacket. You can find cheaper versions of these that work well or you can buy the more expensive name brand version that are loaded with extra vents. 10-100$
- A hat is necessary, no matter what anyone says. They type you take will depend on the weather where you are camping. In very sunny places be sure that your had provides shade for your face, in cold places be sure to take a hat that will cover the top of your head effectively. 5-30$
- Sunglasses, while my most forgotten item, are helpful in keeping your eyes protected in all kinds of weather. 5-25$
Other
- Be sure to take a flashlight or a head lamp (one for each person). Be warned, kids will often accidentally blind you with their headlamps. 5-25$
Here are some more places that will provide more information:
- http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/travel/travel-planning/camping-packing-checklist
- http://www.cozi.com/blog/family-camping-checklist-and-a-few-great-tips
- http://www.thesimpledollar.com/a-basic-guide-to-an-inexpensive-and-incredibly-fun-family-camping-vacation/
- http://www.todaysparent.com/checklists/car-camping-gear-checklist-printable/
- https://www.parentmap.com/article/car-camping-with-kids-the-essential-packing-list
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