12 Dec How to Enjoy the Outdoors Without Breaking the Bank

Camping can be a fairly economical way to travel, but there are things you can do to save some money while planning a camping trip. At a minimum, camping expenses require gear, food, and a campsite. But these costs can be minimal when approached the right way. Follow our budget-friendly tips below to cut back on your camping expenses and enjoy your time outdoors without worries about breaking the bank.

Borrow gear or buy it second-hand.

Go through your phone contacts and reach out to your outdoorsy friends and family members. See what gear they have and are willing to lend out. This is an especially good idea if you are a first-time camper. That way, you don’t end up purchasing a bunch of gear you will never use again if you discover that camping is not for you.

If you don’t have any friends or family who are frequent campers, consider getting your gear second-hand. Scour your local thrift shops and consignment stores for hidden treasures. Check out local garage sales and browse listings on Facebook Marketplace. Chances are you will find some lightly used camping gear being sold for a fraction of the cost of buying brand new.

There are even some companies that offer camping equipment rentals if you don’t want to fully commit to purchasing your gear. Xscape Pod and Outdoors Geek both offer gear rentals delivered right to your front door.

Use what you already have.

Take inventory of what you already have lying around the house that you can use while camping. Chances are you have an old nonstick pan in the basement or some well-loved silverware that would be perfect to bring along.

Go through that bag of clothes you have been meaning to donate for months. There’s likely some stuff you can bring along that you don’t mind getting dirty and even discarding at the end of the camping trip.

The same goes for bedding. Everyone has a few spare blankets that will do just fine to keep you and your family warm at night inside your tent or RV.

Plan and prep meals ahead of time.

Planning and preparing meals ahead of time is an easy way to save a few bucks. Keep it simple and affordable with things like eggs, canned chili, ground meat, hot dogs, and veggies.

Have a plan for each meal of the trip and make a detailed grocery list so you only purchase what you need. Check out these one-pot camping meals for inspiration. And don’t forget the s’mores supplies!

Try to avoid stopping for gas station snacks as they are more expensive than what you would pay at the grocery store at home. If you are traveling far to your campground, be sure to pack some road trip drinks and snacks for the family to enjoy.

Camp during the off-season.

Many campgrounds offer lower rates during the off-season as demand is lower. And as an added bonus, chances are the campground won’t be as busy, so you can revel in the peace and quiet.

Here at Lake George Campsites, our off-season rates are valid from May 1 through May 22, 2024, and September 6 through October 14, 2024, and are up to $10/day cheaper than our in-season rates. Early spring and early fall are wonderful times to visit the Lake George Region and explore the Adirondacks.

Camp closer to home.

Gas is expensive these days, so you can save a few bucks by camping somewhere closer to home. Camping close to home also means less time in the car and more time exploring and experiencing the beauty of nature.

And if you don’t live close to any campgrounds and have to make a significant trek, fill up on cheap gas whenever possible. Check out GasBuddy to find the lowest fuel prices in any given area.

Look for free activities.

There are tons of free activities that you can do on a camping trip: hiking, biking, and fishing, to name a few. Does the nearby town have a public beach or any historical sites offering free admission?

Bring a few board games and a deck of cards along, just in case. You can also create your own scavenger hunt as an easy activity to pass the time.

If you are camping with us in Lake George, check out our previous blog post highlighting free summer activities in the area. We also have a playground, an outdoor gaming area with horseshoes, basketball, volleyball, and more, a swimming pool, AND an arcade/recreation room, so you won’t have to go far for entertainment. We also offer family-friendly weekend activities for our guests during peak season, ranging from scavenger hunts and crafts to DJ dance parties, movie nights, science experiments, competitive games, and more!

Bring your own firewood.

Most campgrounds charge a premium for firewood, so try and pick some up on your way in so you can enjoy a campfire each night. Better yet, don’t spend a dime and collect your own firewood at your campsite once you arrive. Just be aware of any restrictions and rules around bringing your own firewood and/or collecting firewood onsite.

Here at Lake George Campsites, we do not permit firewood collection onsite. Guests are allowed to carry in their own firewood, but it must be from within New York State and 50 miles of our campground to prevent introducing any invasive species into our woods. Proof of purchase is required if you are planning to bring your own firewood, so make sure you get a receipt!

You can view our 2024 camping rates at Lake George Campsites here. And be sure to keep an eye on our promotions for a chance to save even more on your camping adventure!