Family Camping on a Shoestring Budget
Discount Retail
When all else fails, or if you want to be assured that you are getting a product in top condition, pay attention to sales and buy new items at discounted prices. This will take some pre-planning so it isn't a good option if you want to start camping next weekend.
The best time to find good sales on camping equipment is either early in the spring when the merchandise is just coming out or toward the end of summer when prime camping season is ending. In between those times, it will behoove you to check around and see if there are individual items discounted due to discontinuation or damaged packaging (just be certain the damage didn't compromise the condition of the product.)
Army surplus stores routinely carry vast assortments of camping equipment. If you have the time, compare prices and you will often find some bargains.
Catalog shopping is another option for finding less expensive items. Catalogs such as the Sportsman's Guide (a free copy of which can be ordered through Shop at Home) offer discounts on a wide variety of camping and other outdoor sports equipment.
No matter where you find your equipment, remember that you do not need everything that was ever made for the sport to go on your first trip. Save yourself the frustration of carting along too much stuff only to have to push it around while you are gone and then carry it home unused at the end of your trip. For a list of the basics you will need for your first camping trip, check out the Camping Essentials page.
But What About the Food?
We've covered the equipment needs, now let's look at one area that could send you into novice camper debt: the food for your trip. When you walk into most camping outfitter stores, you will come upon a wealth of wonderful little prepackaged foods with exciting names. Don't buy them. Not only are they expensive, but they are not at all necessary for routine camping. These items are geared more for backpackers who need to travel light and pack as tightly as possible. Regular tent camping provides you with much more freedom.
For the most part, anything that you cook at home can be cooked while you are camping. I've had wonderful deep-dish pizza and cherry strudel out in the woods. While these are what I would consider "gourmet"
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