Is Camping Expensive? A Look At Real Costs

Is camping expensive? The real answer is: it depends entirely on how you do it. Camping can cost as little as $0 per night (dispersed camping on public land) or as much as $150+ per night at a glamping resort. This guide breaks down the actual costs at every level so you can plan a camping trip that fits your budget — whether you are starting from scratch or already have most of the gear.

The Cost of Camping: A Realistic Breakdown

Campsite Fees

This is usually your biggest ongoing expense. Here is what to expect:

• Free dispersed camping (BLM land, National Forests): $0/night. You can camp for free for up to 14 days in most areas. No hookups, no facilities — but completely free.
• Basic National Park / Forest campground: $10–$30/night. Typically includes a fire ring, picnic table, and pit toilets. No hookups.
• State park campground (no hookups): $15–$35/night. Varies significantly by state.
• RV park / campground with electric hookup: $30–$60/night.
• Full-hookup RV resort: $50–$100/night.
• Glamping resort / cabin: $100–$300+/night.

For tent campers using public lands, the average campsite fee is $20–$25 per night. A family camping three nights pays $60–$75 in campsite fees — less than one night at a mid-range hotel.

Food Costs

Camping food costs about the same as eating at home — if you plan well. A family of four can eat well for $15–$25 per day by bringing groceries from home: eggs and bacon for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, burgers or foil packet meals for dinner. Eating out at restaurants during a camping trip is the fastest way to make camping “expensive.” Buy groceries, plan your menus, and cook at the campsite.

Transportation Costs

Driving to a campsite in your own vehicle is typically the cheapest transportation option for camping. Figure 10–15 cents per mile for a typical car, or use your vehicle’s actual fuel cost. A 200-mile round trip to a campground costs $20–$40 in gas for an average car. If the campground is nearby, transportation may be negligible.

Gear Costs (One-Time Investment)

Gear is where camping gets expensive upfront — but it is a one-time investment that pays off over dozens of trips. Here is a realistic starter kit budget at different investment levels:

• Budget starter kit ($150–$300 total): A Coleman tent ($80–$120), sleeping bags from Walmart or Amazon ($25–$50 each), foam sleeping pads ($15–$25 each), a basic cooler ($30–$50). Gets the job done for car camping in mild weather.
• Mid-range kit ($500–$1,000 total): A quality 3-season tent from REI or Kelty ($150–$300), sleeping bags rated to 20–30F ($80–$150 each), inflatable sleeping pads ($60–$120 each), a 65-qt rotomolded cooler ($200–$400). Comfortable and durable for years of camping.
• Premium kit ($1,500–$3,000+): A 4-season tent, down sleeping bags, ultralight pads, YETI cooler, camp kitchen setup. For serious campers and backpackers who camp 15+ times per year.

Divided over 10 years of camping, a $500 gear investment costs $50/year — a rounding error in your total camping budget.

How Much Does a Camping Trip Cost in Total?

Here are realistic all-in cost estimates for different camping scenarios, excluding gear (assuming you already own it):

Weekend Car Camping Trip (2 nights, family of 4)

• Campsite fees: $40–$60
• Groceries: $60–$80
• Gas (200-mile round trip): $25–$40
• Firewood: $10–$20
• Total: $135–$200

Compare this to a weekend at a mid-range hotel for a family of 4: $200–$400 in lodging alone, plus $200–$400 in restaurant meals. A camping weekend is genuinely 3–5x cheaper than a hotel weekend.

Solo Backpacking Trip (4 nights)

• Permit or campsite fee: $0–$30 (often free for backcountry)
• Dehydrated or packed food: $20–$50
• Gas to trailhead: $15–$30
• Total: $35–$110

RV Camping Trip (1 week, couple)

• Campsite fees (hookups): $300–$450
• Groceries: $100–$150
• Fuel (diesel or gas RV): $150–$400 depending on distance and vehicle
• Total: $550–$1,000

How to Camp on a Tight Budget

Camp on Public Land for Free

The US has 245 million acres of BLM land and 193 million acres of National Forest land where dispersed camping is free — no reservation required. Apps like iOverlander, Freecampsites.net, and the BLM’s own map tool help you find legal free camping spots. This one strategy eliminates your biggest camping expense entirely.

Buy Gear Used or Off-Season

REI’s used gear sale (REI.com/used), Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist are excellent sources for quality camping gear at 40–70% off retail. End-of-season sales in August and September discount current-season gear by 20–40%. There is no reason to pay full retail for a tent or sleeping bag.

Get an America the Beautiful Annual Pass

The America the Beautiful pass costs $80/year and provides free entry to all 2,000+ federal recreation sites (National Parks, National Forests, BLM lands, etc.). It also provides a 50% discount on many campsite fees. If you camp at federally managed lands even three or four times per year, the pass pays for itself on the first trip.

Cook All Your Meals at Camp

Restaurant meals are the hidden budget killer on camping trips. A family of four eating out once for dinner can spend $60–$100 — more than two nights of campsite fees. Plan all your meals before the trip, buy groceries in bulk at home, and you will eat better and cheaper than any restaurant.

Borrow Gear for Your First Trip

If you have never camped before and are not sure you will enjoy it, borrow a tent and sleeping bags from a friend before spending $300+ on gear. Many people discover camping is not for them — or conversely, that they love it and want to invest in better gear — after just one trial trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping cheaper than staying in hotels?

Significantly cheaper for most types of camping. A tent camping trip costs $20–$35/night per site (for the whole family to share), while a hotel room costs $100–$250/night. Over a week-long vacation, camping can save a family of four $500–$1,500 compared to hotel stays. Even with RV camping at full-hookup resorts, the per-person cost is usually lower than equivalent hotel and restaurant spending.

What is the minimum gear needed to go camping?

For a basic car camping trip in summer you need a tent, a sleeping bag (or blankets), a sleeping pad, a camp stove or grill, cooking equipment, a cooler, a headlamp or lantern, and appropriate clothing. This minimum kit can cost $150–$300 bought new, or much less bought used. A tarp can substitute for a tent in an emergency.

Are National Parks expensive to camp at?

Park entry fees range from $15–$35 per vehicle. Campsites within National Parks cost $15–$35/night additionally. The America the Beautiful pass covers entry fees and discounts many campsite fees, making it excellent value if you visit multiple parks. Reserve campsites 6 months in advance for popular National Parks — sites book up instantly on release day.

How do I camp for free legally?

Dispersed camping on BLM land and National Forests is free and legal in most areas. Restrictions apply: you must camp at least 200 feet from water sources, roads, and trails; stay a maximum of 14 days in one spot; and pack out all trash. Certain zones (Wilderness areas, specially designated areas) have additional rules. Always check with the local ranger district before camping in an unfamiliar area.

The Bottom Line

Camping is one of the most affordable vacation options available — if you approach it the right way. Free dispersed camping, meal planning, and smart gear buying can make a family camping weekend cost less than $150 all-in. The gear investment is real but is a one-time cost that pays off over years of trips. The only version of camping that gets truly expensive is RV resorts, glamping sites, or buying all-new premium gear for a single trip. For everyone else, camping remains one of the best ways to have an incredible outdoor experience without breaking the bank.