One of the best things about summer is catching up with your family as you take to the great outdoors. Camping is one of the most popular family adventures and is a great way to connect with your kids while teaching them everything they need to survive in the wild. Of course, camping is one of the cheapest family vacations you can give to your children, but there are still some amazing ways that you can cost even more. You trip could cost less than $100 if you plan accordingly, so check out these ten tips so you can reduce the amount of money your family vacations with this summer.

1. Create a Check-List
Camping can be a fairly easy going trip, but if you end up forgetting something it could ruin the trip if you don’t have money to replace it. In order to help avoid this problem you should make a check-list to help you. From personal hygiene and food products to survival and sleep gear your check-list should be checked as often as possible. Any of these items could really cost you a lot of money if you have to go to a camping site to replace it. Just to make sure you don’t forget anything you should have every camper check of the list just to make sure. You will also want to make a check-list for things around the house. Make sure the faucets are off, everything is unplugged and there are no gas products on. This will actually save you a lot of money since your utilities won’t be used during the duration of your trip. If you have pets make sure to leave out plenty of food and talk to a trusted neighbor, friend or family member you checking on them.

2. Map It Out Early
Before you go on any trip you should map out the location so you will know just how much money you need to save. A lot of campsites are free, so the only mapping you will need to is finding a location that is close to hospitals, stores and entertainment for your family. This can be tricky, but make sure you prioritize your needs so you can remain safe while having fun on your trip. Entertainment isn’t a must, but a lot of towns near camp sites will provide your family with frontier inspired events that don’t cost a whole lot. You also need to checkout the routes in which you will be taking. Make sure to look at an updated map even if you have been to the campsite on multiple occasions. Mapping out the route to the camp site is usually a great idea too since you will most likely try to take as many highways as possible in order to get the most mileage.

3. Food
Don’t stock up on food before you go camping. Camping makes cheap meals seem delicious and can help you spend a lot less while you’re enjoying the great outdoors. Instead of packing items like chickens and steaks, buy a few packs of hot dogs and buns, cans of beans, or make your own trail mix and stock up on chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. You can also use your time outdoor to catch your own food. If you have a fishing license and plan on spending time near a lake or river then try to get a decent enough catch to help save on your grocery bill. Fishing is also a great way to spend some quality time with the kids and will really boost their confidence if they catch the fish you choose to have for dinner. If you are skilled with knowing berries then you and the kids can pick fresh berries to enjoy for breakfast or a snack.

4. Rent a Boat
You might think that owning your boat is the best idea when it comes to your family’s vacation time, but the truth is if you don’t live by a lake then you are really doing yourself a disservice. When you go on vacation you should try renting a boat instead of bringing along one that you already own. This will allow you to save on the gasoline that it will take to haul the boat along with you as well as a docking fee and fuel for the boat. When you rent you bypass a lot of fee, so if you only have a day or two to spend on the water then renting is the way to go. If you add up the cost buying your own boat might be a wise idea, but that is only if you leave near water and intend on going out in the water frequently. There many rental companies that will provide you with a great package deal to help you get the most out of your boating experience and vacation.

5. Use Second Hand Gear
Many people feel as if they need to bring a lot of gear with them when they go camping. If you plan on going camping during certain periods of the year then this might be true. If you have to pack a lot of gear try not go out and buy it first hand. For instance, if you would like a new tent for your growing family then you might look around your local listing and thrift shops for a significantly reduced price. This also works great with cooking gear and other necessities for camping out. If you intend on camping during winter then you might want to grab a few cheap sweater from the local thrift store so you can keep the family warm without having to purchase a lot of items. Old blankets also work great when you need a sleeping bag solution that doesn’t cost a thing. If you can’t find the gear you need from a store then ask to borrow some items from a friend who might already have them.

6. Camp Nearby
You don’t have to travel far away in order to enjoy a great camping trip. Try to find a camp ground that is near your location so you can save on the gas money it takes to get to the location. This will also provide you with a great way to explore the area that your family lives in, which will help you feel more connected to your home. This is also perfect for first time campers, as you can easily pack up and go home without losing too much money if you decide the family can’t handle the great outdoors. If you have kids that really want to give camping a try then set up a little campsite in your backyard. This is perfect for slumber parties and will get children ready for real camping when the family finally does go. You can even set up the fire pit to allow them to chance of making smores and telling stories.

7. Watch the Weather
Before you head out on your camping trip you will want to keep an eye out for the weather. Nothing ruins a camping trip like nonstop rain for the duration of the vacation. The weather isn’t always incredibly predictable, but if you make sure to keep an eye on the weather you might be able to avoid any major mishaps that could leave your family packing up and heading home. Generally, if you plan you vacation during the summer you are pretty safe when it comes to rain; however, you should always watch your surroundings and use your gut when it comes to the weather. Bad weather not only forces you to cancel your trip, but can ruin your gas mileage and make you break down and buy camp gear that works better in the rain.

8. Water
Water is a must have every day, but can cost you a whole lot if you just buy the little bottles. If you have a good water filter at home then try filling up clean milk jugs to help you save a lot of money on water. You can also buy the bigger jugs of water for a lot cheaper than you can packages of bottled water. Remember, you will need water to drink, cook and clean with on your trip so you don’t want to bring too little with you. There are also water filtration cups you can buy that will filter water out for you. These cups are a great buy for the frequent camper that doesn’t have a lot of space, but they also require you to be around a water source at all times. When you pack up water for your family’s trip you should always double their normal intake, especially in the summer, so that you ensure there will be plenty of fluids on board.

9. Plan Activities
One of the best ways to stop from spending money while you’re camping is to plan out activities before you go on your trip. You should always have several games planned out for both indoors and outdoors that will prevent people from getting bored. There are many low cost games that are perfect for the outdoors, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money on items to bring with you. For instance, try taking a horseshoe set for some outdoor fun and perhaps a pack of cards to play with in case you get rained in for the day. You will also want to plan plenty of activities that will tire your family out. Hiking and swimming can be some of the best activities to help bring your family’s energy level down so they will want to lay down and relax when the sun goes out. You should also plan a day where you go see a western show, or just venture out to the movies so the kids can get a break from the camping life and spend some time in the cool air.

10. The R.V.
It is usually best to leave the R.V. at home unless you are planning a long trip. The R.V. will take up a lot more gasoline than you would generally put in your car, so if you’re going somewhere close to home then try to convenience the family to take the standard car. If you do decide to take the R.V. out the fuel up before daybreak and after dark so you can get the most gasoline for your dollar. You might also have one of your passengers keep an eye on a gas app so you can fill up cheaply whenever you come across a town that offers a decent price. You might want to lay off the R.V. appliances as well as running the fridge, microwave, television and other items can not only drain your gas, but your battery. If you are just planning on stopping to sleep for a few hours then avoid R.V. parks and just park in a parking lot like Wal Mart’s. This will allow you to sleep for free for a few hours without having to hook up to an R.V. parks amenities.

Camping can be one of the best ways for your children to make great memories while bonding with you. If you love to camp then make to take some time off this summer so you enjoy the great outdoors with your family. With these tips you can actually save money on your trip so you don’t have to worry about bills and other costs bombarding you when you return home from your relaxing vacation.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty