The Great Outdoors on a Budget!
Camping is an all American past time that is enjoyed by people all across the country. Getting back to fresh air and nature’s beauty would seem like such a cheap endeavor, only it never is. By the time you pay for the food, the camp space, and all the necessities to sustain your family’s needs in the woods, you could be looking at paying upwards of $1,000 or more. As you already know, I always find a way to save a buck or two and stash it away for a rainy day. Here are few tips for you to save some cash on your outdoor adventures and still have some wonderful fun with your family in the sticks.
Plan early: You need to decide well in advance about where your little outdoor venture will take you. As the camping season wears on, places become less available and the price goes right up along with it. Booking your spot early will not only ensure you have a place to set up your tent, but it will also drive your cost way down. Some places are so busy, people book up to a year in advance to ensure a quality spot for the vacation. Bottom line, don’t be left scrambling to book your families dream vacation!
Bring your own wood: Have you ever paid full price for wood onsite at a camp ground? If not, you will be in shock at the price they expect you to pay for an hours’ worth of glowing embers. Many places will charge you $10 or more for a very small bundle of wood. This will be great if you only want to do a round of smore’s, but not so great if you intend to cookout and stay warm all night long. In order to cut this price out of the budget, you should bring your own wood from home. Wood will be much cheaper if you buy it at home where the demand does not influence the cost. Heck, you would even be better off collecting it from the roadside on your way to your vacation then to actually incur the cost once you arrive. It’s almost black market price once you are away from civilization and left with no other options.
Pack plenty of food: Be sure you plan ahead for every meal to ensure you have plenty of food. By planning things out in advance, you can avoid paying $6 for a single pack of hot dogs at the local convenience store. Plus, most people fail to realize that almost any meal you normally prepare at home can be readjusted for cooking or heating out in the woods. I have even seen people make whole batches of lasagna or steak fajitas from scratch right on site. Shopping from your own cupboards will undoubtedly always be cheaper than purchasing food from small town stores. So, be vigilant in making food ahead of time and planning meals wisely so you can skip any unexpected and expensive trips to the overpriced local market near the campground.
Make a schedule for outings: If you plan early enough for your trip, it will give you the chance to check out all the available entertainment in the area. This way you can avoid all the expensive trapping of local shows and take up more of the free and easily accessible options. This of course includes hiking, swimming, and even biking. You may even come across local landmarks or museums that are free of charge. This will be a great learning experience for your little ones and of course your wallet will be thanking you too. So, check with the local chamber of commerce and do a little online investigating to find out where all the great and cheap touristy opportunities are before you arrive.
I hope these little tips help you and your family enjoy some outdoor fun and create memories that will last a lifetime. You may even save so much money, that it becomes a yearly tradition! I know how much fun my own family has every year and it has been a joy to connect with families all over the country that enjoy the same great outdoors. It’s the little things that count right?
Until we meet again next week… please join me at the contact locations below for more deal, steals, and bargain shop talk! Coupon classes and giveaways are happening right now, so join the Klippin’ Krazy community to make sure you don’t miss a single couponing beat!
Sincerely,
Allison White of Klippin Krazy
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