Camping on a budget

15 essential tips to slash the cost of camping with a camper trailer

 

Camping with a camper trailer is all about freedom, adventure, and getting away from it all—but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Which is good, because everything else these days does. Yep, with a bit of creativity and savvy planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors without draining your wallet. So, in the spirit of budget-friendly camping, we thought we’d share 15 unique and exclusive tips, to help you camp on the cheap while still having a blast.

 

Camping with a guitar

 

FUEL-SAVING TIPS

 

  1. TRAVEL LIGHT

Every kilo counts when towing. Shed the unnecessary weight—ditch those “just in case” items. The lighter your rig, the less fuel you’ll burn. Stick to essentials and think multi-purpose gear. For example, a plastic bucket can double as a step, a generic washing basin, perfect for sand castle building, storage for ropes and pegs…you get the point, right?

 

  1. PLAN EFFICIENT ROUTES

Use apps like FuelMap Australia to find cheaper fuel along your route. But don’t just stop at the cheapest fuel stops, why not plan a fuel-efficient route that avoids steep climbs and windy roads?

  1. CORRECT TYRE INFLATION

Underinflated tyres can increase your fuel consumption by up to 10%. Keep them properly inflated to reduce drag. Check them regularly, especially before a long trip.

 

TUCKER TIPS

 

  1. PLAN YOUR MENU

Planning your meals ahead of time can save you money and reduce food waste. Opt for versatile ingredients like rice, pasta, and canned beans that can be used in multiple dishes. Think one-pot wonders like a campfire stew or a hearty chilli—simple, filling, and cheap.

 

  1. DIY SNACKS

Skip the expensive pre-packaged snacks and make your own. Trail mix, homemade granola bars, and dehydrated fruit are easy to prepare and much cheaper. Plus, they’ll keep you fuelled up longer for your daily outings.

 

  1. BULK BUY

Purchase non-perishable items like pasta, oats, and nuts in bulk to save money. If you’re camping with friends or family, split the cost and the supplies. Everyone wins.

 

CHEAPER CAMPING

 

  1. FREE CAMPING

You can’t get much cheaper than free, and Australia is full of amazing free camping spots. Use resources like WikiCamps Australia to find them. They might not have all the bells and whistles of paid sites, but they often boast stunning views and serenity all the same — priceless!

 

  1. VOLUNTEER & CARETAKER WORK

Some campsites offer free or discounted stays in exchange for a bit of work. Whether it’s helping with maintenance or hosting, a few hours of effort could save you big bucks. This is perfect for those hitting the road long term!

 

  1. STAY LONGER, PAY LESS

Many campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays. If you’ve found a spot you love, consider settling in for a while instead of continuously moving your location. It will allow you to take advantage of these deals and save money on fuel in the process.

 

Camping around a fire

 

CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT

 

  1. STARGAZING

We all love to look up at the stars when camping. The less light pollution around, the more stars you will see. But to take your stargazing experience to the next level, you’ll want to know how to identify the constellations you’re seeing. Thankfully, there are now apps available for your phone or tablet such as SkyView that let youpoint your device at the night sky and identify the constellations in real time.

 

  1. DIY OUTDOOR CINEMA

Bring along a white sheet and a portable projector for a movie night under the stars. If you don’t have a projector, you can make a simple DIY version using a shoebox and a magnifying glass. Pop some homemade popcorn, and you’ve got a cozy, low-cost cinema experience.

 

  1. NATURAL CRAFT

Collect materials from your surroundings—sticks, stones, leaves—and get crafty. Sculptures, statues and formations all take ours of focus and are rewarding in their own right.

 

CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES

 

You don’t need all the latest expensive camping gear to be comfortable outdoors. Here are a few ways to cut the cost of camping equipment.

 

  1. RE-PURPOSED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Instead of buying new camping gear, see what you can repurpose from home. An old yoga mat can double as a sleeping pad, or a kitchen colander can serve as a camping sink. Heck, all those old plastic containers can be repurposed for camping knick-knacks too. Here’s a hot tip, old cans can make great DIY drink holders on a stick. Be creative and think outside the box!

 

  1. FAIRY LIGHTS

Skip the expensive camping lanterns and opt for solar-powered fairy lights instead. They’re cheaper, create a cozy atmosphere, and can be easily draped around your campsite or strung inside your camper trailer.

 

  1. DIY FIRE STARTERS

There are plenty of ways to make homemade fire-starters that are much cheaper than store-brought firelighters. For example, the lint from your clothes dryer partnered with some petroleum jelly will have your fire going in no time at all. The leftover grease and fat from cooking can also be flammable, so try soaking a few cotton wool buds or paper towels in it and storing them in a zip lock bag. Old toilet paper rolls cut into one-inch-thick circles make the perfect barrier to house the oil soaked cotton wool, too.

Caravan on rural road

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Smart savings lead to more camping, which means camping with a camper trailer doesn’t have to be a budget buster. With these tips, you can reduce costs without sacrificing the joy and adventure of the open road. By being resourceful, planning ahead, and thinking creatively, you’ll have more cash to spend on the things that really matter—like your next big trip!