| Whether you are an experienced camping | | | | Borrow and Rent |
| enthusiast or you are starting off on your | | | | |
| first camping experience, it is important to | | | | If you have friends who have camped in the |
| have the proper gear and equipment. Many of | | | | past, they may be able to supply some |
| the supplies can be expensive and some items | | | | equipment for you to borrow. This will |
| may be hard to find. To get the most for your | | | | greatly reduce initial expenses. Even if you |
| money, though, there are several tricks you | | | | can get pieces from several people, this may |
| can employ. | | | | help. Make sure to keep a list of who gave |
| | | | you which items so you can return them to the |
| Plan | | | | correct people. Be considerate of other |
| | | | people's property and return items cleaned |
| Unless you have an unlimited budget, a | | | | and in good condition. Some items are also |
| camping trip is not something where you can | | | | available for rental. Check with local rental |
| get everything at once without a bit of | | | | locations to see if they have items such as |
| planning. Research where you will be going, | | | | grills and showers. For maximum convenience, |
| the conditions that will be present and the | | | | you can rent a recreational vehicle which |
| climate. Make a list of all the supplies you | | | | will supply cooking, eating and sleeping |
| will need and determine what items you have | | | | facilities. |
| available and what items you will need to | | | | |
| purchase. If you start early enough, you'll | | | | Buy Used and Discounted |
| be able to spread purchases over a longer | | | | |
| period of time so it does not take as big a | | | | Check on the Internet or at local resale |
| hit to your budget all at once. | | | | shops for used equipment. Many people will |
| | | | purchase items for camping then decide they |
| Budget | | | | don't want it anymore or they upgrade. You |
| | | | can find great deals at these stores and buy |
| Research on the Internet or at local sporting | | | | clothing and equipment at a value. Discount |
| goods stores to get an idea of the cost for | | | | stores often have sporting goods sections. |
| all the equipment and supplies you will need. | | | | You may not be able to buy all your camping |
| Do not forget items such as food and water, | | | | needs there but you may be able to find |
| cooking utensils and eating implements. If | | | | dishes, heaters, grills, tents and sleeping |
| you go over budget, see if there are ways you | | | | bags at a greatly reduced price. |
| can economize or determine if there are some | | | | |
| items you can do without. Do not skimp on | | | | Buying camping equipment can be expensive, |
| survival equipment or first aid equipment as | | | | especially for the first time camper. |
| these are essential. However, you may be able | | | | However, with a little planning and time you |
| to get away with roughing it a bit more by | | | | can get items at a discounted rate. Make sure |
| foregoing some luxury items. Compare prices | | | | to be organized and make lists of necessary |
| on the Internet. Not all stores have | | | | items. Research prices and compare stores to |
| comparable prices and if you forego the | | | | find the best discounts available. Your |
| convenience of getting everything at one | | | | camping vacation will be a lot more enjoyable |
| store, you may get better prices. | | | | if you didn't spend a fortune to rough it in |
| | | | the wilderness. |