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