Budget camping

5 survival strategies for camping on a budget

Exploring nature and sleeping under the stars can be viewed as an economical vacation. But buying gear and booking campsites or renting an RV can add up.

Try these tips to enjoy the outdoors free of technology, traffic and a big tab.

1 Search for free campsites

Sites like Campendium.com or FreeCampsites.net and are good for finding free camping options.

Campendium provides information on over 27,000 campsites (free and paid), including national and state parks and RV parks.

Word to the wise: Free campsites don’t always include the amenities of paid campgrounds. If you choose a free site, locate a place close by where you can clean up.

2 Check the weather

“The most important thing is staying warm and comfortable in your tent,” says Kristin Addis, CEO of travel blog Be My Travel Muse. “So maybe the tent doesn’t need to be super fancy or expensive, but I would maybe spend a bit more on your sleeping bag so you're not freezing.”

Investing in good gear from the outset — even if it’s expensive — could save you money in the long run, rather than buying something that’s not quite right and having to replace it later.

3 Travel with less

Travel light: 20 pounds not including food and water is a good guideline for backpacking, says backpacking instructor Tom Lionvale. For equipment deals, check out online sales. REI.com features REI Garage, where you'll find discounted clothing and gear. Backcountry.com showcases markdowns at its discount division Steep and Cheap.

4 Find a place to rest

If you’re traveling by RV, look for dump stations for waste disposal ahead of time. If you’ll need to get some sleep along the journey, search online for free overnight RV parking, such as at rest areas and truck stops. Be sure to check local rules, since policies on if and how long you can park can vary.

5 Make your own rules

“Anything goes,” Lionvale says. “I’ve seen men and women with World War I army surplus doing a good job and having a good time, and I've seen men and women with ultralight equipment having a miserable time.”

This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet.