| Life's like a MasterCard commercial and so is | | | | dishes is a benefit for families that camp often |
| camping. This means everything costs something | | | | and saves on the environment as well. Purchase |
| but memories made are priceless. Memories can | | | | enough food to last the course of your camping |
| be made in a cost effective manner. Maximizing | | | | vacation and be smart about buying |
| the fun and minimize the money spent is possible | | | | non-perishable foods wherever possible. About |
| if you know some ways to reduce costs. The | | | | $200 should be allotted for food and gas. This |
| most effective way of having a memorable | | | | should cover your needs for about a 2-3 day trip, |
| camping vacation is to create a budget and follow | | | | depending on how many people you are feeding |
| these tips and tricks for camping efficiently. The | | | | and how far you plan to travel. |
| key is to have some key pieces of equipment | | | | Camping Tools and Equipment |
| that can be used in a variety of ways and that | | | | There are several items that are camping |
| will last a long-time. This will allow you to enjoy | | | | essentials. A multi-purpose tool or knife is essential |
| the benefits of the equipment without worrying | | | | for safe and effective camping. A multi-purpose |
| about the long-term effects of the cost. | | | | survival knife will come in handy for cutting string |
| It is frustrating trying to put together a quality | | | | or twine to hold down tents or hang tarps during |
| set of camping supplies on a limited amount of | | | | rainy weather. It can also be used for opening |
| money but it is very possible. First off, develop a | | | | canned food, gutting fish, and fixing other camping |
| list of equipment priorities. The camp site location | | | | equipment should it break. There are a number of |
| and the fuel to get there is a primary necessity. | | | | brands and styles of survival knives available. Find |
| Food and water to last for the length of your | | | | a good, quality one and keep it with your camping |
| stay would come next. Other important tools to | | | | equipment at all times. |
| include in your camping equipment list are a | | | | Quality lights are also important camping |
| long-lasting flashlight or lantern, multi-purpose knife, | | | | equipment. The most cost effective light for |
| extra batteries, a first-aid kit and matches to build | | | | camping is a LED flashlight or LED lantern. They |
| a campfire. Camping supplies such as tents, | | | | last longer than the usual fluorescent or |
| sleeping bags, and chairs will make camping | | | | incandescent bulb and are more resistant to |
| comfortable and will keep you warm and dry. The | | | | breaking. This is very important if you are |
| secondary list of camping items would include | | | | camping deep in the forest where it will get |
| hobby tools and equipment like those for boating, | | | | darker quicker or if you will be hiking to your |
| cycling, or fishing. | | | | destination. Having a long-lasting, dependable LED |
| Camp Site Location and Getting There | | | | lantern or flashlight will give families extra |
| Campground prices usually weigh in a $12 to $25 | | | | reassurance of safety. LED lighting products are |
| per night. Call the campground ahead of time to | | | | sometimes more expensive than regular camping |
| determine prices at your local state or national | | | | lights but their longevity and bright light make |
| parks. Also, consider whether the campground | | | | them a smart investment. |
| you are going to has running water, bathroom and | | | | Altogether, it is estimated that the cost of |
| shower facilities, charcoal grills and trash disposal | | | | camping will be approximately $300-$400, making |
| areas. Depending on whether the grounds have | | | | camping and spending time in nature a relatively |
| these you may need to add or take away items | | | | inexpensive alternative vacation. Planning out your |
| from your camping list. Additionally, estimate gas | | | | camping vacation: a quality, well-stocked campsite, |
| money ahead of time to ensure you are | | | | food and water, tents and sleeping bags, survival |
| prepared. | | | | knife, and long-lasting flashlights will help you spend |
| Food and Water | | | | a budget wisely and even save money in the |
| Include in your camping list the coolers, water | | | | long-term. This means more memories that last a |
| jugs, paper or plastic plates, and cups you may | | | | lifetime. |
| need while camping. Investing in reusable camping | | | | |