HOW TO GO CAMPING ON A BUDGET

001. One of my biggest passions in life is travel. I believe that travel doesn't always have to be some expensive overseas expedition, it can just be finding hidden gems in your own backyard. For the past week I've been away camping with Ben and we had the most magical time (photos coming soon). My Sagittarius soul is always ready for a new adventure, but my bank account maybe not so much.  I'm going to share my tips for camping on a very low budget, so you can always satisfy that inner travel bug! 

CAMPING GEAR:

If you already are a well equipped camper, awesome, but if you are a little underprepared don't fret. Buying tents, camp chairs, mattresses etc. can get pricey but there is always ways around it. My biggest tip is to borrow things! Most people own some variety of camping gear that never gets used. I'm sure that if you ask a friend to borrow their tent that's been collecting dust for a few months they will be more than happy to help you out. If borrowing gear is out of the question my second tip is to try and find it second hand. Gumtree is always filled with people selling their barely-used camping equipment for cheap prices, or you could always hit up a local pawn shop and local classifieds to see what people are getting rid of. 

ACCOMODATION:

This is without a doubt probably the biggest cost for people when going camping. My best tips for finding the cheapest and most cost effective options are...

- Pick an unpowered site (this can save you lots of money in the long run and there's always a sneaky power point hidden in the bathrooms if you REALLY need to check your phone)

- Don't camp in school holidays or peak season (prices go up ridiculously- trust me you don't want to be forking out $50 a night for a patch of grass surrounded by screaming children)

- Stay at national parks (most national parks in Queensland I've looked at can be booked online and are only $5.95 a night per person, a bloody bargain)

- Download the app Wiki Maps (this is only for Australia and yes it is $8 but is the best camping app for finding every type of camp you could possibly want- including free ones!)

FOOD:

For eating on a budget while camping, a little gas stove will become your best friend. From here you can cook almost anything. Think along the lines of rice, oats, pasta and legumes. With these four key ingredients and the little addition of sauce and spices, you can create so many hearty meals! Another staple is a few boxes of your favourite cereal and long life mylk. Easy peasy. As far as fruit and veg goes non-perishables will be your saviour- think apples, bananas, oranges, avocados and even tinned fruits. Potato and pumpkin can also be cooked quite nicely on your little stove. Plentiful snacks are an essential- any type of bread that tickles your fancy, crackers and muesli bars usually hit the spot. 

002. I hope this post has inspired you to hit the road and see what your neck of the woods has to offer! Camping is a fun way to explore new places and get back in touch with nature; the best type of therapy or relaxation the earth can offer. 

Lena x