Who doesn’t love camping? For many Aussies, there’s nothing better than switching off from everyday life and embracing what the outdoors has to offer. The good news is you don’t need a decked‑out 4X4 or a wallet bursting at the seams to enjoy an epic camping trip. Play it smart and you can hit the outdoors, explore your local gems, and still keep costs down. Below are some practical tips to help you camp on a budget without missing out on the good stuff.
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1. Prep Your Meals and Keep Them Simple
Eating out on a camping trip adds up fast. Prepping meals helps your budget go further and keeps things stress‑free once you’re there. Try:
One‑pot meals
Pre‑chopped veggies
Frozen meals you cook at home and reheat at camp
Bulk snacks like fruit, muesli bars, trail mix
It’s camping, not MasterChef so keep it simple and cheap.
2. Share Gear with Your Mates
Camping with friends is always a winner and it’s an easy way to save. Between everyone, you’ll likely have the essentials covered:
One person brings the tent
Another brings a gazebo
Someone else brings cooking gear
Everyone brings their own chair
Shared gear = shared costs = more fun for less money. If you’re not going with mates, ask to borrow their gear. Sharing is caring after all.
3. Buy Right, Buy Once
Cheap gear might look appealing, but it often falls apart faster than last night's campfire. Quality essentials might cost a bit more upfront, but they’ll save you plenty down the track. Prioritise quality for:
Tents
Sleeping bags
Coolers
Camp chairs
You don’t need the most expensive gear on the market. If you want kit that can cop Aussie weather without costing a fortune, the Everyday Value range at BCF has you covered.
4. Stay Close to Home
You don’t need to travel far for a good time. Staying local helps you save on:
Fuel
Tolls
Snacks and coffee stops
Last‑minute purchases “for the drive”
Check out campsites around your region, you’d be surprised what hidden gems are just a short drive away. Our good mates at Hipcamp have heaps of affordable spots, otherwise Australia has thousands of budget‑friendly camping areas:
National parks
Council-run sites
Farm stays
Free rest stops (where permitted)
5. Camp in the Off‑Season
School holidays and long weekends might seem ideal, but that’s when everyone else has the same idea. Camping off‑peak means:
Lower campground fees
Quieter campsites
Fewer queues
Less traffic
Avoiding peak periods can save you a stack of cash and give you a much more relaxed experience.
Bonus Tip – Plan Free Activities
One of the easiest ways to stick to your budget while still having a ripper time is to fill your trip with free activities. Camping is all about enjoying the outdoors, and lucky for us, the best experiences don’t cost a cent:
Swimming
Bushwalking
Birdwatching
Stargazing
By making the most of what nature provides, you can keep everyone entertained without blowing the budget. Your entertainment budget: $0.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I plan a budget camping trip with kids?
Bring affordable activities or toys from home, choose campgrounds with free facilities (playgrounds, creeks, open spaces), and camp close to home so travel costs stay low. Kids love the adventure; they don’t care about fancy gear.
2. Is camping cheaper than staying in accommodation?
Yes. Even with gear purchases, camping is typically far cheaper than hotels or holiday parks, especially over long weekends and school holidays.
3. What’s the best way to keep food cold on a budget?
Freeze your water bottles and meals before the trip, use block ice instead of cubes, keep your cooler in the shade, and avoid opening it constantly. These simple hacks make even a basic esky last much longer.
4. How do I keep warm at night without buying expensive gear?
Layer up with clothing you already own (thermals, hoodies, socks), bring extra blankets, and choose sheltered campsites out of the wind. A cheap foam mat under your bedding can also make a huge difference by preventing heat loss through the ground.
5. What’s the biggest hidden cost of camping?
Fuel is often the largest, unexpected expense, especially for remote campsites. Choosing a location within 30-90 minutes is a real wallet‑friendly win.
Camping doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be unforgettable. Keep it simple, think ahead, and you’ll be soaking up the outdoors without splashing too much cash. So pack the essentials, round up your mates, and get ready to make memories that don’t come with a hefty price tag.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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