Camping is one of the cheapest ways to travel once you own the gear. But the upfront kit, plus ongoing site and fuel charges, still add up — especially for a family — and they catch people out because they feel like "free" holidays.
The trick to budgeting is to separate the one-off gear cost, which you reuse trip after trip, from the per-trip running costs: campsite fees, fuel and food. Load all the gear onto one weekend and camping looks expensive; spread it across years of trips and it's a bargain.
What goes into a camping budget
- Campsite fees: from free bush camping to powered caravan-park sites; charged per night and often per person.
- Fuel: often the biggest running cost for a road-based trip, especially towing a caravan.
- Food: cheaper than eating out, but stock up before remote areas where supplies cost more.
- Gear (one-off): tent, sleeping bags, cooking kit — a big first cost that's reused for years.
- Park passes & activities: national park entry and any paid activities along the way.
How to camp for less
Use free or low-cost sites — national parks, bush camping, free roadside areas where allowed — instead of pricier caravan parks when you don't need power. Buy gear gradually, second-hand or in end-of-season sales, and borrow before you commit to camping regularly. Plan meals and stock up in larger towns before heading remote, where groceries cost more. And if you'll visit several parks, an annual pass often pays for itself.
Estimate your trip cost
Enter the running costs and it'll total them up. Leave gear out of this — treat that as a separate one-off investment.
Trip cost → site + food + fuel
Indicative only — site fees and fuel prices vary by region and season, so check current rates for your trip.
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Tent or caravan?
Tent camping is cheaper upfront and uses less fuel; a caravan or camper costs more to buy and tow but adds comfort and flexibility. For occasional trips a tent wins on cost; for frequent or long trips, plenty of people find a caravan worth the investment. Either way, the running-cost maths above is what tells you what a given trip will actually set you back.
Go deeper
Questions
Is camping really cheaper than hotels?
Once you own the gear, yes — nightly site fees are far lower than hotels, and self-catering cuts food costs. The main upfront cost is equipment, reused across many trips, so camping gets cheaper the more you do it.
How much do campsites cost?
It ranges from free (bush camping and some national parks) to a moderate per-night fee for powered caravan-park sites, often charged per person too. Choosing the right type of site is the biggest lever on accommodation cost.
What gear do I really need to start?
The essentials are a tent, sleeping bags and mats, a basic cooking setup and a light. Add comfort items over time. Buying second-hand or borrowing for your first trip lets you try camping before investing in everything.
How do I keep food costs down?
Plan meals in advance, stock up at larger supermarkets before heading remote (where prices rise), and cook simple one-pot meals. A good cooler or fridge lets you carry more from cheaper shops rather than buying at expensive roadhouses.
Are national park passes worth it?
If you'll visit several parks, an annual or multi-park pass usually works out cheaper than paying entry each time. Check the passes for your region and tally up your planned visits.
Is camping cheaper than a caravan?
Tent camping is cheaper upfront and uses less fuel; a caravan or camper costs more to buy and tow but adds comfort. For occasional trips a tent wins; for frequent or long trips, many find a caravan worth it.
Costs vary by site type, region, season and group size. The figures here are general guidance and depend on the numbers you enter — always check current site fees and fuel prices for your trip.