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5 Affordable Ways to Start Camping Now: No RV Purchase Required

Summer is nearly here and we are excited about the return of the old-fashioned American Road Trip. In fact, last year we had our own multi-state RV road trip and it was fantastic. The best part is when you combine your road trip with camping it can be done with minimal investment and take you (nearly) anywhere you want to go. Truly, anyone CAN go camping and it doesn’t have to be in the dirt.

There are abundant opportunities from tent camping to renting an RV to glamping - there really is something for everyone.

Cabin Rentals

Cabin camping is the perfect affordable way to start camping with the least amount of investment into equipment and gear - I would recommend this to everyone who wants to get their family started camping this weekend without any resources or purchases necessary. Our favorite cabin rentals are easy to find nationwide at nearly any Kampgrounds of America. They have every type of cabin rental to suit your needs. You can do basic and bring along your own sleeping bag or rent a deluxe cabin and worry about nothing!

Tent camping

Truly roughing it, but if you have your own gear or are able to borrow or rent it, this is the fastest and cheapest way to get outdoors. There are basic needs like a tent and sleeping bag, but truly camping can be what you want to make it. If a propane stove seems overwhelming or too expensive, then bring along a portable grill or electric skillet. We actually tent camped this way for MANY YEARS! Would a cot be nice? Sure. But if the cost prevents you from getting going then just try going without.

Rent an RV/Van and Go

There are SO many ways to rent an RV - from private owners on Outdoorsy (aka airbnb for RVs) to national companies like Cruise America you will be sure to find a drivable or towable that suits your tastes. Just make sure that you are well versed on that RV if it’s your first time.

Find a campground with a rentable RV on-site

If driving an RV sounds intimidating what about renting an RV already on site. Yes, this is a thing! Many campgrounds across America have rentable RV’s that are already in place, hooked up and ready to welcome you. What about staying in a classic Airstream for a few nights without even having to purchase or tow it!?!

Glamping Options Are Popular

Picture all those idyllic shots of large canvas tents propped up between tall pine trees with comfy beds and plush blankets. It truly is a wonderful setting. This type of camping is becoming more and more available everywhere you go. A dream of ours is to glamp at the Inn Town Campground in Nevada City, CA. It is AMAZING!!

With so many options available, even those that say they would never camp might find something for them.


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