If you’ve been thinking about camping but aren’t sure what it will cost, you’re not alone. Prices are high on many of our goods, and if you’re looking to try a new hobby in 2026, AKA camping, one of the most common questions first-time campers ask is:

“How much might it cost to start camping in 2026?”

The answer depends on your gear choices, comfort level, and how often you plan to go, but most beginners are surprised at how quickly expenses can add up.

In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of camping gear, show realistic pricing for beginners, and compare traditional gear setups with modern bundled systems like Near Zero to help you make the smartest investment.

How Much Does It Cost to Start Camping?

For most beginners, the average cost to get into camping ranges from $400 to $800.

Here’s what typically makes up a starter kit:

Tent: $120–$300

A reliable tent is your shelter and one of the most important purchases you’ll make. Budget tents exist, but spending a little more usually means better weather protection and durability.

Sleeping Bag: $80–$200

Temperature rating matters. A cheaper bag might work for summer but leave you freezing in shoulder seasons.

Sleeping Pad: $40–$120

Many beginners overlook this — but insulation from the ground is just as important as the sleeping bag.

Backpack: $100–$250

Comfort is everything when carrying gear. Poorly fitted packs can turn an exciting trip into a painful one.

Camp Stove + Cook Kit: $40–$150

From simple burners to compact integrated systems, your cooking setup can vary widely in price.

Lighting, Safety, and Essentials: $50–$150

Headlamps, first aid kits, water filtration, and navigation tools are non-negotiable for safe adventures.

Beginner Camping Cost Breakdown (2026)

Estimated Total:

• Budget setup: ~$430
• Average beginner setup: ~$600–$700
• High-quality kit: $900+

SEO takeaway: The true average cost of camping gear for beginners in 2026 lands squarely around $600.

Why Camping Feels Expensive at First

The biggest shock for new campers isn’t usually one large purchase, it’s the stacking effect of smaller items.

Common forgotten costs include:

• Trekking poles
• Dry bags
• Camp chairs
• Extra layers
• Bear storage
• Fuel
• Repair kits

Before long, a “cheap” setup starts creeping toward premium territory.

Pro Tip: Buy gear you won’t immediately replace. Upgrading twice is almost always more expensive than buying smart the first time.

Is Camping Worth the Upfront Investment?

Absolutely. Camping is one of the few hobbies where the cost per experience drops dramatically over time.

If you spend $600 and camp just six weekends, that’s only $100 per trip, and it keeps getting cheaper every time you go.

Compare that to flights, hotels, or theme park vacations, and camping quickly becomes one of the most affordable ways to travel.

Near Zero vs Traditional Camping Gear Costs

A growing trend in the outdoor industry is ready-to-go gear systems designed to eliminate the confusion beginners face when building a kit from scratch.

Instead of researching dozens of products, some campers are choosing bundled packages.

Traditional Approach

Cost: $500–$800
Pros:

• Fully customizable
• Flexible price points
• Ability to upgrade piece by piece

Cons:

• Hours of research
• Risk of incompatible gear
• Easy to overspend
• Analysis paralysis for beginners

Near Zero Adventure Bundle

Near Zero takes a different approach by packaging essential gear into one streamlined system.

Price: About $599 for a full setup.

What Makes It Stand Out:

• Multiple core items included
• Designed for lightweight performance
• Eliminates guesswork
• Beginner-friendly
• Often cheaper than buying separately

Cost Comparison Snapshot

Key Insight: Near Zero lands directly in the industry’s “average cost” range while reducing the time, stress, and uncertainty of building a kit yourself.

The Real Question: Convenience or Control?

When deciding how to start camping, ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy researching gear?
• Do I want a fast, simple entry into camping?
• Am I likely to upgrade soon?

If you love optimizing every detail, a DIY setup may be ideal.

If your goal is to get outside faster with less friction, a bundled system can be a smart value.

What Should You Expect to Spend?

• Bare minimum: ~$400
• Realistic beginner budget: ~$600
• Top-tier comfort: $900+

Camping doesn’t have to drain your savings — but thoughtful buying makes all the difference.

Brands like Near Zero are helping reshape the beginner experience by lowering the barrier to entry and simplifying the path from “I want to camp” to “I’m heading out this weekend.”

Because at the end of the day, the best gear isn’t the most expensive… It’s the gear that actually gets you outdoors.