Camping on a Budget? Explore the Outdoors Without Breaking the Bank

Camping doesn't have to cost a fortune. It's much cheaper than a fancy hotel, you aren't eating out every night, and you don't have to pay for any entertainment. In fact, one of the best things about getting outside is how simple and affordable it can be—with the right tips and gear. When it comes to Near Zero, we mean Near Zero stress on your wallet, and Near Zero stress on planning an affordable outdoor adventure.

Plan Ahead and Book Early

Campgrounds—especially the affordable ones—can fill up fast between June and August AKA peak season. Booking your campsites before the rush starts gives you the best shot at snagging the budget-friendly spots (hello, $10 forest sites!) and helps avoid last-minute fees or splurges.

Go with a Group

Camping with friends or family doesn't just make the trip more fun—it also helps share the costs. Carpooling, splitting food, and sharing gear can cut expenses down significantly. And who doesn't love campfire stories with a crew? Using Near Zero's rental program, you can rent more and save more in large groups!

Invest in Affordable, High-Quality Gear (That Lasts)

Cheap gear can end up costing more in the long run. Rips, leaks, and cold nights aren't worth the short-term savings. That's where Near Zero comes in. Our mission has always been simple: make lightweight, durable, and adventure-ready gear accessible to more people—without the premium price tag.

A few Near Zero essentials that prove you don't have to spend big for big adventures:

• Featherlight Tents: Compact, easy to set up, and built to handle the elements.

• Sleeping Bags: Packs small, keeps you warm—even when temps dip.

• Lightweight Camping Cookware: Durable, lightweight, compactable, and easy to use!

• All-in-One Bundles: Our gear kits offer everything you need to get outside, at a price that beats piecing it together yourself.

Easy Meals

Skip the expensive pre-made meals and bring simple ingredients to cook over the fire or camp stove. Think pasta, rice, foil-packet meals, and even pancakes. (Pro tip: prep spice mixes or pancake batter at home in zip-top bags!) Our blog has loads of ideas!

Choose Free or Low-Fee Campsites

Look for dispersed camping in national forests or BLM land—it's often free or low-cost (just be sure to follow Leave No Trace). Apps like The Dyrt, iOverlander, or FreeCampsites.net are great resources for finding hidden gems.

Reuse and Repurpose

Before buying something new, take a look at what you already have. Old mason jars make great food containers. A yoga mat? Instant sleeping pad. Need a fire starter? Dryer lint and an egg carton can do wonders.

Camping on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or quality. With smart planning and the right gear—like the affordable, high-performance setups from Near Zero—you'll be geared up and ready for epic memories without the epic price tag.

Ready to gear up?

Check out our full line of lightweight, adventure-ready equipment at Near Zero.