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Shenandoah: First Family Trip!

We’re not crazy! It feels good to just get that out of the way. That was the general consensus received when we said we planned to road trip with a 3-month-old. We had some major cabin fever, and needed a retreat, so why not 14 hours to the mountains?

Cute lil’ camper

God has gifted us with the flexibility to just pick up and go adventure…

Camping Thrifty

Camping is thrifty. It’s a great way to vacation somewhere new on the cheap. The average cost for a tent campsite at most parks in the US is $15-$45. Compare that to the $125-a-night average for hotels in 2021. Most camping trips are two to three nights long. That’s a savings of $160 – $330 right there!

Common Sneaky Costs

T​hat savings can be eaten away quickly if you don’t watch out for some sneakier camping costs. Things like breakfast, showers, and firewood can add up if you’re not looking. When it comes to saving money, planning is king. Here are three ways to save by planning for those costs:

  1. B​reakfast – depending on your chef skills, either pack an easy breakfast like toaster pastries or bring some eggs to fry up in the morning.
  2. S​howers – most campsites offer free showers, but for those that don’t, the cost of shower tokens can be $5 a shower. Avoid this by researching if your campsite has free showers or bring your own portable shower.
  3. F​irewood – while a majority of places ban importing firewood from outside counties or regions, a free choice is to scavenge around your campsite for fallen sticks and limbs you can use to start your own friendly fire.

Other ways to save on your trip

W​ith your fire ablaze, shower finished, and breakfast eaten; there are more ways to save on your already low-cost and thrifty camping trip. Enjoying the outdoor space where you’re staying is one of the easiest! Depending on if you stayed at a campsite within a park, forest reserve, or private campsite; there’s often miles of hiking trails and beautiful landscapes to take in for no extra cost. State and national parks have trails close to your campsite which can take you to some breathtaking lakes, mountains, or other scenery.

A​nother surprising way to save is to visit the camp store for some inexpensive souvenirs. Magnets, stickers, and key chains can all be less than $5 and are a fun way to remember your thrifty journey. Other costly dual-purpose souvenirs include drinkware, clothing, and even a walking stick.