Budget Camping Kit: Everything You Need to Camp for Less
The essential camping checklist: budget gear picks, practical tips, and everything you need to get started
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Relaxed family campsite set up with a tent, hammock, and campfire in a forest clearing. Photo by Wes Hicks.
Camping with your family doesn’t have to be a big production—or cost a fortune. It’s actually one of the most economical ways to spend time together. And if you pick the right campground, especially at a state park, there’s usually plenty to do for free—hiking trails, lakes, wildlife, and room to roam.
The list below might seem overwhelming—but trust me, once you’ve got your gear together, it’s done. Next time, you just load it in the car and go. Then do it again.
This kit keeps it simple with the gear you really need to get out there without overspending. No frills, just functional stuff that makes camping more fun (and less stressful).
Shelter & Sleep System
You don’t need fancy gear to sleep well at a campground, but you do need the basics. These suggestions keep setup simple, ensure a comfortable sleep, and keep your budget in check.
1. Tent
A reliable tent makes all the difference. For families just getting started, the Coleman Sundome 6-Person Tent is a great pick. It’s budget-friendly, easy to set up, and built to handle light rain and wind thanks to its WeatherTec™ system.
Tip: Dome-style tents like this one are quick to pitch and hold up better in wind than taller cabin tents
2. Sleeping Bags
Select synthetic sleeping bags rated for temperatures between 30°F and 40°F for 3-season camping. They’re easier to wash, more affordable, and better for kids than down bags. The Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag is an excellent choice if you're seeking a warm, compact, and easy-to-maintain sleeping bag.
Got kids? Check out this budget-friendly bag made just for them: Kelty Mistral Kid’s Sleeping Bag. It’s warm, packable, and not too bulky for smaller bodies.
3. Sleeping Pads
Select synthetic sleeping bags rated for 30°F to 40°F for 3-season camping. They’re easier to wash, more affordable, and better for kids than down bags. The Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag is a solid choice if you're looking for something warm, compact, and easy to maintain.
Got kids coming along? The Kelty Mistral Kid’s Sleeping Bag is a great budget-friendly pick—warm, packable, and sized right for smaller campers.
4. Blanket
If you don’t already have a Rumpl blanket, you should. I bring a Rumpl blanket on every trip—it’s warm, lightweight, and way more versatile than a bulky sleeping bag. It’s perfect for layering, lounging, or wrapping up around the campfire.
Quick Setup Tip: Practice setting up your tent in the backyard or living room before your first trip. Your kids will probably love the backyard camp-out, but really—it’s for you. You’ll want to make sure you know how to pitch the tent before you’re racing daylight at the campground.
Camp Kitchen Essentials
You don’t need a gourmet setup to eat well outside—just a few basics to cook, clean, and keep things cool. This kit covers the essentials so you can feed your crew without hauling your whole kitchen along.
1. Stove
A two-burner propane stove is ideal for simple camp meals—boil water on one side and cook breakfast on the other. The Coleman Classic 2-Burner Stove is a solid, affordable option that’s easy to use, reliable, and a longtime favorite for car camping setups.
Pro tip: Bring a lighter or waterproof matches—some stoves don’t have an auto-ignite feature.
2. Cookware
A small pot, a pan, and a serving spoon go a long way when camping. Skip the complicated nesting backpacker sets and opt for something easy to clean, such as the GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Cook Set or the Stanley Adventure Base Camp Cook Set. Both are durable, straightforward, and perfect for family meals at camp.
3. Cooler
A cooler isn’t just for camping—it comes in handy for road trips, lake days, tailgates, and everything in between. I use a ROVR RollR 60 Cooler, and it has been incredibly reliable for keeping ice for days and handling rough terrain. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Coleman Xtreme Cooler is a solid choice that gets the job done without the premium price tag.
4. Clean-Up Basics
Keeping your camp kitchen clean is essential, and the Sea to Summit Camp Kitchen Clean-Up Kit makes it easy. This lightweight, compact kit includes everything you need for quick and efficient camp clean-up:
10L collapsible kitchen sink
Pot scrubber
50ml Wilderness Wash (biodegradable soap)
Double-sided washcloth
DryLite dish towel
Nylon zip pouch for storage
Everything packs neatly into the zippered pouch, making it simple to carry and store between trips.
Lighting & Power
Campgrounds get dark at night, especially once the fire dies down. A few good light sources make a huge difference for cooking, late-night bathroom runs, or just hanging out..
1. Lantern
I use the Black Diamond Moji+ Lantern, and it’s the perfect size for camp—bright enough for the table, compact enough to hang in the tent.
2. Headlamps
A must-have for everyone. I use the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp and bring one for each person—it’s a game-changer for late-night walks or digging through gear hands-free.
3. String Lights
Not essential, but a nice touch for camp ambiance. The REVEL GEAR Trail Hound String Lights add a warm glow around your tent or canopy with minimal extra weight and setup.
4. Power Bank
Keeping your devices charged is easier with a reliable power source. I use the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station for longer trips when I need more capacity. For shorter outings or budget needs, the Anker PowerCore Portable Charger is a compact, affordable backup that works great.
Lighting Tip: Keep all your lights and charging cables in one stuff sack or small bin. That way, you’re not rummaging in the dark looking for batteries.
Bonus Gear That Makes Camp Better
Relaxing riverside with the Kelty Lowdown Chair along the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming.
Comfort & Convenience
Camp Chairs: Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair, or I use the Kelty Lowdown Chair
Folding Table: We use the Mountain Summit Heavy-Duty Roll-Top Table
Hammock: We use TravelNest Hammock + Straps Combo
Fire Starter Kit: UCO Stormproof Match Kit
Smart Add-Ons
Bug Spray: Bugs can be relentless, especially in warm weather or near water. I recommend the Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray.
Bear Spray (if needed): Required in areas like Yellowstone, Glacier, and parts of the Rockies. Check ahead before your trip. I carry Counter Assault Bear Deterrent.
Comfort Tip: Start with what you’ve got, then add the extras as you go. These small additions go a long way toward making camp smoother and safer.
Recap: Budget Family Camping Kit Checklist
Shelter & Sleep System
☐ Coleman Sundome 6-Person Tent
☐ Kelty Catena 30 at REI
☐ Kelty Mistral Kid’s Sleeping Bag
☐ Big Agnes Sleeping Pads at REI or Klymit Static V (budget option)
☐ Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket at REI
Camp Kitchen Essentials
☐ Coleman Classic 2-Burner Stove at Amazon
☐ Outdoors Bugaboo Cook Set at REI or Stanley Adventure Base Camp Cook Set at Amazon
☐ ROVR RollR 60 at Rovr or Coleman Xtreme Cooler (budget option)
☐ Sea to Summit Camp Kitchen Clean-Up Kit at REI
Lighting & Power
☐ Black Diamond Moji+ Lantern at REI
☐ Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
☐ REVEL GEAR Trail Hound Lights
☐ Jackery Explorer 300 Plus at REI or Anker PowerCore at Amazon (budget option)
Bonus Gear That Makes Camp Better
Comfort & Convenience
☐ Camp chairs (Kelty Lowdown Chair) or (Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair)
☐ Folding table (Mountain Summit Heavy-Duty Roll-Top Table)
☐ Hammock (TravelNest Hammock + Straps Combo)
☐ Fire Starter Kit ( UCO Stormproof Match Kit)
Smart Add-Ons
☐ Counter Assault Bear Deterrent
☐ Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray
Download the Checklist
Final Thoughts
Camping as a family doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With just a few key pieces of gear—and a little planning—you can build a kit that’s ready for weekends outside, over and over again. Please start with the basics, add as you go, and keep it simple. The best part? Once you’ve got your setup dialed, it’s easy to load it in the car and head out for your next adventure.
My camping gear packed and ready to go in Gregory storage bins.
Pro Tip: Once you’ve got your gear dialed, pack it into storage bins for next time. I use stackable, see-through bins from Gregory—they keep everything clean, organized, and ready to grab when it’s time to head out again. Trust me, future-you will thank you when all you have to do is load the bins into the car and go.
