Almost Free Camping Gear

You think you might like to spend a weekend camping in the great out-of-doors.  Your friends went and they loved it.  Your kids are clamoring to do something, work has given you a headache all week, and you’re broke!  Don’t worry, there are places you can find inexpensive equipment and have a great time, whether alone or with a family.

I’ve been camping at various places all of my life.  With four kids and a dog my dad didn’t have the luxury of going to the local camping shop and forking out his hard-earned cash for gear.  But he loved the outdoors.  So he did the next best thing.  He borrowed a tent and a couple of other things from a neighbor, packed up the car and off we went.  I’ll never forget that weekend. 

Between being eaten alive by mosquitoes and jumping for joy every time we caught a fish, my siblings and I were hooked.  We loved every minute of it (and my mom quickly learned to have mosquito repellant and sunblock on hand at all times).  We moved up in the world and soon had our own tent and later went on to a travel trailer. 

I carried on the family camping tradition as a young wife and mother and my kids have had some amazing experiences and seen awesome sights we wouldn’t have been able to see otherwise. 

I’m here to prove to you that camping stuff doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.  Here’s an example from my own life:

A few years ago, I went to a garage sale where a used pop-up tent camper sat in the driveway.  I looked it over, noticed a few flaws and some cleaning issues.  The price said $250.  

“What’s the lowest price you’d consider?” I asked.

“The price is firm,” was the answer.

I came back the next day when the sale was nearly over and the tent camper still sat in the driveway.  I asked again what was the lowest price the owner would consider.

 

“Make me an offer,” he said.

 

I took my time and thoroughly inspected the unit.  I looked him straight in the eye.

“It needs a lot of work, there’s a tear in the screen, no toilet, and only an ice chest.  I wouldn’t go over $75,” I said.

Imagine my surprise when he replied, “Sold!”  

My family camped in that unit for three years and I sold it for $300.  So, I actually made a profit on it and all I put into it was a little time and energy.

Here are the best places to find used camping gear that won’t leave you penniless. 

• Garage or yard sales
• Craig’s List
• Auctions
• Flea Markets
• Neighbors and Friends
• Thrift stores
• Dollar stores (check for tarps, ponchos and rubber hammers and flashlights)

 

I camp with almost exclusively one brand of equipment (coleman) because the company stands behind the name.  Although I have purchased new equipment, most of it is gently used and has lasted me for years.  Here are some other outdoor camping supplies I have found on the cheap:

1. Camp cots – two for $20 (they’d been used once)
2. Fluorescent lights ($5) they run $39.95 new
3. Camp stoves ($5) I see these all the time
4. Sleeping bags in good condition with working zippers ($5 each)
5. Coolers (between $2 - $15)
6. Cooking utensils (from free to $2)
7. Cast iron cookware (for the campfire) if you are patient you’ll find some at a bargain – I bought two huge frying pans for $1 each
8. Silverware and dishes (from free to very little for whole sets of stuff good for camping) 

My biggest word to the wise is getting all the camping information you can and checking out everything carefully before you buy.  Don’t seem too eager or you’ll pay the asking price.  Also: 

• Don’t be afraid to offer a lower amount. 
• Check new prices before you go and you’ll know what is and isn’t a good deal.  Don’t be pressured. 
• Know exactly what your needs are for room and what type of camping gear you are looking for. 

Good luck.  I hope you have the success and enjoyment I have had and enjoy many years of outdoor camping!