s'more for less
Budget Camping Kit
These user-friendly, affordable picks will let you save your money for a luxurious meal and campfire goodies.
In the car camping world, we fully support adhering to the maxim of “go big or go home”—unless we’re talking about your financial lift. If you’re sticking to a budget, new to camping, or simply looking to round out your current setup, it often doesn’t make sense to invest in the most expensive options out there. That’s where this kit comes in. We scoured the gear landscape to find products that strike a balance between affordability, performance, and reliability. They may not carry premium prices, but they’re dependable enough to handle a little rough weather or the occasional bump and scrape, while still saving you a hefty chunk of change.
Kelty Daydreamer 4P ($180)
REI Co-op Campwell 30 ($100)
Sea to Summit Camp Plus ($99)
Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad ($36)
Camp Chef Kodiak ($130)
Stanley The Wildfare Go 14-Piece ($45)
Lifetime Fold-in-Half ($75)
Coast EAL22 ($30)
Coleman Classic ($50)
GSI Outdoors Folding Water Cube - 5.3 Gal. ($18)
Petzl Tikkina ($20)
The Daydreamer 4P offers reliable weather protection, a quick and intuitive setup, and the bonus benefit of a pitch-black interior—even when the sun’s shining overhead. While its mediocre build quality matches its budget-friendly price, it still delivers plenty of value.
Space & Livability
Storage
Weather Protection
Durability & Quality
Ease of Use
Sustainability
The Campwell 30 offers one of the best comfort-to-cost ratios out there and actually lives up to its temperature rating—a rare feat for a budget sleeping bag. It’s light on features and can let in some cold drafts, but the bang for your buck is hard to beat.
Warmth
Comfort
Durability & Quality
Features
Weight & Packed Size
Sustainability
The Camp Plus isn’t as plush or warm as pricier camping mats, but it’s one of the most portable self-inflating models available, which boosts its versatility. Its rugged build also rivals the most durable pads on the market, making it one of the top cost-per-use options you can buy.
Comfort
Warmth
Durability
Ease of Use
Weight & Packability
Sustainability
Coleman is a staple in the budget camping space, and the Broadband offers solid comfort and support at a very reasonable price. It’s more durable than ultra-cheap knockoff models, though you’ll still want to handle it carefully to get the most out of it.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
The Kodiak takes everything we love about fully featured camp stoves—precise temperature control, sturdy construction, and reliable wind protection—and packs it into a smaller, wallet-friendly package. Its output isn’t huge, but it’s more than enough for most camp meals.
Power
Temperature Control
Wind Protection
Build Quality & Durability
Ease of Use
Sustainability
It’s hard to argue with a complete cook set that costs less than a dinner for two. The Wildfare’s build quality is hit-or-miss, and it’s not designed to make elaborate meals, but it’s still a great all-in-one option.
The Fold-in-Half isn’t the most compact or portable camp table, but it makes up for that with a sturdy frame that can hold just about anything. A quick setup and adjustable height pack even more value into this modestly priced piece.
For a lantern that costs only $30, the durable EAL22 sure packs in a lot of features. You can toggle between two colors and five light modes, and its 1,250-lumen output is bright enough to light up any campsite.
It’s easy to rack up a hefty bill with premium coolers from brands like Yeti, but the Classic delivers solid performance without the steep price. It won’t keep things cold as long, but for weekend campers looking for an affordable way to chill their food and drinks, it’s a great pick.
The Folding Water Cube is about as no-frills as it gets for water storage, though we appreciate how compactly it folds down. And at under $20, it easily pays for itself compared to the single-use jugs at the grocery store.
While the Tikkina doesn’t have the bells and whistles of more premium headlamps, it’s easy to use, water-resistant, and versatile. Plus, it’s appealingly inexpensive, especially considering that it’s more than capable of keeping things bright once nighttime settles in.
How We Built the Budget Camping Kit
Going camping is an escape. Whether you’re jonesing to get out of the city, seeking to leave your day-to-day concerns at home, or simply craving some peace and quiet, sleeping in the woods is something all of us can use from time to time. We believe that you should be carefree when you’re off the grid—and that includes not worrying about your wallet, too. This kit is designed to provide all the gear you’ll need to build a welcoming campsite, while hopefully lowering the financial barrier to getting outdoors. We also vetted all of our picks for performance, not just price, so you can rest assured (on your new camping mat) you’re purchasing gear that will last.
One of the nice things about car camping is that, compared to backpacking, your gear’s weight and bulk aren’t major concerns. That’s great news for budget-minded campers, as lower-cost gear is often heavier than high-end options. Still, the main tradeoff you’ll make for targeting affordable gear is in its durability and build quality. Premium products can withstand more abuse, perform better in rough conditions, and last longer with regular use. That said, if you’re just getting started in the camping world, you’re likely sticking to mild weather and established campsites, which makes it easier to get by with more affordable options. We’re all about finding the right balance between gear that’s worth investing in, but also that you might not mind replacing down the road.
When you get to camp, you should bed down wherever you feel most comfortable. If that’s in your van or on top of your car, go ahead! For the purposes of this kit, though, we’re going to push our “sleeping on the ground is awesome” agenda. A camping tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad are thus at the heart of our car camping setup, and they’re probably the main factors in how dry, warm, and comfortable you are when spending a night outdoors.
While you can opt for the absolute cheapest pieces of gear you can find in those categories, true bargain-bin options tend to be more hassle than they’re worth, and can fall apart when you need them the most. That’s why we’re huge fans of finding budget-friendly products that can still withstand some wear and tear, especially if the weather takes a turn.
The Kelty Daydreamer 4P is a good reflection of this ethos. It’s one of the few car camping tents under $200 worth its salt, and it features a fairly spacious domed silhouette and a full-coverage rainfly to keep you safe in moderately windy and wet conditions. While the Daydreamer isn’t the largest or most durable tent in its category—that’s mainly what you give up for the low price—it has the added benefit of effectively blocking almost all outside light, thanks to its solid rainfly material. The Daydreamer is the perfect den for a lazy morning or an afternoon siesta, and it has enough space for a couple to spread out, or for a family with kids to snuggle into. If you prefer value-oriented tents with a bit more illumination, consider the Kelty Discovery Basecamp 6 ($170) or the Coleman Skydome 4P ($190). The REI Co-op Wonderland 6 is also a good option, but at $499, you’re going up a full price bracket.
When your tent is up and you’re ready to hit the hay, we’re big fans of using a car camping sleeping bag that has extra-roomy dimensions. You can certainly repurpose an ultralight backpacking bag or a quilt for your frontcountry adventures, but if you don’t have to carry your sleep system for miles, you might as well opt for something that’s less constricting. Our budget sleeping bag pick, the REI Co-op Campwell 30, features a roomy rectangular shape and a 69-inch girth throughout, allowing you to toss, turn, and lounge to your heart’s content. Its materials feel soft on skin, and its price—only $100 for a comfy bag that lives up to its temperature rating—will feel soft on your wallet. We’ve pushed the Campwell down to the low 30s without getting cold.
This thinking also applies to car camping mats. Can you bring your ultralight backpacking pad? Of course. But you’ll probably feel a lot more relaxed on a larger, thicker car camping model. Premium pads in this category can feel almost as plush as your bed at home and come with price tags that run well over $250, but our recommendation, the $99 Sea to Summit Camp Plus, is one of the most affordable self-inflating mats you can buy. It’s also burly, decently supportive, and warm enough for trips in the late spring through early fall.
Altogether, if you follow our advice, you’re looking at $379 for your tent and sleep system. (To put that in perspective, high-end car camping tents like The North Face Wawona 6 start at $550.) While some campers’ kits may seem fancier, we think you’ll be able to sleep quite comfortably with our picks—and, of course, avoid spending a small fortune.
Accessing your inner Iron Chef is a key part of the car camping experience; there’s just something about preparing food outdoors that makes it taste even better. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank on your camp kitchen setup to prepare and enjoy a delicious meal.
The first piece of gear you’ll need is a stove, and the Camp Chef Kodiak is a popular and appealing option. It shares many similarities with our editors’ pick, the Camp Chef Everest 2X, but at a much more approachable price. The Kodiak’s two 10,000 BTU burners take longer to boil water than more powerful (and pricier) options, but its construction, weather protection, and temperature control rival stoves that cost more than $200. The Everest is another good option if you want to level up, and the venerable Coleman Cascade Classic is another budget burner that will get the job done for hungry campers.
When it comes to your kitchenware, things get a little more interesting. Sure, you could bring pots and pans from home or cobble together cheap finds from a thrift store, but we prefer the $45 Stanley Wildfare 14-Piece set for its all-in-one setup, which provides cookware, bowls, and utensils. It includes everything you need to prepare and enjoy a meal outdoors for two. You won’t find a frying pan (if you want to add one, we recommend the Toaks Titanium D145; $20), but the Wildfare’s nesting design makes it easy to pack and store.
To keep your food and drinks cold, we chose the 52-quart Coleman Classic Series Portable Cooler. Its biggest draw is its $50 price tag, but it’s still more than a serviceable option for weekend camping trips. If you’re heading off the grid for a week deep in the mountains, we suggest a higher-end model like the Yeti Tundra or the RTIC Ultra-Tough (they’re more durable and keep their contents cold longer). However, for trips closer to civilization, the Classic gets the job done. Rounding out your camp kitchen is a water jug—nobody wants to interrupt their hangout sesh to keep running down to the creek—and the $18 GSI Outdoors Folding Water Cube is our budget pick. It folds down small and easily pays for itself after just a few uses compared to single-use grocery store jugs (it has a big sustainability bonus of those as well, of course).
As long as you’re fine with bringing along a few spare batteries, you can find surprisingly good deals on headlamps and lanterns. For just $20, the 300-lumen Petzl Tikkina headlamp offers a decent 65-meter beam distance and comes with three brightness levels. It might not have the fancy light modes of some competitors, but you’ll be able to cook at dusk, find your way around your tent, and locate your mug of hot chocolate in the dark with ease.
For a lantern, we like the Coast EAL22. It features two different colored bulbs, five light modes, and a surprisingly bright 1,250-lumen output for just $30. The included carabiners also make it easy to hang from your tent ceiling—and you’ll want its light in the Daydreamer, even if it’s daytime. If you’ve got a little extra room in your budget and prefer rechargeable options, consider the BioLite Range 300 Headlamp ($40) or the Coast EAL50R Lantern ($70).
The joys of camping include relaxing around the fire, soaking in a good view, and sharing a hearty meal with friends. To make the most of those moments, you’ll want a comfy camp chair and a solid table.
For your throne, the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad is the best bet for a lounge-worthy seat at a budget-friendly price. It’s a clear step up from the ultra-cheap models you’ll find at big box stores, and we’ve spent hours relaxing in it that we look back on all the more fondly thanks to its $36 price tag. Durability isn't the Broadband’s strongest suit, though, so if you’re looking for something sturdier and longer-lasting, consider the $60 REI Co-op Campwell Chair instead.
When it comes to a table, the Lifetime Fold-in-Half Adjustable Folding Table is a simple and effective option, especially if your campsite doesn’t come with a picnic table. Despite its modest $60 price, it offers an impressive 750-pound weight capacity and adjustable legs for different setups. As a bonus, it can easily double as a backyard barbecue table or a temporary party setup at home.
Is the Budget Camping Kit for You?
Car camping is one of the most approachable ways to explore the outdoors, but it still requires some upfront investment to get started. This kit helps ease that burden, with gear that’ll get you outside while still leaving room in your budget. If you’re just starting out as a camper, or simply want to reduce your overhead so you can buy some crowd-pleasing snacks instead, this kit has your name written all over it. Stick mainly to the summer months and stay close to the frontcountry, and these products will have you relaxing by the fire, sharing a delicious meal, and sleeping soundly under the stars.
If you’re a veteran car camper who wants to up your game and your budget ceiling a bit, check out our Editors’ Picks Camping Kit. And if you're headed out as a family with kids, take a look at our Family Camping Kit.
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