Weekend Camping Budget: How to Plan for $50 Per Person
A two-night camping trip for two people doesn't have to break the bank. Here's how to do it well for $50 per person.
Cost breakdown
Campsite (2 nights)
$0–$40
Food (2 people)
$20–$30
Firewood
$0–$8
Gas
$10–$40
Total estimate$30–$118
The $50/Person Weekend Camping Budget
With a bit of planning, two people can have an excellent 2-night camping trip for under $100 total — without sacrificing the fun.
The Budget Breakdown
Camping Fee: $0–20
Free option: Dispersed camping on BLM land or a national forest (Google "dispersed camping near [your city]" + the BLM app) Paid option: State park site at $10–25/night
Food: $20–30 (2 people, 2 nights)
Sample meal plan:
- Friday night: Foil pack potatoes and sausage (prep at home, cook over coals)
- Saturday breakfast: Oatmeal with dried fruit
- Saturday lunch: Peanut butter + tortillas on trail
- Saturday dinner: Pasta with jarred sauce + garlic bread on the fire
- Sunday breakfast: Scrambled eggs and pre-cooked bacon
Gas: Variable
Find a campground within 2 hours of home to keep fuel costs manageable.
Firewood: $8
One bundle at the campground store usually covers an evening. Or collect dead wood on the ground (where legal).
Total: $28–58 per couple without counting gear.
Plan your trip with a budget in mind
Our AI planner generates a complete gear list, meal plan, and itinerary — all with cost estimates built in.
