Kyle’s Coupons: The Joy of Camping
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Lynnae’s family likes to camp at the beach every summer.
The following is a regular feature by Kyle of Rather-Be-Shopping. If you like this post, consider subscribing to his blog’s RSS feed.
When I was growing up, late spring and early summer were some of my favorite days of the year. Both of my parents were teachers, and since they had the summer off, every year we would pack up our Volkswagen Vanagon and take off for a long family camping trip. Some of my best childhood memories were made on our camping trips. These were not overnight visits to the local KOA mind you, but rather large road trips across the western United States. Yellowstone, Zion, Bryce, Yosemite, Grand Tetons, Mesa Verde, these national parks had nothing on us! I have very fond memories of sitting shotgun with my Dad, map in hand, and being his navigator as we worked our way across this beautiful country.
My parents are pretty frugal people, and looking back at our camping trips, I realized just how very little these ventures cost them. The cost of gas these days is a much bigger issue. But as Frugal Dad pointed out awhile back, gas prices are still (relatively) cheap. Since my three kids are getting to be a good age to start doing some camping, I had a conversation with my parents about some of the frugal things they did to make our trips as affordable as possible. Here are some of the highlights that may be helpful if you plan on doing some camping this spring and summer.
~ Prepare Your Own Food - I remember maybe eating in a restaurant once on our long camping trip. The rest of the time we were cooking around the campfire and saving a lot of money. We would bring a lot of canned foods from home. Has anyone ever noticed that pork and beans just tastes better out under the stars? For weekend camping trips, you can essentially take the food you will need straight from your fridge to the ice chest. Don’t forget the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers though!
~ Use Available Resources - Most state parks, national parks, and privately owned campgrounds offer AAA, AARP, and senior discounts if you ask for them. Get in the habit of asking about them when you are paying for your camp-site. Also, if you are on a long drive to your camping destination, don’t forget that many Wal-Marts will let you park your RV or camper overnight in their parking lot for free. I thought this was an ‘All Wal-Marts’ policy, but after doing some research it seems some stores post “No Overnight” signs in their parking lot. Has anyone had any experience doing this?
~ America The Beautiful Senior Pass - This was called the Golden Eagle Pass, and is now called the America The Beautiful Senior Pass and it allows you free or greatly reduced admission to national parks and national seashores if you are 62 or older. The cost is only $10 and is good for your lifetime! My Dad uses his all the time and swears by it.
~ Go Off-Season If Possible - Go when everyone else can’t! Particularly in the spring and fall when the weather is still warm. I know this is not always an option if you have school aged kids, but for seniors, those with no kids or pre-school aged kids you will not only save money, but have less crowded campgrounds and amenities.
~ Pay For Experiences, Not Stuff - This is the big one for me. Pay for the chuckwagon dinner ride in Yellowstone Park and skip the gift shop. After all, experiences are what stick with you and make great memories, not the $25 stuffed toy moose that will probably get lost or torn before you get home. But the cool thing about camping trips is that many of the experiences are free. The hiking trails, ranger led campfires, and many guided hikes are completely free. Take advantage of them.
All of this camping talk is making me want to pack up the tent and ice chest and head out this weekend with the family! What frugal camping tips did I miss? I look forward to your comments!
Now for the coupons. If you are in the market for some camping gear maybe these online coupons will help you save some money!
Camping World.com
Save $5 off your $50+ Online Order
Coupon Code: 4122
Expiration: 5/05/08
See All: Camping World Coupons
REI.com
Save 15% Off Any 1 Item when you sign up for the e-Newsletter (Form is at bottom of REI Homepage)
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: Ongoing
See All: REI.com Coupons
Modells Sports.com
Save 15% Off your Entire Order thru this Link, Discount Appears at Checkout (Some brands excluded)
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 4/30/08
See All: Modells Coupons
Sierra Trading Post.com
Save 11% Off your $111+ Online Purchase thru this Link (Discount appears at checkout)
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 5/05/08
See All: Sierra Trading Post Coupons
Overtons.com
Save 10% Off your $100+ Online Order
Coupon Code: VTENOFFS
Expiration: 4/30/08
See All: Overtons Coupons
Moosejaw.com
Save 10% Off Any Full Priced Item in your Online Order
Coupon Code: MOOSE
Expiration: Ongoing
See All: Moosejaw Coupons
Eddie Bauer.com
Free Shipping on your Entire Online Order at Eddie Bauer.com
Coupon Code: APRILSHIP
Expiration: 4/23/08
See All: Eddie Bauer Coupons
Dick’s Sporting Goods.com
Save 15% Off your Entire Order thru this Link, Discount Appears at Checkout (Some brands excluded)
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 4/30/08
See All: Dick’s Sports Coupons
Photo by Elsie esq.
Free Money!
Copyright ? 2008 Lynnae M. For more great content, visit beingfrugal.net.
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