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Trip Cost Calculator

Calculate how much your camping trip will cost. Factor in camping fees, food, gear, transportation, and more.

3nights

Cost per person will be calculated

$

(activities, guides, rentals, etc)

Total Trip Cost

$395

Cost Per Person

$198

Breakdown

Camping Fees$75
Food & Cooking$90
Transportation$30
Gear (if needed)$200

💡 Money Saving Tips

  • • Bring food from home instead of buying at campgrounds
  • • Cook group meals to split costs
  • • Visit dispersed camping areas (often free)
  • • Get permits in advance for discounts
  • • Travel during shoulder season (cheaper permits)
  • • Share gear with friends to reduce buying costs

Cost Breakdown Explained

🏕️ Camping Fees

Per-night campground or site fees

  • • Car camping: $15-40/night (established parks)
  • • Backpacking: $5-15/night (backcountry permits)
  • • Dispersed: Free (BLM, National Forests)

🍽️ Food & Cooking

Daily food and cooking expenses

  • • Budget: $10-15/day (rice, beans, basics)
  • • Moderate: $25-35/day (decent variety)
  • • Premium: $45-60/day (high-quality meals)

🚗 Transportation

Travel costs to reach camping area

  • • Local: <50 miles ($20-50 gas)
  • • Regional: 100-300 miles ($100-200)
  • • National: 500+ miles ($250-500)

⛺ Gear Costs

One-time purchases for new equipment

  • • Already own gear: $0
  • • Need some items: $150-250
  • • Starting fresh (car): $400-600
  • • Starting fresh (backpacking): $700-1000+

📋 Other Expenses

Additional costs to consider

  • • Guided tours or activities: $20-200
  • • Equipment rentals: $10-50/day
  • • Parking/entrance fees: $5-30
  • • Permits (special access): $10-50