Dreaming of more camping adventures but feeling the financial pinch? In this episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, founder Janine Pettit shares practical, creative ways to uncover extra money for your next RV trip or weekend getaway. If you’re wondering how to afford camping on a budget, these tips are for you!

Janine kicks off with one of the biggest money drains: food. Her go-to tip? Create a meal plan before shopping, stick to your grocery list, and avoid food waste. Prepping meals ahead and freezing leftovers also saves time and prevents overspending once you’re on the road. Skipping just one restaurant meal could save you $60 or more—enough to cover a night at a campsite!

Have unused gear, clothes, or decor collecting dust? Sell it! Janine recommends using Facebook Marketplace or local community boards to turn those forgotten items into real travel funds. You’d be surprised how quickly the dollars add up when you start decluttering with purpose.

Whether you’re a great organizer, a hobby photographer, or a green thumb, your skills can turn into extra cash. Janine shares how even part-time or seasonal work—like dog walking, ride sharing, or pizza delivery—can pad your camping budget with just a few hours a week.

Hidden fees and auto-renewals can eat away at your budget. Janine suggests doing a “subscription detox” and reviewing your insurance policies. You may be overpaying without realizing it—and those savings could go straight to your next campsite.

From renting out your RV to saving just $20 a week, Janine proves that a little effort goes a long way. Start applying these tips now, and your next camping trip could be fully funded by the money hiding in plain sight. You can find ways to afford camping on a budget.

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Progressive Insurance. Be sure to check them out for all your insurance needs.

PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE

New to camping and don’t have a trailer yet? There is no wrong way to camp like a girl! Check out our article on other ways to camp: Face Those Fears: I don’t have A Trailer.