How Much Does It Cost to Start Camping in the UK? A Realistic Beginner Budget Guide (2026)
If you’re thinking about getting into camping in the UK, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:
“How much does it actually cost to start camping?”
The honest answer is — less than most people think.
After over 30 years of camping experience, starting back in Scouts and continuing through wild camping and lightweight backpacking, I’ve helped plenty of beginners get their first setup together. A realistic beginner budget isn’t thousands of pounds — it’s about making smart choices and buying the right gear the first time.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
realistic starter costs
What gear do you actually need
hidden expenses beginners don’t expect
what not to waste money on
and how to build a setup that lasts for years
Whether you’re planning your first campsite trip or working toward wild camping later, this article will give you a clear starting point. 🏕️
The Real Cost of Starting Camping in the UK
Let’s start with realistic numbers.
Based on experience helping beginners build their first setups, here’s what you should expect:
Setup level
Estimated cost
Entry-level beginner setup
£300
Comfortable long-term setup
£450
Buy once, cry once setup
£1000
You can spend less than £300 — but that often leads to replacing gear quickly.
It’s usually better to buy reliable mid-range equipment that performs well and lasts longer, rather than ultra-cheap gear that struggles in British weather.
What Equipment Do You Actually Need to Start Camping?
Beginners are often surprised how small the essential kit list really is.
Here’s what you genuinely need for your first overnight trip in the UK.
Reliable hydration matters more than beginners expect.
A Typical Beginner Camping Setup Budget Breakdown
Here’s how a realistic £300 beginner setup often looks.
Item
Estimated cost
Tent or tarp
£80–£120
Sleeping bag
£60–£100
Sleeping mat
£30–£60
Rucksack
£40–£80
Cooking system
£30–£60
Head torch
£15–£30
Water bottle
£10–£20
That’s enough gear to safely and comfortably complete your first trips.
The Biggest Hidden Costs Beginners Don’t Expect
These are the extras that catch people out.
They’re not expensive individually — but they add up quickly.
Parking Fees
Especially common at national parks and countryside access points.
Fuel Costs
Travel is often the biggest hidden expense.
Remote campsites and trailheads aren’t always close to home.
Camping Gas
You’ll need replacement gas canisters regularly.
Water Containers
Essential once you start staying away from serviced campsites.
Clothing
Weather-appropriate layers matter more than people expect in the UK.
Food
Simple camp meals are affordable — but still part of your planning budget.
Campsite Costs Across the UK
If you’re just starting out, campsites are the best place to begin.
Typical UK prices look like this:
Campsite type
Cost per night
Wild camping
£0
Basic campsite field
£15
Standard pitch
£25
Serviced pitch
£40
For beginners especially, starting on campsites builds confidence before moving into wild camping later.
Should Beginners Start With Wild Camping?
Short answer:
Usually no.
Wild camping is fantastic — it’s how many experienced backpackers prefer to travel — but beginners benefit from learning the basics first on campsites.
Campsites help you practise:
pitching your shelter
organising your kit
cooking outdoors
staying warm overnight
Once those skills feel natural, wild camping becomes far more enjoyable.
Don’t Waste Money on These Beginner Mistakes
One of the easiest ways to overspend when starting camping is buying the wrong things first.
Here are three common traps.
Overpriced Brand Names
Expensive doesn’t always mean better.
Reliable mid-range equipment often performs just as well for beginners.
Brands like:
Onewind Outdoors
Fire Maple
TOAKS
3FUL Gear
offer excellent performance without premium-brand pricing.
Heavy and Bulky Equipment
This is especially important if you plan to backpack.
Heavy kit:
reduces distance you can travel
increases fatigue
makes trips less enjoyable
Lightweight gear improves your experience immediately.
Buying Too Much Gear Too Soon
You don’t need everything straight away.
Start simple.
Add equipment as your experience grows.
Why Spending Slightly More Early Saves Money Later
A common beginner question is:
“Should I just buy cheap gear first?”
Sometimes that works — but often it doesn’t.
Better-quality gear:
performs better in bad weather
packs smaller
weighs less
lasts longer
A £60 upgrade now can prevent replacing a £40 item later.
Over time, that approach saves money.
A Comfortable Beginner Setup (£450 Budget)
At around £450, your setup improves noticeably.
You’ll typically gain:
lighter shelter
warmer sleeping system
more reliable stove
better backpack comfort
improved waterproof layers
This is the level where most people start genuinely enjoying camping rather than just trying it.
The “Buy Once, Cry Once” Setup (£1000 Budget)
If you already know camping is something you’ll stick with, a £1000 setup builds a lightweight system that can last for years.
At this level you’ll usually get:
compact shelter
high-quality sleeping bag
lightweight cooking setup
durable backpack
reliable waterproof clothing
Many experienced backpackers still use gear bought at this level years later.
A Simple Strategy for Building Your First Camping Kit
Here’s what I usually recommend to beginners:
Start with campsites
Buy reliable mid-range gear
Keep your kit lightweight
Avoid unnecessary extras
Upgrade gradually as experience grows
This approach keeps costs sensible and enjoyment high.
Final Thoughts: Camping in the UK Doesn’t Need to Be Expensive
Starting camping in the UK doesn’t require specialist equipment or a huge budget.
A realistic starting point is around £300, with £450 giving a much more comfortable long-term setup.
More important than spending money is buying the right equipment and learning how to use it well.
Start simple, build confidence on campsites, and expand your setup as your experience grows.
That’s the approach we recommend at Wood to Water Outdoors — practical, reliable gear and skills that help you enjoy time outside from your very first trip. 🌲🔥
The cost of starting camping depends on your style. For beginners sticking to campsites, you can expect to spend around £150–£250 for basic gear like a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking kit. If you’re going for lightweight or wild camping, the initial setup can be slightly higher, around £250–£400, because you may want more durable, compact gear.
Do I need to buy all camping gear at once?
Not at all. Many campers build their kit over time. You can start with essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, and stove, and gradually add items such as a backpack, sleeping mat, or lighting. This approach spreads out the cost and lets you buy higher-quality items as needed.
Can I go camping on a budget?
Yes! Budget camping is very possible. Look for second-hand gear, discount outdoor brands, or lightweight DIY solutions. You can also reduce costs by choosing campsites with lower fees or by wild camping legally in certain areas. Even with a tight budget, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
What are the ongoing costs of camping?
Ongoing costs mainly include campsite fees, food, transport, and occasional replacement of worn gear. Campsite fees in the UK can range from £10–£30 per night. If you’re wild camping, costs are mainly food and transport. Gear maintenance is minimal but should be factored in over time.
