How much does it cost to start camping?

How much does it cost to start camping?

by Laurence Kay

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.

Shelter

This can be:

Tents are easier for beginners and better for early confidence. Tarps are excellent once you gain experience or move into lightweight camping.

Sleeping Bag

A good sleeping bag makes or breaks your trip.

UK conditions mean even summer nights can feel cold — so don’t cut corners here.

Head Torch

A head torch is essential, not optional.

It keeps your hands free while:

  • cooking

  • setting up camp

  • packing gear after dark

Rucksack

Your pack needs to comfortably carry everything.

Avoid oversized expedition packs — beginners often go too big and overpack as a result.

Good Boots

Footwear is one of the smartest investments you can make.

Comfortable, supportive boots help prevent:

  • blisters

  • fatigue

  • ankle injuries

Cooking System

A simple gas stove setup is ideal for beginners.

Reliable starter stove systems from brands like:

  • Fire Maple

are lightweight, dependable, and excellent value.

Multi-Layer Clothing

Layering is essential in the UK outdoors.

Think:

  • base layer

  • insulation layer

  • waterproof outer shell

Avoid cotton where possible.

Spork

Simple. Lightweight. Does the job.

Reusable Water Bottle

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:

  1. Start with campsites

  2. Buy reliable mid-range gear

  3. Keep your kit lightweight

  4. Avoid unnecessary extras

  5. 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. 🌲🔥

 

by Laurence Kay