Camping can be a fun -- and cheap -- vacation
By Maya Saibil • Bankrate.com

Camping is a great way to spend a weekend. But without proper preparation, you can end up paying a lot more than necessary simply to enjoy the great outdoors. If done right, however, camping can be a cheap and enjoyable getaway.

Here's the lowdown on how to pull off a camping trip without spending so much money that you regret not having stayed at a nearby Hilton.

Choosing and booking your site
First, you need to decide on the type of site you want. Rental fees vary based on the following factors:
- Remoteness. Do you want to drive, canoe or hike to your site? Car camping is typically your cheapest bet, but it is also the least private.
- Water. Your site's proximity to a lake or beach, and how private it is, will affect the price you pay.
- Amenities. Do you need electricity or running water? What about showers or a playground for the kids?

Prices can vary widely, although government-run parks tend to be cheaper than private campgrounds. For example, at a provincial park in Ontario, you can expect to pay between $24 and $33 a night, plus a $12 reservation fee. Sites in less-travelled areas of the province can be as cheap as $20 a night.

The fewer amenities a site has and the further away it is from washrooms and showers, the cheaper it is. You can camp with as many as five other people at one site.

If you can reserve a site in advance, you should do so as early as possible. For popular campgrounds, you should book on the first day of the year reservations are taken, even if it's months before your trip, as the good spots go quickly. You can book most sites by phone, and many now take bookings online -- all you need is a credit card.

Gearing up
Although you may be tempted to stock up on shiny new camping equipment, it pays to consider buying, renting or borrowing used equipment.

Experienced camper Stephen Moses Mensher, of Toronto, who developed a science and nature program for an Ontario summer camp, says rentals can be very affordable. "A lot of people get caught up with having to own gear, like a sleeping bag that goes to minus 30," he says. "But rentals are a good way to go."

Buying a sleeping bag for minus 30 C weather can cost you $400, while renting one is only about $25 a weekend. You can usually rent by the day and sometimes by the week. And you can often rent a package of helpful gear, which may be cheaper than renting items individually.

Aside from the financial perks, renting or borrowing is a good way for new campers to get a feel for the type of equipment that suits their needs. Rented equipment is usually in excellent condition, so experienced campers shouldn't overlook it either.

"When sleeping bags get overused, they become less effective," says Mensher. "Look at it like you're renting a new bag all the time." Also, keep in mind that it's usually cheaper to rent in the city than it is at your destination.

The basics
Key pieces of equipment include a first-aid kit, footwear with good ankle support, a sleeping bag and a tent. While there's nothing like the taste of food cooked over a campfire, you should also bring a stove and fuel in case of a fire ban.

To guard against rain, you should also bring a tarp for under your tent, a fly for over it, and a raincoat.

Don't forget rope and a source of light. "The simplest and cheapest light is an ordinary candle. You can burn it unprotected, or place it in a tin can reflector that you can make yourself," writes Harry Zarchy in "Let's Go Camping: A Guide to Outdoor Living."

Although you probably shouldn't drink most lake water as is, expensive water filters aren't necessary. Simply bringing clear lake water to a boil and then letting it boil for five minutes will do the trick.

Marg Davies, of Georgetown, Ont., is part of a group of women who call themselves the "River Goddesses" and enjoy white-water canoeing. They do a lot of research to prepare for their trips. "[We want] to make sure we get the best deal," says Davies. "[Also], we have each purchased our own equipment and some shared equipment for the group so that we keep our rentals to a minimum."

Amanda Foley, of Toronto, another member of the River Goddesses, says she avoids spending a fortune by focusing on quality, not quantity. "You don't need a whole wardrobe of outdoor clothing," she says. "But you need a few well-made pieces that will last you several years."

In addition to everyday clothing, she suggests taking boots, a fleece jacket and long underwear.

Fire and food
Firewood can be expensive. Check for a source for free firewood in your area, like in Toronto, where the city provides free woodchips as a public service. If not, you may want to buy some wood before you leave, which may be much cheaper than at your destination.

When it comes to food -- something many wise campers aren't prepared to skimp on -- people often bring too much. "You don't want to take the food from camping back into your house, because it's been in the forest," says Mensher.

So, calculate how much you'll need in advance as best you can. Mensher says that while dehydrated-food packs are convenient and tasty, they can be pricey. You can get a packaged pasta meal for between $7 and $10, which may not seem too steep, but you can cook a similar meal yourself for only $3 or $4.

Maya Saibil is a writer in Toronto.