How much does a camping trip cost in the UK?

A basic UK camping trip costs £15-40 per person per day. This includes campsite fees (£5-15/night for basic sites), food (£8-15/day), and fuel. Wild camping in Scotland is free. Adding activities, pub meals, or premium campsites increases costs significantly.

What is the cheapest way to camp in the UK?

Wild camping (free in Scotland, tolerated in some areas of England/Wales) with your own gear is cheapest. Basic Camping and Caravanning Club sites (Certificated Sites) are often £5-10/night. Cook all meals on a stove rather than eating out. Travel by public transport to reduce fuel costs.

How much food budget per day for camping?

Budget £8-12 per person per day for self-catering camping. This covers breakfast, lunch (packed), dinner, and snacks. Using dehydrated meals costs slightly more per meal but saves weight. Shopping at supermarkets before your trip is cheaper than buying at camp shops or villages.

Should I include gear costs in my trip budget?

For new gear purchased specifically for a trip, include the full cost. For existing gear, you could amortise the cost over its expected lifetime. For example, a £300 tent used for 50 nights costs £6/night. This helps you understand the true cost of your camping hobby.

CampCalcs

Trip Budget Calculator

Calculate total trip costs including transport, accommodation, food and gear.

Trip Days

Number of People

Fuel / Transport

Total return journey

Campsite per Night

Food per Person/Day

New Gear Budget

Activities per Person

Miscellaneous per Day

How We Calculate This

Total Cost Calculation

Total = Fuel + (Campsite x Days) + (Food x Days x People) + Gear + (Activities x People) + (Misc x Days)

Per-Person Costs

Per person = Total / People

Per person per day = Total / (People x Days)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify conditions and use proper safety equipment outdoors.