Is Camping Getting Too Expensive?
There was a time when camping was the ultimate budget getaway. The premise was simple: throw some basic gear in the boot, drive up to the Lake District, the Sperrins, or the Scottish Highlands, pay a few quid to pitch up in a farmer's field, and enjoy a cheap weekend under the stars.
Fast forward to today, and if you’ve tried to book a campsite or upgrade your family tent recently, you might have suffered a severe bout of sticker shock. Across the UK and Northern Ireland, camping has transformed. With nightly pitch fees at some sites creeping up towards hotel-room prices, and technical gear costing a small fortune, many are asking: When did sleeping on the ground get so expensive?
At Outdoor Revival, we believe nature should be accessible to everyone - not just those with deep pockets. Let’s look at why camping costs have skyrocketed, and the practical steps you can take to keep your outdoor adventures affordable.
Why Has Camping Become So Expensive?
It isn't just your imagination; the economics of pitching a tent have fundamentally shifted. Several factors are driving up the cost of a night under canvas:
• The Energy and Utility Crunch: Campsites are facing massive overheads. From the cost of running heated shower blocks to soaring commercial energy bills, site operators have been forced to increase prices just to keep the lights on. Many sites that used to include electricity hookups in a flat fee have now split them out or raised pitch rates significantly.
• The "Premium-isation" of Campsites: The traditional "field with a tap" is becoming a rarity. To survive, many UK holiday parks have upgraded their facilities, installing luxury shower blocks, Wi-Fi, onsite pizzerias, and manicured pitches. While nice, this push toward "glamping" amenities has dragged standard tent pitch prices up with it.
• The High Cost of Tech Gear: Buying a reliable four-season tent, lightweight sleeping mats, and technical down sleeping bags brand new can easily run into hundreds - if not thousands - of pounds. Retail prices for outdoor gear have risen sharply, making the initial barrier to entry feel incredibly high for new campers.
How to Offset the Cost and Camp on a Budget
The good news? You do not need to abandon the hills. With a few smart adjustments, you can strip away the inflated costs and get back to what camping is really about: simplicity, fresh air, and good company.
1. Stop Buying New (Embrace the Pre-Loved Marketplace)
The single biggest upfront cost of camping is the gear. But here is a secret: high-quality outdoor gear is designed to last for decades, yet many people buy it, use it once, and leave it in the garage.
Instead of paying retail prices for a brand-new setup, buy pre-owned. Shopping on marketplaces like Outdoor Revival allows you to snag top-tier, bombproof brands (think Mountain Equipment, Terra Nova, or Berghaus) for a fraction of the cost. Not only does buying pre-loved save your wallet, but it’s also the most sustainable choice for the planet.
2. Ditch the Commercial Sites for "Nearly Wild" Camping
If paying £30 to £45 a night to squeeze your tent between two massive motorhomes doesn't appeal to you, look for alternatives:
• Scotland: Take advantage of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act, which legally permits wild camping as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. It costs absolutely nothing. • Northern Ireland & England: While wild camping requires landowner permission here, networks like the Nearly Wild Camping club or local farm-specific apps connect you with landowners who offer basic, off-grid pitches for a tiny fee. You swap the luxury toilet blocks for total solitude and a cheaper night out.
3. Striking a Balance: Only Buy the Tech You Need
You don't need a lightweight alpine mountaineering tent to spend a weekend in July at a forest park in County Down.
• Invest where it matters: Spend your money on a good quality sleeping mat (to insulate you from the cold ground) and a decent waterproof jacket. • Save where it doesn't: Heavy, durable canvas or polyester tents are perfectly fine if you're car-camping. Don't pay a premium for "ultra-lightweight" titanium cooking gear or carbon-fibre poles unless you are backpacking long distances.
4. Avoid Peak Season and "Dynamic" Pricing
Many large UK campsite networks have adopted airline-style dynamic pricing - meaning if you book a weekend in August during the school holidays, you will pay a massive premium.
If your schedule allows, look to camp during the "shoulder seasons" (late spring or early autumn). The weather is often crisper, the midges are gone, the trails are quieter, and pitch prices drop dramatically.
Reclaiming the Spirit of Adventure
Camping was never meant to be a luxury hobby. It’s an exercise in self-reliance, a chance to unplug from our screens, and a way to reconnect with the UK’s incredible landscapes.
By opting for quality pre-owned gear, choosing simpler sites, and resisting the urge to buy into the luxury hype, you can keep your outdoor footprint light - and your bank account happy.
How have you beaten the rising cost of camping? Have you found any hidden gems or budget-friendly hacks on your travels around the UK and NI?
Don’t forget to check out our latest marketplace listings to get your kit sorted for less!