This past weekend, our family of five packed up our gear and went camping. The best part? It cost us nothing. Yep, we went camping for $0.
Our campsite was free (thanks to dispersed camping along the Nanahala), we already owned the equipment, and nature provided the entertainment. We roasted marshmallows, told silly stories, explored trails, and sat under the stars. It was simple, refreshing, and memorable.
It also reminded me of something I say often: living on a budget doesn’t mean missing out—it means being intentional.
Why We Budget for Memories (Not Just Bills)
When most people think of budgeting, they imagine restrictions: less fun, less freedom, less joy. But the truth is, budgeting isn’t about less. It’s about making room for more of what matters.
For our family, that means creating memories together. Not the expensive, picture-perfect kind, but the kind where your kids laugh so hard their bellies hurt, or they discover something new about the world around them. Those moments don’t usually come with a price tag. And it’s fun getting to explore nature with your kids! Getting to work alongside each other while you make camp and prepare food for the crew is one of the greatest family bonding experiences you can have.
The Myth That Fun Costs Money
It’s easy to think that the only way to have fun as a family is by spending money on trips to the movies, theme parks, trampoline gyms, or eating out. And while those things can be enjoyable, they aren’t the only way—or even the best way—to build family bonds.
Our $0 camping trip gave us more laughter, connection, and peace than a weekend filled with paid activities ever could. It was a reminder that the richest memories often come from the simplest experiences. Our family has been in a crazy season of sports, and our family has felt the strain of being pulled in a million different directions – camping offers us time to be together. No cell service. No screens. Just conversations around the campfire.
Also, nothing tastes better than food cooked over an open fire, IMO.
How to Build a Family Life You Don’t Have to Pay Extra For
If you want to shift your focus from spending money to creating memories, here are a few ideas to get started:
Use what you already have. Look around your home for games, sports equipment, or outdoor gear you’ve tucked away. Dust it off and plan an activity around it.
Lean on community resources. Local parks, libraries, and community centers often provide free events and entertainment.
Create your own traditions. Saturday morning pancake breakfasts, board game nights, or evening walks cost little (or nothing) and become things your kids will remember.
Choose experiences over extras. Instead of adding another subscription or shopping “just because,” ask: what could we do together instead?
The Takeaway
Budgeting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about values. When we budget wisely, we don’t just save money. We buy ourselves the freedom to say yes to the moments that matter most.
Our $0 camping trip may not have cost us a dime, but it was priceless in every way that counts.
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