Warm weather means it’s time to hit the trails, pitch the tent, and load up the car for family adventures. Outfitting everyone with the right gear can get expensive fast, especially if you have growing kids or you’re new to camping. But with a little timing and strategy, you can get quality outdoor gear without draining your bank account.

Here’s where to look for real deals, how to get some gear completely free, and a few smart ways to make your next road trip both affordable and memorable.

Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim an REI gift card.

Where to Find Discounted Outdoor Gear

You don’t need to pay full price to stock up for spring and summer. A handful of online retailers and seasonal events slash prices on everything from tents to hiking shoes.

Online Retailers and Current Sales

• REI Outlet has consistent markdowns on outdoor brands. Their sales set to end May and start June include discounts on past season’s clothing finds up to 30% off. Plus, check their outlet for up to 40% off.

• Amazon hosts year-round deals on gear bundles. For camping basics, think headlamps, cookware, and tents.

• Walmart regularly offers discounts on outdoor equipment, including folding chairs, coolers, and hammocks. Their camping deals section is worth checking before a trip.

Watch Seasonal Sales Events

• Amazon Prime Day usually happens mid-July. It includes discounts on portable stoves, water filters, and tech gear, such as solar-powered battery packs. Keep an eye out for official dates and sneak previews here.

Tip: If you’re unsure about investing in a full setup, look for bundle deals that offer a full setup at a discounted price. Many stores offer beginner-friendly kits that include a tent, sleeping bags, and mats at a discount.

Opportunities for Free Outdoor Gear

Yes, it’s possible to get camping and outdoor gear for free—or close to it—especially for families trying it out for the first time.

Community Gear Programs

• Outdoor Explorers for All provides gear kits for Blue Star families to use at community-led events. It’s part of a larger effort to make outdoor experiences more inclusive and accessible. Sign up for a regional program.

• Local recreation centers and libraries in some cities now offer gear lending programs. That means you can borrow backpacks, fishing poles, or snowshoes at no cost. Search your city’s parks department or library website for gear checkout programs.

Free Gear on Marketplaces

• Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing Groups, and Craigslist often feature parents giving away used gear their kids have outgrown. Tents, kid-sized sleeping bags, and hiking packs pop up regularly, especially after spring cleaning kicks in.

• Use filters like “free,” “camping,” or “outdoor gear” to narrow results, and message quickly—these listings tend to go fast.

Additionally, consider checking apps like OfferUp or Nextdoor for gear swaps. Many local communities host seasonal exchange events where families bring in old equipment to trade or donate.

Tips for Affordable Family Road Trips

Gas, food, and lodging add up quickly on the road, especially with kids in tow. A few smart moves can help you stretch your budget without sacrificing the fun.

Plan Around Fuel Prices

Use apps like GasBuddy or Upside to find the cheapest fuel nearby. These apps crowdsource gas prices and sometimes offer cashback on purchases. GasBuddy lets you set alerts along your route, allowing you to plan fuel stops ahead of time instead of scrambling for gas on an empty tank.

Camp Instead of Booking Hotels

Campsites cost a fraction of hotels. Many state and national parks offer drive-in sites for under $30 per night. For budget-friendly camping, check:

• ReserveAmerica.com for public campgrounds
• Hipcamp for private land campsites
• FreeCampsites.net for no-cost, off-the-grid options

If you want running water and toilets, filter your search to “developed” sites.

Pack Your Meals

Food costs climb quickly when every stop means a fast-food drive-thru. Use a cooler to pack snacks, sandwiches, and ready-made meals for a convenient and portable option. Invest in a portable camping stove, such as a Jetboil, and you’ll be able to cook simple meals at rest stops or campsites.

Look for roadside picnic areas with shaded tables and bathrooms—many are listed on Google Maps or through the Roadtrippers app.

Making Road Trips Fun for Kids

Keeping kids happy in the car can mean the difference between a fun trip and one that feels 300 miles too long. Here are some ways to avoid the “Are we there yet?” soundtrack.

Build a Road Trip Activity Kit

Create a small box or pouch for each kid with low-mess, low-noise items you can buy at a dollar store, or find discounted:

• Magnetic travel games
• Reusable sticker books
• Colored pencils and a notebook for drawing or journaling
• Age-appropriate puzzle books or reading materials

Don’t forget headphones! Audiobooks and kid-friendly podcasts like Smash Boom Best or Wow in the World can hold attention for hours. Find more podcast listening ideas on Common Sense Media.

Plan Fun Stops

Breaking up long drives with short, fun detours helps everyone reset and recharge. Look for:

• Small town playgrounds (search “playground” on Google Maps)
• Free or low-cost quirky roadside attractions (use Roadside America)
• Nature trails or short hikes near rest stops

Only in Your State often lists regional road trip ideas and hidden gems worth exploring.

Create a Family Travel Journal

Have kids help track the trip by drawing pictures, writing down what they saw, or adding stickers from places visited. You can use a blank notebook or printable pages like these free travel journal templates. It turns the trip into a creative project and keeps them off screens.

Save Now, Explore More

Getting outside as a family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little research, you can find solid gear on sale—or even free—through trusted programs and community groups. Plan road trips around budget-friendly accommodations, strategic fuel stops, and easy meals. 

Add games, scenic breaks, and a journal to keep kids engaged without screens. Start small, stay flexible, and use the resources linked above to save on your spring and summer adventures.

Related: 15 Everyday Items You Should Never Pay Full Price For