Smart ways to save on your next camping or caravan holiday

With fuel prices creeping up and interest rates doing their thing, planning a holiday might feel a little more of a stretch than usual.

The upside? Camping and caravanning are still one of the most affordable ways to get away, and with a few simple tweaks, you can keep costs down without missing out on the good stuff.

Here’s how to make your next trip a little lighter on the wallet…

Travel smarter (not necessarily less)

Fuel is often the highest cost of a road trip, but a few small changes can make a big difference:

• Plan shorter drives or choose destinations closer to home
• Stay a little longer in one place instead of moving around
• Pack efficiently to keep your vehicle lighter
• It’s also worth checking local fuel prices before you hit the road.
• Book your stay at a Reflection Holidays park and take advantage of their Fuel Offset Voucher. A $25 guest credit towards making your holiday feel a little more affordable.

Choose an unpowered site

If you’re set up for it, unpowered sites are an easy win. They’re usually more budget-friendly than powered sites, plus there’s something nice about getting back to basics.

Dine in, camp-style

Eating out adds up quickly, especially for families. Luckily, camp cooking is half the fun, and doesn’t have to be complicated.

• Prep a few meals at home before you go
• Try easy one-pan or barbecue recipes
• Get the kids involved with simple camp cooking

Camp recipes

Four quick and easy camping salad recipes

Keeping holidays healthy doesn't have to mean boring with recipes from Ambassador Bec Taylor.

Camp Recipes - Vegetarian Cooking

Eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures; perhaps even more so when camping. We don’t know why, but it seems everyone agrees food tastes better outside.

Camp cooking with heart - Nutritional camp recipes

Wholesome holiday food with plenty of soul flavour with nutritionist, Ana Robinson.

Pan Fried Panko Crumbed Snapper Recipe

We recently had Ambassador Bec Taylor from The Food Design Studio stay at Reflections Evans Head where she put on a delicious Snapper feast. This is one fish camping recipe not to be missed. Lets get to it!

Easy camping breakfast ideas

Start your day right on your next camping trip with easy, fuss-free breakfast ideas.

There’s something about cooking outdoors that makes even the basics feel like a highlight, from bacon and egg rolls in the morning to relaxed dinners under the stars.

Make the most of free natural attractions

Some of the best camping experiences don’t cost a thing.

• Spend the day at the beach, swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing
• Explore nearby lakes and waterways for paddling or fishing
• Walk coastal tracks or enjoy a sunset picnic

Keep day trips simple

Not every outing needs a big spend. Look for:

Day reserves and picnic areas

Reserves and national parks make for great days out, often with low or no cost entry - bring a picnic and some activities for the kids. If you're on the Coffs Coast, Boambee Creek Reserve, with its calm, shallow waters for the kids, plenty of space to picnic and the option to bring your kayak or paddleboard (or hire one locally), it's an epic day out.

Local markets

Wander through local markets to pick up fresh produce, handmade goods or an easy bite to eat. They’re a great way to soak up the local vibe without spending much.

Best markets to visit in NSW

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Attractions

Brunswick Heads Market

0.47km from park

Brunswick Heads Market is a much-loved monthly event set in the heart of this charming beachside town, just 15 minutes north of Byron Bay....

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Mar 21 - Apr 25

Events

Byron Twilight Market

1.09km from park

Held at Railway Park, offering an evening filled with local artisans, vibrant live music, and a true taste of Byron's creative spirit....

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Mar 25 - Oct 28

Events

Bellingen Farmers Market

14.42km from park

A weekly fresh food market is held each Wednesday at Bellingen Park, Church Street, next to the tennis courts....

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Attractions

Brunswick Heads Market

0.47km from park

Brunswick Heads Market is a much-loved monthly event set in the heart of this charming beachside town, just 15 minutes north of Byron Bay....

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Mar 19 - Dec 24

Events

Coffs Coast Growers Market

10.87km from park

Set outdoors each Thursday in the heart of the Coffs City Centre, the Coffs Coast Growers Market brings City Square to life with...

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Mar 19 - Apr 30

Events

Bermagui Growers and Makers Market

0.62km from park

Discover the taste of Bermagui! Come and meet friendly local growers and makers at the weekly market. There is lots of farm-fresh...

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Mar 20 - Apr 24

Events

Twilight Food Market - Coffs Harbour

9.6km from park

A family-friendly, pet-friendly Friday night market, diverse in multicultural cuisine with vibrant local music to enjoy. The fourth...

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Events

The Entrance Market

9.87km from park

Discover the best of the Central Coast with a variety of local products, from fresh produce to handcrafted treasures. The Entrance...

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Mar 28

Events

Murrumbateman Village Market

34.79km from park

Murrumbateman Village Market is a friendly market close to Canberra and Yass on the Barton Highway, specialising in local fresh food...

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Attractions

Ballina Farmer & Producers Market

0.85km from park

Ballina Farmers & Producers Market is held in Commemoration Park Ballina and is your local Farmers Market. Come down on a Sunday...

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Events

Snowy Valleys Markets

2.03km from park

The Snowy Valleys Markets are held in Tumut NSW and are a collection of local and regional market stalls from produce, food to fashion...

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Scenic drives and lookouts

Take the long way and explore scenic drives or coastal lookouts along the way. Sometimes the best part of the trip is simply pulling over and taking it all in.

Community events or free festivals

Keep an eye out for local events and free festivals happening during your stay. From live music to food stalls, they’re an easy way to experience the community and add something extra to your trip.

Bring your dog along

If you can bring your dog along, it’s win-win all round. You’ll save on boarding or pet-sitting, and they get a holiday too. Many Reflections Holidays' parks are dog-friendly, so it’s easy to include them in beach walks, lazy afternoons and everything in between.

Simple moments are the best ones

At the end of the day, camping and caravanning aren’t about spending big; they’re about time, not money, well spent.

With a few thoughtful choices, you can enjoy a getaway that’s affordable, meaningful and still full of everything you love about travel.