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Best Camping Gear Under £100

Where to spend your first £100 on camping gear, typical UK prices, what to look for, and how to save more on second-hand and sale kit.

Gear · 7 min read · Updated 22 October 2026

Camping does not need a big budget, but a few well-chosen pieces of kit make the difference between a miserable weekend and a brilliant one. Spend your first hundred pounds in the right places and the whole family sleeps warm, eats well and wants to go again.

The Golden Rule: Spend On Sleep

Tired, cold children make for a short trip. If you can only upgrade a few things, put your money into sleeping bags, sleeping mats and a decent groundsheet, then a reliable stove and torches. Shelter is the biggest purchase, so borrow, hire or buy second-hand for your first trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What camping gear should I buy first on a budget?

Spend on sleep first: sleeping bags, sleeping mats and a decent groundsheet, then a reliable stove and torches. Tired, cold children make for a short trip.

Can I buy a family tent for under £100?

Family tents under £100 exist and can be fine for fair-weather trips close to home, but they tend to have thinner fabric and shorter poles. Check prices before you buy, as they change with the season and sales.

What waterproof rating should a tent have for the UK?

A flysheet of at least 1,500mm hydrostatic head and a groundsheet of 3,000mm or more is commonly recommended for UK weather. Always pitch the tent at home first.

How can I spend less on camping kit?

Buy second-hand, borrow or hire, shop out of season, watch for seasonal ranges at supermarkets and buy a little at a time. A Family Camping Club member code can also take up to 20% off a pitch fee.

What does a sleeping mat cost?

Typical UK prices are around £10 to £30 each. Foam mats are cheap and tough, while self-inflating mats are warmer and more comfortable.

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