Just got back from a fall camping trip to the beach. The trip budget was as follows:
$40 for gas-564 miles round trip in a Corolla-it was pretty tight but we managed to cram two kids and all of our camping gear in.
$70 camping fees for three nights at a state park.
$20 for a bucket of chicken on our arrival night so we didn't have to worry about cooking while setting up. All other food was pretty much the same as we would have eaten at home, so no additional cost.
Once we got there the car was parked and not moved again until we left.
Everyone had a blast and this will probably become one of our annual trips. Hoping to stay a full week next time, but it will be difficult with school schedules.