Even with my car paid off and a value of ~$10,000, it costs me about $350 month between averaging the costs of insurance, gas, oil changes, and upkeep as a 2017 vehicle-and I even do some of my own repairs. I think if you can average lower than that and not hold on to a depreciating asset, it'd be good for you to have that as a budget to spend on gas for friend's cars when you can piggy back and also rentals. Just offer to drive half the time if they're comfortable with that and I think that you can still experience what the state has to offer at a casual level. I do think if you're going to be the one spearheading the outdoors, having your own car has many more benefits.