It’s no secret that travel comes at a price. Even more budget-friendly options, like camping, often come at a steeper cost today than they would have before. All of those camping essentials come with inflated prices, not to mention reservation fees for top-tier campsites. On the surface, this may feel further compounded for RV campers, with ongoing vehicle maintenance costs and lower gas mileage resulting in more frequent stops to the filling station.
But there are still plenty of magical RV campsites to explore that won’t break the budget. Earlier this summer, RV Trader shared their list of Top 10 Ultra-Budget Campsites to RV for Dollars a Day. Perusing the list, it’s easy to see that RV campers can indeed find low-cost options including all of the scenic beauty, adventurous spirit, and comfort of higher-priced alternatives. Some of these budget-friendly campsites offer free camping, and those with fees largely sit anywhere between $5 to $30 a night.
RV Trader Managing Editor Mark Settle admitted that RV travel in itself comes with certain costs. Purchasing an RV is a large initial investment, but he argued that RV ownership acts as a gateway to more affordable travel options in the long run.
“Naturally, a lot of that can depend on the camper and their camping style, but RV camping affords families a cheaper option for vacations by eliminating the cost of flight and hotel bookings, even when you factor in fuel costs,” Settle said. “Further, for campers who enjoy boondocking off-grid, there are an immense number of options to camp for dollars a day (or less) in some of the most beautiful places in the country.”
Factors Determining RV Camping Costs
So what exactly determines the price of an RV campsite?
Region plays a big role, so those living in places with higher costs of living can generally expect to pay more when they camp in nearby regions, Settle noted. He also highlighted seasonal demand as a factor, explaining the trend of RV campers up north migrating south to camp in warmer regions (dubbed “snowbirding” in the RVer world). Campgrounds in regions like Florida, the Gulf, and the Southwest tend to apply a snowbird rate, especially for long-term stays over the winter.
However, Settle said that the style of RV camping is the most important variable when it comes to cost expectations.
“The more comfort, amenities, and power you need, the greater the cost,” he said. “That’s a principle that applies coast-to-coast. As an example, returning to the topic of boondocking, an off-grid camper may enjoy camping for little to no cost on public lands. In their case, the question would be about the proximity and availability to campsites on public land.”
Most cheap or free RV camping options come with boondocking, or “dry camping,” on public lands, according to Settle. This means that the most affordable RV campsites will not include full hookups for water, electric power, and/or waste. He cautioned campers to ensure they are used to the functions and limitations of their RV, on top of being aware of how much they may need to rely on standard amenities.
Photo by Joel Holland on Unsplash
Big Picture: Is RV Camping Really a Cheaper Option?
From tent camping to renting a wilderness yurt, glamping, and beyond, you’ll see plenty of campsite price tags far higher than those on RV Trader’s list. But Settle said it himself: Committing to RV camping comes with a substantial initial investment. Even so, those who have yet to make the leap may be unaware of the broader range of more accessible options at their disposal.
“One of the beauties of RVing is that it comes with a big tent, or maybe I should say big awning,” Settle explained. “Entry-level RVs, like a lot of travel trailers, truck campers, and pop-up campers, come at a lower price point. For weekend warriors, these RVs are a perfect — and affordable — way to break loose from the grid, experience nature, and still keep a few creature comforts close by. Outdoor enthusiasts can take that much further, reducing their needs and upgrading their RV with sustainable features.”
If you buy an RV that fits your needs, Settle said, it will indeed reduce travel and camping costs in the long run. It can be tempting to impulse buy, so it’s important for shoppers to properly research before taking the plunge. Settle noted that RV Trader has made a conscious effort over the last two years to assist in this journey.
“This is a really crucial phase where buyers can learn about the RV lifestyle, read independent reviews on models from actual RV experts, and get real with themselves about the kind of camper they will be. It’s hard to emphasize enough how important — and exciting — these steps are. You don’t want to skip them. Even though we’re in the RV marketplace, we even recommend that prospective buyers date their dream RV first (as a rental) if they want to get a better idea of what camping in a model will be like.”
Putting in the work up front helps to not only prevent buyer’s remorse but enable new RV owners to truly lean into the RV lifestyle in a way that works for them, Settle confirmed, “with all of its travel, residential, and financial advantages.”
Photo by Michael B. Stuart on Unsplash
RV Camping Trends Over Time
Of course, the modern world of RV camping was shaped by history. Settle noted that the RV world surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by an industry dip that has since stabilized in recent years. Today, we’re seeing RV owners as younger and more diverse, resulting in innovation market changes for smaller travel trailers. Settle noted that these younger buyers tend to be more environmentally conscious, ultimately creating increased interest in more sustainable technologies.
These trends also contribute to overlanding, a term describing off-road journeys in vehicles built for extended travel in diverse terrain, “which is a movement of its own,” Settle said. Examining the past can help create a road map for what’s to come, in the RV world and beyond.
“These are new and exciting branches,” Settle affirmed. “However, towables still represent the core of the market, particularly fifth wheels and travel trailers, and remain the center of gravity in terms of what many RV buyers are after. But what can’t be iterated enough is that the market is large and healthy enough for any kind of RV buyer.”
Photo by Lance Anderson on Unsplash
How to Scope Out a Quality RV Campsite for Cheap
While the RV Trader roundup acts as a solid jumping-off point, it only scratches the surface in terms of low-cost RV campsites.
Settle offered two key pieces of advice to find the best and cheapest RV campsites you’ll love:
Start Small
“Plan a short trip to a local state or national park with affordable campsites. Research a location, and then just try it out. Experience is the best teacher there is, and going on a little trip where the only agenda is to get to know your needs and those of your RV is the perfect classroom. It won’t take too long to discover your needs and preferences. Just laugh, take it in stride, and take notes. You’ll find out whether you want to push your limits — or whether paying a little extra money for a full-hookup campsite is worth it. Both options are OK.”
Research (Online and Beyond)
“In terms of identifying which campsites are the best, research is always your best tool — but it’s not always the internet. Sure, starting with a Google search of campsites in the area you want to visit is a great idea. (And you’ll find lots of travel ideas and great campgrounds in our articles.) But it’s even better to talk to another RVer, hear where they camped, and learn how they liked it. Whether you find them in person or on a social platform like Facebook, RV communities are really open, honest, and helpful.”
Photo by Blake Wisz on Unsplash
RV Trader’s Top 10 Ultra-Budget Campsites
- Saddle Mountain Dispersed Camping — Tonopah, Arizona (Free)
- Magnolia Beach — Port Lavaca, Texas (Free, three to 14 day limit)
- Lake Meredith National Recreation Area — Fritch, Texas (Free at designated campgrounds)
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park — Millington, Tennessee ($10 to $13 for tent sites, $20 to $27 for RV sites)
- Buckhorn Draw Campground — Green River, Utah ($15 per night)
- Black Canyon Rim Campground — Heber, Arizona ($20 per night)
- O’Leno State Park — High Springs, Florida ($5 to $18 depending on campsite type)
- Liberty Harbor RV Park — Jersey City, New Jersey ($75 tent sites, RV starts at $165 — budget-friendly for NYC access)
- River Park South Campground — Cottonwood, Idaho ($20 to 25 per day)
- Deadman’s Basin Fishing Access Site — Shawmut, Montana (Free, seven-day limit)
Check out the official list at RV Trader for more info on these campsites and more resources for RV camping.
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About the Author: Keegan Williams is a freelance editor and writer based in Los Angeles. They have written for publications including HuffPost, LGBTQ Nation, and High Times. Keegan has a passion for fitness. They are also immersed in LA’s underground dance scene. Catch them around town busting a move on the dance floor and working their magic behind the decks, primarily DJing percussive, groovy, high-energy techno alongside other electronic subgenres.
You can find them at keeganmwilliams.com or on Instagram @promwitch.
