RVing can be a fun and cost-effective way to see the country, but keeping expenses in check is essential to make the most of your budget. It leaves you wondering, “How can I camp cheaply with an RV?”
Here are some ways you can save money while RVing:
- Plan your trip ahead of time
- Consider boondocking
- Shop around for campground and RV park fees
- Save on food costs
- Cut down on energy usage
- Take advantage of free activities
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances
- Use technology to save money
- Avoid toll roads
- Travel during off-peak seasons
This article will explore 30 super smart ways to save on your next RV trip.
1. Plan your trip ahead of time
Planning your trip ahead can help you save money and ensure you have a great time on the road. You can secure the best deals on campground fees and attractions by researching and making reservations in advance.
I use several tools to plan my trips, including Gas Buddy to find the best gas prices, AAA Triptics to plan the route, and Campendium to find the best low-cost campsites.
When you map out your route, consider the weather and the type of activities you want to do, and make a detailed plan. A plan will help you stay on budget, avoid unexpected expenses, and make the most of your time on the road.
2. Consider boondocking
Boondocking, also known as dry camping or camping without hookups, can be a great way to save money on your RV trips. Boondocking is a cost-effective way to stretch your budget and enjoy the freedom of the road. By taking advantage of public lands, rest areas, and other free or low-cost overnight camping options, you can save money and enjoy a unique and memorable RV experience.
If you’re not sure how to get started with boondocking, read this article that I wrote about five ways to find free camping or this article about preparing for boondocking.
3. Shop around for campground and RV park fees
Shopping around for campground and RV park fees can help you save money on your RV trips. There are many different campgrounds and RV parks, each with its rates and amenities.
By comparing prices and researching options in advance, you can find the best deals and select a campground or RV park that fits your needs and budget.
As I mentioned, I use Campendium to research campgrounds. Users provide information on campground costs, but they are not always correct. For this, do your research. The app will give you a starting point for finding good deals.
4. Save on food costs
Plan meals and buy groceries in bulk to save money on food costs. Consider using a slow cooker or grill for cooking instead of eating out.
Eating out is our Achilles’ heel. I’ve found that if I make pre-prepared meals ahead of time, we’re much less likely to eat out at convenience or fast food restaurants. If you’d like to see some ideas for easy camp meals that you can make, read this article.
5. Cut down on energy usage
Reduce energy usage by using LED lights, turning off electronics when not in use, and conserving water.
One of the first things we did when we bought our used camper was to change the old lightbulbs to LED. You won’t need to do this if you have a new RV. However, you can still be mindful of your electrical usage when camped without hookups.
I just realized that the fan is on, but it’s not hot in the RV. Be mindful of turning off items that use electricity when you aren’t using them. Remember that every time you use the water when you aren’t hooked up, it runs your water pump, which uses electricity.
6. Take advantage of free activities
Look for free activities in the area you’re visiting, such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, star gazing, or exploring local parks and attractions.
Check with the local chamber of commerce where you plan to camp to see if they have any festivals or other free activities.
In addition, some campgrounds have free activities, especially for kids. And often, you can find free local area museums.
State and national parks often have a ranger-lead walk and talk, so look into those activities as well.
7. Invest in energy-efficient appliances
Energy-efficient appliances can help reduce your energy costs while camping.
Investing in energy-efficient appliances for your camping trips can be a smart way to save money in the long run. Using appliances designed to conserve energy can reduce your dependence on electricity and propane, two of the most significant expenses associated with camping.
For example, instead of using a traditional electric cooler or refrigerator, you can invest in a high-quality, energy-efficient 12V cooler or refrigerator that operates on your RV’s battery.
A while back, we bought a Dometic CFX3 100-Liter Portable Refrigerator and Freezer to complement the small refrigerator in our camper. It uses minimal power (on refrigerator mode) and runs on our truck battery.
8. Use technology to save money
Use apps and websites to find discounts on gear and supplies and campground and RV park fees.
I wrote a whole article about using camping apps. to find campsites and an article on cheap campsites. You can read those to learn more about them.
There are also several websites where you can save on gear and clothing. I like Moose Jaw, Steep and Cheap, and the REI Outlet store. If you are curious about what gear we have, check out our Amazon store.
9. Avoid toll roads
I got a bill in the mail for overdue tolls. I was shocked because I didn’t even know they could charge you that way. I quickly learned my lesson about avoiding toll roads. If you are using Google Maps or the map program on your iPhone, you can put a setting in your phone to avoid toll roads.
Also, most auto GPS devices offer an option to avoid toll roads.
10. Travel during off-peak seasons
Consider traveling during off-peak seasons when campground and RV park fees are lower.
While most state and national parks don’t reduce fees during the off-season, many campgrounds do reduce their fees. Traveling off-season is a great way to camp, in my opinion. You’ll find campgrounds and attractions less crowded.
I like it so much that I wrote an article on winter camping.
11. Join a membership-based camping club
A campground membership might be your best bet if you like RV camping.
KOA has a rewards program that will save you money if you frequently camp at KOA. If you’re not that familiar with KOA, read the article I wrote about. If you’d like to know more about whether the KOA rewards program will save you money, read that article.
Thousand Trails is another membership-type campground chain where you can save money. The Thousand Trails campgrounds that I have camped at have been very nice. If you’d like to know more about Thousand Trails, read this.
12. Buy gear and supplies in advance
Plan and purchase gear and supplies before your trip to save money and avoid overpriced items at campgrounds and RV parks.
My husband has a fetish for gear. We went to a KOA once, and he bought me a new camp chair. To avoid overspending, ensure you have all your gear and supplies. I recommend using a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.
13. Keep your RV well-maintained
When you’re on the road, the last thing you want is to have to pay for repair costs. And if you’re in a remote location, those costs can be excessive.
Keeping your RV maintained will save you money and headaches.
14. Use a budgeting app
Use a budgeting app to track expenses, set spending goals, and stay on budget. Quicken is a well-known budgeting app. If you’re looking for a web-based app., I’ve also used Mint. Mint is simple to use and inexpensive.
15. Use public transportation
Take advantage of public transportation in cities and towns you visit to save money on fuel and parking fees.
Plus, public transportation can be a great way to see the area because you won’t have to pay attention to driving and traffic.
16. Take advantage of free Wi-Fi
Use free Wi-Fi hotspots when available to save money on cellular data plans.
Recently, we camped at a California state park. I was surprised that they had Wi-Fi. Using free Wi-Fi can save a lot of money if you have a limited cellular data plan.
17. Rent out your RV when not in use
There are rental companies like Outdoorsy and RV Share where you can rent your RV to offset costs when you aren’t using it. There are pluses and minuses to renting out your RV, but you should evaluate and consider it.
18. Use a fuel rewards program
Gas prices are ridiculous right now. A fuel rewards program can save you money if you travel quite a bit.
Flying J and Maverik both have gas rewards programs.
You can even find credit cards with rewards that will save you at the pump.
19. Use a generator efficiently
Use a generator efficiently by conserving power and only running it when necessary. Consider solar power as an alternative.
20. Cut back on luxury items
To save money, cut back on luxury items, such as premium coffee.
I won’t lie; I love Starbucks coffee. It’s difficult for me to drive by a Starbucks without stopping. And whenever I get a coffee, I think I need to have a pastry to go along with it. That means every time I stop at Starbucks, it costs me about $8.00 per visit.
Just think about how much gas that would buy! Just kidding, that is only like 2 gallons. Still, driving on by that premium coffee roaster will save you money.
21. Use a water filtration system
Use a water filtration system instead of buying bottled water to save money.
This is another area we need to work on, and you might want to. We buy a lot of bottled water so that we don’t have to drink the campground water or the water in our holding tanks. But the cost of bottled water adds up.
Instead, buy a water filtration system. I know a lot of RVers like the Travel Berkey system. They are expensive, but people swear by them. If you want filtered water without the high price, you can get a water filter on the counter or in the refrigerator like this one.
22. Shop for deals on gear and supplies
Shop for deals on gear and supplies, such as RV parts and accessories, to save money.
Sometimes you can find good deals on gear at Camping World. As I’m writing this, they have a discount on grills, griddles, and smokers. These deals change frequently, but it pays to check them out when looking for camping gear and camping supplies.
23. Cook your own meals
Eating out is really expensive these days. I’ve been shocked at the skyrocketing price, just with fast food! A recent trip to Jack in the Box for the two of us cost over $30.00.
If you prepare your meals in advance or at least plan your meals, you’ll save a bundle. Before every trip, I create a menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then I shop the sales at the grocery store to get the lowest prices.
If you’re creative, you can create a meal for under $10.00 for two people.
24. Use a laundry mat
Use a laundry mat instead of the RV’s built-in washer and dryer to save money on water and electricity.
I don’t know if you’ve ever done laundry at the RV park, but it’s expensive; convenient, but expensive. Save your money by going to a local laundromat near the campground.
On one trip, we found a laundromat with a car wash. While I was waiting for the laundry, I also washed the car. I like to kill two birds with one stone like that.
25. Take advantage of National Park discounts
Take advantage of discounts offered by National Parks, such as senior discounts, annual passes, and military discounts.
My husband, Doug, just graduated to the national park’s senior discount age. This pass saves us money on the entry fee, and we also get half-off on national park and monument campgrounds.
Before that, I had a national park’s annual pass. If you visit more than three national parks in a year, the pass will pay for itself, and you’ll get a discount. Don’t waste your money if you visit only one to two parks a year.
If you are active military or a veteran, get the National Parks Lifetime Pass. It covers park entrance fees but not camping fees.
If you’d like to know more about National Park Passes, read my article.
26. Use solar panels
Use a solar panel to power your RV’s electrical systems, reducing the need for generator use and saving money on electricity.
If you like to camp off the beaten path as we do. There are many solar options to consider. I wrote about a few here.
27. Use a refillable propane tank
Use a refillable propane tank instead of disposable tanks to save money in the long run.
28. Use a clothesline instead of a dryer
Use a clothesline instead of a dryer to save money. Be sure to check with the RV park to make sure you’re not violating any rules.
When we were in New Zealand, many of the holiday parks (similar to RV parks but better) had clotheslines. No one was offended if you hung up your clothes.
I know we live in a slightly different culture, but if hanging clothes is allowed, or if you are camping off the beaten path, it’s a way to save money.
29. Take advantage of rest areas
Take advantage of rest areas to park and sleep overnight, saving money on campground fees.
In most states, it’s legal to stay overnight at rest areas. If you are passing through, why spend money on campground fees when you can conveniently stay at a rest area for free.
30. Use a water pressure regulator
Use a water pressure regulator to prevent your RV’s plumbing damage and save money on repairs.
I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard about people blowing out their plumbing system because the RV park had high water pressure. Buying a water pressure regulator saves you the cost and the hassle of RV plumbing repairs.
They are inexpensive and can save you a ton of money.
If you’re looking for more ways to save money, read this article.
Conclusion
Camping can be an inexpensive way to travel with your family. By using these tips, you can save even more money.