Tired or scared of overpaying and want to save on RV trips? Going camping in an RV is an amazing vacation, but you’ll quickly break the bank without a solid game plan.
Fair warning, you may find yourself spending more than you had planned in today’s world. Rising gas prices, campground fees, and other costs associated with your trip aren’t cheap. But don’t worry—there are many ways to save money on your next RV camping trip! Here are some tricks and tips to save on RV trips as you plan for the summer:
Tip #1: Plan Ahead
One of the best ways to save money on your RV camping trip is to plan ahead. This means booking your campsite in advance and making early reservations for both sites and attractions.
If you can plan far enough ahead, we recommend not choosing the busiest time of year. If you can get site during the shoulder season or on non-holiday weekends, you can usually find a costly destination at 1/2 the price.
Planning ahead also means having a loose itinerary, so you don’t end up wasting time (and money). Spontaneity while on vacation can be a great thing, but when driving a RV efficiency is key.
Tip #2: Fuel Efficiency
To maximize fuel efficiency, make sure that your RV is in tip-top shape before setting off. Make sure tires are properly inflated and check for any damage to the engine or other parts of the vehicle. If traveling on flat ground, you should use the cruise control to minimize sudden stops or starts. However, if you are in a hilly or mountainous region the cruise control can actually be worse on your milage.
Driving at a steady speed will help conserve fuel and lower your overall cost. Additionally, you may want to research different routes that have fewer hills so that your engine won’t have to work as hard while traveling. Learn more by checking out our 6 Easy Tips to Improve Your RV’s Gas Mileage.
Tip #3: Prepare Your Own Meals
Eating out can be one of the biggest expenses on any vacation, but it’s especially true when you’re RV camping. To save money, plan to prepare most of your own meals while on your trip. This doesn’t mean you have to eat PB&Js every day, but it does mean being strategic about eating out.
Cooking in your RV can not only be a great way to save money, you can eat much healthier too! Prepare meals ahead of time by prepping ingredients at home to quickly throw together when it’s time for dinner. This will not only save time but also reduce food waste since you’ll know exactly what ingredients you need for each meal ahead of time.
Cooking some meals in advance, such as casseroles or Crockpot dishes, can also help you save money while RV camping. Additionally, bring along healthy snacks like nuts or fruits instead of buying pricey, processed snacks from stores. If you do need to eat out, look for restaurants that offer specials for kids or seniors.
Tip #4: Join an RV Club
If you’re a frequent RVer, then joining an RV club can help you save money on your trips. Most clubs offer discounts at campgrounds and other businesses that cater to RVs, as well as offer roadside assistance and other benefits. Some clubs even offer group rates on campsites, which can further reduce your costs. Before joining any club, be sure to compare the benefits and costs to make sure it’s a good fit for you.
Tip #5: Seek Out Free Outdoor Activities
There are many fun activities that won’t cost you a dime, such as hiking, biking, picnicking, visiting state parks, and attending festivals and fairs. By seeking out free activities, you can save a lot of money while still enjoying your trip and seeing the location you are visiting. Many cities and towns also offer free walking tours, which are a great way to explore a new place without spending any money. Stop by your local information center or camber of commerce and make sure to ask the park hosts. USA camping Company resorts are located in areas with plentiful free and outdoor activities perfect for enjoying your vacation while being light on your wallet.
Tip #6: Stay In One Place For Longer
Rushing from place to place is not only stressful but it’s also expensive. It all adds up quickly when you’re paying for gas, campgrounds, and attractions. So instead of trying to pack everything into one trip, take your time and savor the journey. Weekly and Monthly rates are often far cheaper than daily and weekend rates. Make sure to talk to the campground hosts when you are there. Oftentimes, they will have select sites available for those looking to stick around longer.
Tip #7: Work RV Camp Or Volunteer
If you want to save even more money on your RV camping trip, and want to stay longer than a few days, consider working at a campground in exchange for a reduced rate on your campsite rental. Many campgrounds including all of our resorts across the country offer workcamping opportunities where you can trade a few hours of work each day for a discounted or free campsite rate. People of all walks of life love the freedom workcamping provides while also ensuring a reasonable cost of living. Looking for a work camping gig? APPLY HERE to see all of our open positions.
There are plenty of ways to save on RV trips—it just takes a little planning and creativity. By following these seven tips, you’ll be able to enjoy all that camping has to offer without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today!
More About USA Camping Company
USA Camping Company owns and operates 10 RV resorts across the country, including five in Texas. They include:
Texas Locations
- On The Lake RV Park (Onalaska)
- On The Beach RV Park (Port Aransas)
- Lake Buchanan RV & Cabin Resort (Burnet)
- Nueces River RV and Cabin Resort (Camp Wood)
- Lafitte’s Hideout RV Park (Port Aransas)
Other Locations
- Honey Bear by the Sea (Gold Beach, OR)
- Water’s Edge RV and Cabin Resort (Vinita, OK)
- Ozarks Landing RV Resort (Lake Ozark, MO)
- Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground (Chattanooga, TN)
- H0-Hum RV Park (Carrabelle, FL)
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