10 Money-Saving Tips for RV Trips

Stretch Your Dollars on the Open Road

Planning a weeklong RV road trip for a family of four? With a little strategy, you can make your journey more affordable while maximizing the fun.

By following these tips, you could save over $500 during your 7-night adventure, allowing you to focus on making memories without stressing about your wallet.

#1 Cook in Your RV

Using your RV kitchen is one of the easiest ways to cut costs. Instead of spending $50–$60 on a restaurant dinner, stock up at a grocery store and cook hearty meals like pasta, stir-fries, or grilled sandwiches. Not only will this save you up to $300 over the course of the week, but it also adds to the adventure—think campfire meals and morning coffee with a mountain view.

Cook-In: Instead of dining out at every stop, spend $50 on groceries for three days’ worth of meals. That’s a savings of $100 per meal compared to restaurants!

#2 Eat Out for Lunch

Dining out is a fun part of travel, but opt for lunch instead of dinner. Lunch menus are often less expensive while offering the same delicious dishes. Over seven days, this switch could save your family $70–$100.

Trade-Off: Enjoy a local diner’s burger and fries for $12 at lunch instead of $20 at dinner, leaving room in your budget for dessert or souvenirs.

#3 Get Campground Deals

Sign up for campground newsletters or loyalty programs to snag discounts. Many campgrounds offer seasonal deals, like midweek rates or Black Friday specials. Over a week, these savings could add up to $50 or more.

Pro Tip: Research private campgrounds offering discounts for longer stays or memberships.

#4 Join Reward Programs

Consider joining rewards programs like KOA Rewards or Good Sam Club. For a small annual fee (around $30–$50), you’ll get discounts on nightly rates and perks like free upgrades. Over a weeklong trip, you might save $40–$60.

Pays for Itself: A $50 membership pays for itself after five nights with a $10/night discount!

#5 Camp Near Home

You don’t have to travel cross-country for a memorable trip. Campgrounds closer to home mean lower fuel costs and less wear on your RV. By staying within 200 miles of home, you could save $100 or more on gas.

Fun Factor: Discover local gems you’ve overlooked, like state parks with hidden waterfalls or serene fishing spots.

#6 Enjoy Free Campground Activities

Campgrounds often include free amenities like pools, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Some even offer organized activities such as arts and crafts, movie nights, or campfire storytelling. These activities can save you $50–$75 compared to offsite entertainment.

Trade-Off: Instead of taking the family to a $12/person matinee, join a campground scavenger hunt for free.

#7 Find No-Cost Outdoor Adventures

Many RV parks are surrounded by hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic routes. Pack a lunch from your RV kitchen, grab your camera, and explore for free. These outings can replace pricier excursions and save you $100–$150 over a week.

Example: Skip the $50 guided tour and follow a self-guided trail instead—you’ll enjoy the same stunning views at no extra cost.

#8 Pick Off-Peak Times

Camping during the week or shoulder seasons (spring and fall) often means reduced rates and smaller crowds. These savings can total $50–$100 for a weeklong stay.

Idea: Book a campsite for $30/night midweek instead of $50/night on the weekend, giving you more money for activities.

#9 Try Unique Overnight Spots

With memberships like Harvest Hosts or Boondockers Welcome, you can stay at wineries, farms, or museums for free (membership fees start at $79/year). Hosts don’t charge camping fees, but it’s courteous to purchase something from their store. These stays can save $100–$150 over traditional campgrounds.

Unique Experience: Spend the night at a vineyard and wake up surrounded by grapevines—a unique experience you won’t find at typical RV parks.

#10 Do Your Own RV Maintenance

Learn simple RV maintenance tasks like checking tire pressure, changing filters, or winterizing your rig. Doing these tasks yourself can save you $50–$100 per trip compared to hiring professionals.

DIY: Instead of paying $75 for a winterizing service, invest $25 in supplies and do it yourself. Plus, you’ll feel more confident on the road!

Savings Snapshot for a 7-Night Trip

Here’s how these tips add up:

• Cooking meals: $300
• Lunch dining: $100
• Campground discounts: $50
• Fuel savings: $100
• Free activities: $100
• Total Potential Savings: $650

By combining these strategies, your family can enjoy a more affordable and enriching RV road trip. So pack up, hit the open road, and make the most of your adventure without breaking the bank!