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Average RV Campground Rates are Influenced by These Things

Published on December 19th, 2017 by Nicole Malczan
This post was updated on September 23rd, 2021

When I first bought my RV, I had zero ideas about average RV campground rates. I wasn’t sure how much it would cost to stay at a campground or a resort. I wasn’t sure if I should boondock or go to an actual campsite.

In general, RV campsites cost between $25 and $80 per night depending on the location, the size of the space, and what connections are offered. In my experience, an average camper trailer spot with power and water costs about $45 a night.

Of course, that’s just what I’ve experienced during my travels. You may find the prices are lower or higher through your own adventures. Have you ever wondered why that is? I’m going to tell you.

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In this article, I’ll share the price of parking and lodging at 15 campsites in states across the country. Then, I’ll explain why these prices fluctuate as well as tips for saving money during your camping adventures.

Here’s What Influences Average RV Campground Rates

Next time you plan your trip, you should have no problem finding an affordable campsite and saving money as you go.

What RV Campgrounds Cost Coast-to-Coast

The following prices for these 15 campsites are the most recent, typically from 2016 or 2017. Prices may be lower or higher than projected and are per night:

  1. Camp Gulf; Destin, Florida — For the upper park site and north upper park, between $65-$85 in winter, $90-$120 in spring, $97-$126 in summer, and $67-$90 in autumn
  2. Durango RV Resort; Red Bluff, California — $50-$60, with a daily use fee ($5), fee for each extra visitor ($3), guest fee ($3), and extra vehicle fee ($2)
  3. Zion River Resort; Virgin, Utah — For a back-in standard, $35-$50 in winter, $60 in summer, and $50 in autumn
  4. Oak Grove Resort Campgrounds; Holland, Michigan —For premium sites, $55 in the spring and fall, $60 during the summer, and $65 during the holiday season
  5. The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course; Borrego Springs, California — $64 – $84 from October to mid-January, $77-$101 for late January through late April
  6. Mill Creek Ranch Resort; Canton, Texas — $162-$255 year-round
  7. Libby’s Oceanside Camp; York Harbor, Maine — $60-$100 with visitor fees ($3), additional adult fees ($5), additional child fees ($3), and additional vehicle fees ($5)
  8. Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground; North Fork, Idaho — $37 year-round with additional visitor fees ($6) and additional vehicle fees ($8)
  9. Sea & Sand RV Park; Depoe Bay, Oregon — $64-$80 in summer, $54-$69 in spring, $44-$59 in winter
  10. Polson Motorcoach & RV Resort; Polson, Montana — $60-$100 in spring and autumn, $90-$225 in summer
  11. Five Pines Camping & Recreation; Farmington, Pennsylvania — $10-$38 year-round
  12. Grand Canyon Camper Village; Grand Canyon, Arizona — $41 in winter (November 1st through April 1st) with a 50-amp full hookup and $56 in summer (April 1st through November 1st) with a 50-amp full hookup
  13. Doc’s RV Park; Gulf Shores, Alabama — $40 year-round, with an additional $40 for monthly RV storage if desired
  14. Camp Hatteras RV Campground and Resort; Waves, North Carolina — $43-$45 from January through mid-March, $65-$75 for late March through late May, $81-$110 for late May through early September, $63-$75 for early September through late November, and $43-$45 for late November through early December; you’re charged for each child ages six through 18 ($4), each extra adult ($8), each pet ($3), and for cable TV ($3)
  15. Americamps RV Resort; Ashland, Virginia — $40-$50 for a back-in site RV (with 30/50 amp electrical, cable TV, Wi-Fi, sewer pumps, and water pumps), $50-$60 for a pull-thru site RV (with 30/50 amp electrical, cable TV, Wi-Fi, sewer pumps, and water pumps), $55-$69 for a concrete site RV; you also have to pay $3 for each extra passenger you bring

What Influences Average RV Campground Prices?

If you look at the price to stay at the above 15 campgrounds, you’ll see there’s some minor fluctuations. You’ll also notice these prices fit squarely within the range I mentioned in the intro. Some places, like Five Pines Camping & Recreation in Pennsylvania and Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground in Idaho, are ridiculously cheap. You can room at those RV parks for less than $50 a night! That’s a steal and definitely worth considering if you’re out that way.

Then you look at campsites like Mill’s Creek Ranch Resort in Texas or Libby’s Oceanside Camp in Maine and you’re going to have to splurge if you want to stay at those…even for one night.

So why the fluctuations in price? There are many factors at play here that influence campsite pricing. Let’s unpack each one.

You Get What You Pay for With Campground Amenities

When some campgrounds have the word “resort” in their name, they really mean it. This is seen in the average KOA costs around the country. These campgrounds are like RV heaven, so to speak. No matter what you need, you can typically find almost every amenity you could hope to dream for, such as running water, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electricity, refrigerators/freezers, an oven or microwave to cook, and maybe even a washer and dryer. You could even have a bedroom TV!

Staying at these resorts is almost like going on vacation, they’re that luxe. Of course, for all the elegance and comfort you’d enjoy, RV campground rates are going to be high.

These resorts typically don’t even include their rates on their websites (I did look), probably to avoid scaring away casual RV owners. Trust me though when I say you’re going to pay a lot, even nightly. Is that within your budget? That’s up to you to decide.

Compare these expensive resorts to a little hole-in-the-wall (figuratively) RV park in a smaller state that’s not a tourist trap. These smaller campsites not as well-known, and they don’t have as much to offer, sure, so they’re going to make their rates much lower. You’ll still have a place to park your RV at the end of the day, but you’re going to have to live without some luxuries.

Time of Year Drives Up RV Camping Costs Too

The time of year plays a huge role in how much bang for your buck you’re going to get when you stay at an RV park for a night or weekend. Obviously, the warmer the weather gets, the more these campsites are going to jack up their prices.

You can see this in action in many of the 15 examples above. You’re sometimes paying twice the rate to stay on the campground from April through September. If you go in the colder months or even brave the winter, you can stay for next to nothing.

Statewide Cost of Living Gets Passed Along Too

Some states are notoriously more expensive to live and stay in than others. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in New Jersey may be about $1,400 a month, but in North Carolina it might be about $600. The apartments are pretty much the same size, but because it costs more to live in New Jersey, apartments there cost more.

RV campsites are essentially the same way. More expensive states will often insist you pay more to lodge at their campgrounds.

The best advice I can give here is to do your research. If you know a state has a high cost of living, you should reasonably expect that average RV campground rates for that state are going to be high, even without all the great amenities. If that’s outside your budget, keep looking.

Your Type of RV Drives Camping Costs Up or Down

Depending on the type of RV you’re driving and what kinds of extra features and hookups it has (such as electricity, running water, and more), you may pay extra. Again, see the examples above. Back-in site RVs are typically the cheapest option available, with other RV types costing more.

Worried about your RV fitting in a state park campsite? Here, you can find an article I wrote where I give the ideal RV length for fitting into National Park campsites.

Number of Nights You Stay Influences Camping Prices

Although I’m only focusing on daily RV campground rates, sometimes you can get a better overall deal with a monthly package. Of course, that would mean planning a longer trip, which is not always financially feasible.

More RV Passengers Cost More Money to Camp

Most of the 15 RV campgrounds listed above charge extra for each passenger or pet you bring. It’s not a very expensive fee and is often under $10. Some campgrounds will slap you with an extra visitor fee as well, which is again cheap. Also, if you’re bringing more than one vehicle, prepare to pay for that as well.

If this is an issue (which it may be for some thrifty RV owners), you can limit your passengers, leave pets at home, and research fees ahead of time.

How to Save Money on RV Campground Rates

Now that you know what goes into the average RV campground rates, you might want to make some smarter decisions with your money. After all, living the RV life isn’t always cheap, so anytime you get the chance to save a few bucks, you should certainly do so.

  • Go camping during the off-season. You’d be amazed how picturesque Mother Nature can be in many states across the country during the autumn and even the winter months.
  • Plan the most inexpensive route from where you are now to your campsite. If you save money on gas and travel, you might not mind splurging a bit for a nicer campsite to park for the night. You can plan your RV trips via an app or even the built-in maps on your phone.
  • Again, research, research, research. The 15 campsite pricing examples above are just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more campsites out there for you to explore and fall in love with. Remember, if a campsite doesn’t have its rate listed on its website, that’s probably because you’re going to pay a lot for lodging.
  • If you’re not already a member, join an RV club. These typically offer deals on campsite lodging and help you save money in other ways. Some options include Passport America, Good Sam, Casino Camper, BoonDockers Welcome, RV Golf Clubs, and Harvest Hosts.

Conclusion

If you’re new to staying at campsites, you can sometimes have quite a shock when you see average RV campground rates. Just look at the rates from one campsite to another across the country. Factors like the state where you’re staying, the time of year, and the amount of time you’re staying can all determine how much you’re going to have to shell out for lodging.

That doesn’t mean you should avoid RV campsites entirely, though. After all, you have to stop driving sometime, and these campsites are typically cheaper than staying in a hotel. You can also connect with others in the RV community.

Be smart about your campsite decisions to save the most money.

With the 15 average RV campground rate examples I provided, you can see how prices fluctuate depending on all sorts of factors. Use this information to your advantage when planning your trip.

Also, follow the tips I mentioned above on saving money where you can. This way, even if you do encounter a more expensive campground, you’ll be able to afford it without blowing the budget for your trip.

Happy travels!

6 thoughts on “Average RV Campground Rates are Influenced by These Things”

  1. You can camp all year round at state campgrounds in new Mexico for 14$ a night including water and electricity.
    2 week stay at max

    Reply
  2. It is hard to find reasonable campgrounds less than 45.00 a night now in 2022. It is getting a bit ridiculous. It averages 1200.oo a month. Our house payment is around 800.00 if that tells you anything. Solar definitely smarter idea where eveyone can be less dependent on campgrounds. Its understandable sometime rates need to go up for improvements ect. Most of the time they raise just because they can in the moment of demand with no improvements ect. Just greed.

    Reply
  3. Does it occur to the author or anyone else here that even at 45 a night that’s enough to rent a nice three bedroom two bed health and some parts of the country in California it’s enough to rent a one-bedroom apartment but you see my point at these outrageous rates you’re not living on the cheap you might as well be staying in a nice hotel

    Reply
    • Its crazy how expensive campsites are right now. Thats why so many people choose to boondock the majority of the time. Thank you BLM land and some national and state parks. One thing to call out is that the longer you stay in a campground the cheaper it is. Weekly and monthly rates are far less then daily rates.

      Reply
  4. I think I’ll take my kids to an RV campground for their first travel trip with me. They’ve been asking me to take them on a trip since they noticed that I’m the only one in my family that hasn’t gone out of the state in a good while. Thanks for telling me that most campgrounds will charge extra for additional persons and pets that we’ll take with us, so I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. https://highpinesrvpark.com/

    Reply

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