TL;DR: RVing can be surprisingly cheap with the right strategies. Save big by traveling smart, finding free campsites, cooking in your rig, and using tools like Harvest Hosts.
RV travel has exploded in popularity over the past few years - and for good reason. There's nothing like the comfort of your own space paired with the endless possibilities for adventure. But let's be honest: between gas, campsites, and maintenance, hitting the road in your RV can sometimes feel anything but cheap.
The good news? Cheap RVing is absolutely possible - and it doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or fun. With the right strategies, tools, and mindset, you can explore incredible destinations across the U.S. without draining your savings account.
In this guide, we'll break down exactly how to make RVing affordable, from finding cheap campsites and free overnight parking to saving on food, fuel, and maintenance. No matter how often you RV, these tips will help you stretch every mile (and every dollar).
Why RV Travel Can Be Cheaper Than You Think
At first glance, RVing might not look "cheap." The rig itself, gas prices, and campground fees add up quickly. But when you consider the overall value - lodging, transportation, and dining rolled into one - the math starts to make sense.
Here's why RVing can actually save you money:
You control your lodging costs. No hotel bills, resort fees, or cleaning surcharges - your RV is your hotel.
You can cook your own meals. Dining out adds up fast. RV kitchens let you eat well for a fraction of the price.
Flexibility means fewer peak-season markups. Unlike air travel or hotels, you can travel off-season and avoid holiday price spikes.
You can stay longer, cheaper. Extended stays often come with big discounts, especially at smaller or family-run campgrounds.
So while RVing can be expensive if you approach it like a vacation, it becomes cheap - and even thrifty - when you embrace it as a lifestyle of flexibility and self-sufficiency.
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The Core of Cheap RVing: Travel Smart, Stay Smart, Spend Smart
Let's break down the three biggest pillars of affordable RV travel:
Travel smart - plan routes and fuel stops strategically.
Stay smart - know how to find cheap (or free) RV camping.
Spend smart - minimize everyday costs on food, entertainment, and maintenance.
Each of these can shave hundreds or even thousands off of your annual RV expenses.
1. Travel Smart: Saving Money on the Road
Use Apps to Find Cheap Gas
Fuel is one of the biggest costs for any RV owner. Luckily, technology makes it easy to compare prices. Apps like GasBuddy or Upside show real-time prices so you can plan fill-ups at the cheapest stations along your route.
Pro tip: Truck stops aren't always the cheapest - look for small-town gas stations slightly off the highway.
Slow Down (Literally)
Driving 5-10 mph slower on highways can significantly improve your fuel efficiency. For large RVs, even one extra mile per gallon adds up over a 1,000-mile trip.
Plan Logical Routes
Avoid unnecessary backtracking. Use trip-planning tools like RV LIFE Trip Wizard or Roadtrippers to map efficient routes and find campgrounds or Harvest Hosts stays that align with your path.
Travel Off-Season
Peak-season RV travel (summer and holidays) often means higher prices for campsites, gas, and attractions. Traveling in the shoulder seasons - spring and fall - can cut your costs dramatically and reward you with fewer crowds.
Combine Scenic Routes with Free Attractions
Instead of paying for pricey guided tours, plan your trip around national scenic byways, free hiking trails, and small-town events. Many of America's best RV experiences cost absolutely nothing - from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Route 66.
2. Stay Smart: How to Find Cheap (or Free) RV Camping
Campground fees can make or break your travel budget. But here's the secret most veteran RVers already know: you don't always have to pay for a campsite.
Free and Cheap Overnight Parking Options
If you're self-contained and follow etiquette, there are several options for free or low-cost overnights:
Harvest Hosts: A membership that allows you to stay at thousands of wineries, breweries, farms, and attractions across North America (no nightly fees for overnight stays- just support your host with a small purchase). It's safe, scenic, and a unique alternative to the other options on this list.
Boondocking on Public Lands: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest lands often allow free dispersed camping. Always check local regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Retail Lots (when permitted): Some Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, and Cabela's still allow overnight parking - but always ask the manager first and stay only one night.
Truck Stops & Rest Areas: Use for quick overnight stops during long drives, not long-term stays.
Budget-Friendly Campgrounds
When you do want amenities (showers, hookups, Wi-Fi), look beyond the flashy resorts.
Try:
County or municipal parks - often cheaper and less crowded.
State parks - great value, with scenic sites and reliable facilities.
Many parks and RV resorts offer weekly or monthly rates that can save you 30-60% compared to nightly stays. If you find a place you love, staying put for a week or two is both restful and cheap.
Mix and Match
Alternate between paid and free nights: three nights of free boondocking followed by one or two nights with hookups. It balances your budget while keeping your tanks manageable.
3. Spend Smart: Cutting Everyday RV Costs
The secret to cheap RV living isn't just where you stay - it's how you live. A few small adjustments can make a big difference.
Cook Like a Camper-Chef
Eating out every day adds up fast. RV kitchens are built for creativity, not compromise.
Buy staples in bulk (rice, beans, oats) and stock up at discount stores instead of convenience marts. Farmers' markets are great for cheap, fresh, local produce - and supporting small communities along the way.
Conserve Water and Power
Utilities matter when you're off-grid. The less you use, the longer you can boondock for free. Install low-flow showerheads, use LED lights, and invest in solar panels if you travel often. The upfront cost pays for itself quickly in saved campground fees.
Do Basic Maintenance Yourself
RV repairs are expensive, but many tasks - oil changes, resealing, tire checks, even minor plumbing - are DIY-friendly. YouTube tutorials and RV forums make it easy to learn. Carry a small toolkit and basic spare parts.
Pro tip: Regular maintenance prevents costly breakdowns - one of the biggest "hidden" expenses of RVing.
Find Cheap (or Free) Wi-Fi
Skip pricey campground Wi-Fi. Use a mobile hotspot or look for free internet at libraries, coffee shops, and visitor centers. Apps like WiFi Map can help you locate connections along your route.
Save on Laundry
Instead of feeding quarters into campground laundromats every week, invest in a small portable washer or use a collapsible tub for small loads. Line-dry clothes outdoors when possible.
Choose Free Fun
The best RV experiences don't cost a dime - hiking, stargazing, biking, exploring small towns, visiting free museums, or attending local festivals. Check community calendars wherever you go - small-town parades and farmers markets often offer free entertainment (and a taste of local culture).
Harvest Hosts: Valuable Experiences for Less
It's hard to talk about cheap RV travel without mentioning Harvest Hosts, because it perfectly blends affordability with experience.
For a single yearly membership, you get access to 9,500+ unique places to stay overnight - from vineyards and breweries to farms, distilleries, and museums.
There are no nightly camping fees for one-night stays - you simply support your host with a small purchase, like a bottle of wine, fresh produce, or local goods. In return, you get a scenic, private place to park your RV for the night.
Here's how Harvest Hosts keeps RVing cheap (and special):
No campground costs (saving $40-$75 per night)
Authentic local experiences instead of crowded RV resorts
Perfect for self-contained rigs looking for short-term stays
For travelers combining budget travel with adventure, it's the ultimate win-win.
Budgeting Basics for Cheap RV Travel
If you're serious about keeping your trips affordable, start with a simple budget plan. Here's a rough breakdown of where your money typically goes - and how to trim it:
Campsites / Parking ($300-$800): Alternate between free boondocking and Harvest Hosts stays
Fuel ($250-$600): Use GasBuddy, slow down, and plan efficient routes
Food ($300-$500): Cook in your RV, buy in bulk, use local markets
Entertainment ($100-$300): Focus on free outdoor activities
Maintenance ($100-$250): Do preventive DIY maintenance
Connectivity / Misc. ($150-$200): Cellphones, wifi, or hotspots
A realistic goal for cheap RV living is around $1,500-$2,000 per month, depending on travel pace and lifestyle choices.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Even the thriftiest RVers encounter surprise expenses. Here's what to anticipate:
Tire replacements: Keep tires properly inflated and check age codes regularly.
Propane refills: Track usage - heating and cooking can burn through tanks faster than you think.
Tolls and park entry fees: Add 10-15% cushion in your budget for small recurring costs.
Connectivity fees: Some remote areas require a backup hotspot or signal booster.
Planning for these in advance keeps you from blowing your budget mid-trip.
Cheap Doesn't Mean Cutting Corners
There's a big difference between cheap and stingy. Cheap RVing isn't about doing without - it's about being resourceful, mindful, and creative.
Some of the best RVers out there are pros at finding beauty in simplicity. They spend less but experience more because they're not chained to tourist traps or expensive resorts.
Cheap RVing means:
Waking up to mountain views without a campground fee.
Sharing coffee with a farm host instead of rushing checkout.
Discovering small-town festivals instead of pricey attractions.
It's about trading convenience for connection - and realizing that your RV already gives you everything you need.
10 Quick Hacks for Cheap RV Living
Travel slower. The fewer miles you drive, the less you spend on gas.
Shop thrift stores for gear. Great for camp chairs, cookware, and décor.
Use cash-back credit cards for fuel or grocery purchases.
Split memberships (Good Sam, Costco) with friends or family when possible.
Borrow, don't buy - use RV tool libraries or community swaps.
Skip the souvenirs. Take photos and memories instead.
Learn basic repairs. YouTube and RV forums are your best friends.
Join RV clubs and Facebook groups for local deal sharing.
Use the "two nights free, one night paid" rhythm (boondock two nights, then recharge at a paid park).
Final Thoughts: Freedom Doesn't Have to Be Expensive
RV travel was built on the idea of freedom - freedom to go where you want, when you want, and how you want. But that freedom doesn't have to come with a high price tag.
With thoughtful planning, a few smart habits, and a willingness to slow down, you can make every trip both memorable and cheap.
Whether you're discovering new Harvest Hosts locations, exploring scenic byways, or just chasing sunsets from one state to another, remember: the best parts of RVing - the views, the people, the moments - are always free.
So pack light, plan smart, and hit the open road. Cheap RVing isn't just easy - it's the best way to travel.
Harvest Hosts is a unique RV camping membership that offers self-contained RVers unlimited overnight stays at 9,700+ unique locations across North America with no camping fees. Stay at farms, wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, attractions, and other one-of-a-kind destinations while enjoying memorable travel experiences and the peace of mind that comes with knowing a safe place to stay is always nearby.
