How to Find Affordable RV Campgrounds: A Complete Guide for Budget-Savvy Travelers
TL;DR: Learn how to find affordable RV campgrounds using public lands, state parks, apps, memberships, and Harvest Hosts to save money while traveling comfortably.
RV travel offers freedom, comfort, and the thrill of discovering new places on your own terms. But one thing that can quickly derail your travel budget is nightly campground fees. Between RV resorts costing $70-$120 per night and increasingly crowded destinations, finding affordable RV campgrounds is more important than ever - especially for full-timers, weekend warriors, and budget-conscious travelers.
The good news? Cheap RV camping does exist. In fact, the U.S. is full of low-cost RV parks, public campgrounds, and free overnight options that make RV travel one of the most budget-friendly ways to explore the country. You just need to know where to look - and how to book strategically.
This guide breaks down exactly how to find affordable RV campgrounds, including the best apps, membership programs, public land strategies, seasonal planning tips, and why Harvest Hosts plays a powerful role in keeping RV travel accessible.
Why Affordable RV Camping Matters
Before we jump into the how-to, it's worth highlighting why so many travelers are seeking cheaper options:
Prices Are Increasing
Private RV park rates have climbed in recent years due to higher demand. It's not unusual to see RV resort prices topping $100 per night in popular destinations.
RV Travel Is More Popular Than Ever
More RVs on the road means more competition for affordable spots - but also more resources for finding hidden gems.
Long-Term Travel Needs Sustainability
Whether you're a full-timer or a snowbird, finding affordable RV campgrounds helps you travel farther, longer, and more comfortably.
Flexibility Means Savings
When you're not tied to peak-season travel or expensive destinations, you can build your RV life around value and adventure.
Types of Affordable RV Campgrounds (and How to Find Them)
Affordable camping doesn't mean sacrificing beauty, amenities, or experiences. In many cases, the cheapest campsites offer the best access to nature, quiet surroundings, and local culture.
Below are the best low-cost or free options - and how to find them fast.
1. State Parks (Often $20-$40 per Night)
State parks are the sweet spot for travelers who want a balance of affordability, scenery, and amenities.
Why State Parks Are Affordable Winners
- Beautiful natural surroundings
- Hiking trails, lakes, rivers, or beaches
- RV-friendly sites with hookups
- Lower prices than private parks
- Usually include showers, dump stations, and restrooms
How to Find Cheap State Park Campgrounds
Use your state's park reservation system or apps like:
Pro Tip
State parks can sell out fast in peak season, but shoulder season (spring/fall) offers the best deals and availability.
2. National Forests & Public Lands (Free to $20)
If you want space, scenery, and unbeatable value, national forest and BLM land are prime options.
Why Public Lands Offer Cheap RV Camping
- Many campgrounds cost $10-$25 per night
- Vast areas of free dispersed camping
- Secluded, quiet, and scenic
- Excellent for boondocking
How to Find These Sites
- Search "National Forest RV Camping" + your state
- Use U.S. Forest Service websites
Pro Tip
Check road conditions and accessibility. Some Forest Service roads require high clearance or dry weather.
3. County & City Parks (Hidden Gems)
These underrated local parks often offer some of the cheapest RV campsites in the country, with good amenities and beautiful settings.
Why County Parks Are Affordable
- Low nightly rates ($10-$25)
- Spacious sites
- Great for rural and small-town exploration
- Family-friendly
How to Find County Park Campgrounds
- Google "County RV park near me"
- Check local tourism boards
- Use AllStays or Campendium filters
Pro Tip
Some county parks don't show up in the big apps. Small-town government pages often list them.
4. Harvest Hosts (Unlimited Overnight Stays with No Campground Fees)
Harvest Hosts is one of the most powerful tools for budget-conscious RVers. The traditional Harvest Hosts plan offers an alternative to campgrounds. For just the yearly cost of membership you get unlimited overnight stays at thousands of unique RV camping locations. And now, all memberships include access to discounts at 1,100+ private campgrounds through the Campground Partners Program!
Why Harvest Hosts Helps Keep RV Trips Cheap
- No camping fees for one-night stays (just support your host)
- Stay at wineries, farms, museums, and small businesses
- Peaceful, scenic settings
- Great for breaking up long travel days
- Fits perfectly into road trip itineraries
- Bonus: save 10-20% on nightly camping fees at 1,100+ campgrounds
Harvest Hosts stays give you the comfort of safe, private overnight parking paired with authentic local experiences - all while saving $40-$75 per night compared to private RV parks.
How to Maximize a Harvest Hosts Membership
- Combine Harvest Hosts stays with state park nights
- Use the "Search Along Route" feature
- Plan stays in between long driving days
Budget Tip: A single year of Harvest Hosts membership pays for itself within 2-3 stays, compared to what you would pay to stay at campgrounds.
5. Fairgrounds (Seasonal Availability)
Fairgrounds frequently rent RV spots for cheap during non-event weeks.
Why Fairgrounds Are Affordable
- Big sites
- Full hookups available
- Usually under $30 per night
- Quiet and safe
How to Find Fairground RV Sites
- Search "County Fairgrounds RV camping + state"
- Check Campendium
6. Membership Discount Programs
While not free, memberships help travelers find consistently affordable RV campgrounds around the country.
Best Discount Memberships
- Passport America (50% off many campgrounds)
- Good Sam (10% off + fuel discounts)
- Campground Partners Program (through Harvest Hosts)
- Thousand Trails (good for slow travelers staying weeks/months)
How to Make Campground Rates Even Cheaper
Beyond choosing the right campground type, there are ways to stretch your dollars even further.
1. Travel in the Off-Season (Huge Savings)
Traveling outside peak months (June-August) can cut site fees by 30-50%.
Best Off-Season RV Travel Months
- April-May
- September-October
- Winter in the South
This aligns perfectly with Harvest Hosts stays, which are excellent during shoulder seasons when many attractions are less crowded.
2. Stay Longer (Weekly or Monthly Discounts)
Many campgrounds offer huge savings if you book extended stays.
Sample Savings
- Nightly: $40
- Weekly: $175
- Monthly: $450-$750
If you're a snowbird or a work-from-the-road traveler, this can drastically reduce your living costs.
3. Mix Paid Nights with Free Stays
This is a popular strategy among full-timers:
Example
- 2 nights boondocking (free)
- 1 night in a paid campground
This keeps your tanks managed while cutting your lodging costs by 60% or more.
4. Avoid Major Holidays
Holiday RV rates spike dramatically. If you can avoid:
- Memorial Day weekend
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
…you'll save a ton on nightly fees.
5. Use RV-Friendly Parking Apps Strategically
Apps like iOverlander, Campendium, and RV LIFE often reveal:
- Free overnight lots
- Low-cost county parks
- Hidden municipal sites
- Inexpensive forest campgrounds
- Reviews confirming RV-friendly locations
6. Be Flexible with Destinations
The most popular RV towns are also the most expensive:
- Sedona
- Yellowstone
- Glacier
- Key West
- National Park hubs
But nearby towns often offer cheap RV camping just 10-20 miles away.
Example
Instead of Moab → Stay in Monticello or Blanding.
Instead of Yosemite → Stay in Oakhurst or Bass Lake.
Same attractions, half the price.
Sample 10-Day Budget-Friendly RV Itinerary
Here's how to combine all the strategies above into a cheap-yet-amazing RV trip:
Day 1: Boondock on public land
Day 2: Stay at a winery through Harvest Hosts
Day 3: State park ($25)
Day 4: County park ($15)
Day 5: Stay at a farm through Harvest Hosts
Day 6: Explore a free campsite in a National Forest
Day 7: Local fairgrounds ($20)
Day 8: Stay at a brewery through Harvest Hosts
Day 9: Stay at a free casino RV lot
Day 10: State park or city campground
You'll average $10-$15 per night - far below traditional RV resort prices.
Final Thoughts: Affordable RV Camping Is More Accessible Than Ever
RV travel doesn't have to be expensive. With smart planning, a willingness to explore beyond big-name destinations, and the help of tools like Harvest Hosts, you can enjoy cheap RV camping without sacrificing scenery, comfort, or experiences.
From state parks and national forests to wineries and farms, the range of affordable options is vast. Once you learn how to find these hidden gems, your RV adventures become longer, richer, and much more budget-friendly.
If you're ready to hit the road and save money while doing it, start exploring Harvest Hosts locations today - the affordable RV life is waiting for you.
