How to Plan the Perfect RV Camping Trip in 6 Simple Steps

RV Rental

If you don’t own an RV, your main cost will be your motorhome or trailer rental. Since your RV replaces hotel and car rental expenses, we’d recommend setting aside roughly 50% of your initial budget for your RV rental.

RV rental prices vary depending on the type of RV, RV age, and length of rental. Keep in mind that discounts apply to weekly and monthly rentals.

Here are a few RV types and their average cost per night:

Step 2 – Envision you’re itinerary and pick your anchor locations

Road trips are like snowflakes; no two trips are the same. All successful RV road trips start with a vision.

Do you imagine taking a leisurely trip along a scenic highway where your stops are just as important as your destination? Or do you picture driving from point A to point B more efficiently so you can spend the bulk of your trip at your final destination?

Whether you are driving a historical highway or heading south for the winter, the structure of your road trip matters.

Anchor locations

Your anchor locations are the non-negotiables of your RV road trip. These cities, attractions, and points of interest should become the foundation of your itinerary. Once you establish your foundation, it’s easier to manipulate the moving parts or the finer details of your trip.

Pro tip: Don’t reserve your campgrounds until you know that there will be available campsites at all your anchor locations.

Next, begin searching for available RV parks or campgrounds close to where you want to stay. Campgrounds and RV parks at popular destinations, like national parks, often fill up a year in advance. Sold-out campgrounds may drastically change the trajectory of your RV road trip. It’s easier to reevaluate your route and shift your anchor locations than rebook all of your campgrounds.

Additional costs

Here are some of the other important elements you should consider when budgeting for an RV road trip. The cost of RV travel fluctuates seasonally. Peak travel season, weekends, holidays, and special events might be affected by price premiums.

• RV rental insurance and roadside assistance – Helps ensure your trip goes smoothly. About 15%-20% premium over the nightly rate.
• Fuel – Will vary greatly based on the size of the RV and the distance you will cover.
• Mileage charges – Some RV owners offer unlimited mileage at no extra cost.
• Campground fees – Most campgrounds will charge between $20-$80/night.
• Park entrance fees – Small fee charged to visit State and National Parks. If you’re visiting multiple parks, it’s best to purchase a season pass.
• Dump station fees – Full-service dump stations cost $10-$25 per dump.
• Propane costs – Filling up propane tanks costs $25-75 per tank depending on their size.
• Food – Determining how much you will be eating in or out will have a significant impact on your budget.
• Entertainment expenses – Going to a theme park? Sporting event? These big-ticket items add up and should be considered before departure.