We often hear that “camping has gotten so expensive” recently. In reality, RV campgrounds come with varying price points. So, how much do RV parks cost?
While the popularity of camping—and RV camping in particular—is undoubtedly increasing, so too is the availability of RV parks. In fact, RVBusiness predicts the addition of 90 new campgrounds and more than 18,000 new campsites across the US by 2027.
Whether you’re new to RVing or looking for an update on campground pricing trends, you’re in the right place. We’ll cover some average nightly and monthly RV park costs and then give you some of our favorite low-cost RV parks to add to your trip-planning list for next season.
What Is The Average RV Park Cost?
The average RV park cost for a nightly campsite varies dramatically. There are private parks, state and federally-owned parks, Harvest Hosts locations that are technically free but require an annual membership to gain access, and, of course, boondocking spots that are absolutely free but rarely offer any hookups or amenities.
According to JD Power, the average RV park cost per night across all campgrounds is roughly 29 dollars. For private parks, that average is slightly higher than the prices you’ll find at public parks. The trade-off is that public parks often offer fewer amenities and may only have partial RV hookups.
To lower your nightly camping costs, you can consider joining a network like Good Sam. In addition to access to more than 2,000 campgrounds nationwide and a host of other services and RV protection plans, Good Sam members receive a 10% discount on nightly rates at these parks, helping to make them more affordable.
Beyond private parks, many campers love to spend their trips in national parks and state parks, which offer their own price points:
- According to Cruise America, the average cost of an RV park per night in the national parks ranges from $25 to $60.
- The average nightly RV park cost in state parks varies from state to state but typically ranges from $10 to $60.
Of course, let’s not forget the abundant options for free camping nowadays. Remember that boondocking locations and off-grid campsites don’t offer the amenities of a traditional RV park—that’s what you pay for. But if you’re curious to learn more about campground alternatives, here are a few helpful resources:
- Guide to RV Boondocking for Beginners
- Moochdocking: How To RV For Free
- Go Power Solar Options to Extend Off-Grid Trips
How Much Do RV Parks Cost Per Month?
The average RV park cost per month varies greatly from park to park. You’ll find parks that charge as little as $350 to $500 per month. You’ll also find RV parks that charge $1,500 or more for monthly site rentals. It’s a large range, and the average costs of an RV park per month will generally be based on location and park amenities, but it can also depend on your RV’s size, utility costs, and other budget factors.
6 Low Cost RV Parks to Discover
Are you looking to keep campground costs down on your next RV trip? Then check out six of our favorite low cost RV parks.
Desert Pueblo RV Resort | Bouse, AZ
Average Cost of RV Park Per Night: Starting at $30
Desert Pueblo is an excellent destination for RVers looking to escape winter weather. Surrounded by desert, this RV park is a great basecamp for off-roading, attracting toy haulers full of ATVs, dirt bikes, UTVs, and other motorized equipment.
There are lots of ways to have fun at this low-cost RV park in Arizona. Their on-site activities include horseshoe pits, cornhole, ladder golf, and more. They even have a 60” big-screen TV in a communal area for group movie nights or tuning into your favorite sports games.
Heartland RV Park & Cabins | Hermosa, SD
Average Cost of RV Park Per Night: Starting at $30
Heartland RV Parks & Cabins is one of the best budget-friendly campgrounds for RVers interested in discovering South Dakota’s Black Hills. Within 30 minutes, you’ll find attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse National Monuments, as well as Custer State Park and other small-town haunts.
Their facilities and amenities include a heated pool and hot tub, a camp store, a playground, and pet areas. Nearby, you’ll find places to rent bikes, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. It’s also close to locations like Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon, and Wind Cave National Park. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in this area.
Sun Roamers RV Resort | Picayune, MS
Average Cost of RV Park Per Night: Starting at $40
For those looking for an affordable RV park with excellent reviews near New Orleans, Sun Roamers RV Resort might be your perfect choice. This 155-site RV resort boasts a 6,000-square-foot clubhouse with a commercial kitchen, which might be perfect for hosting any number of events where your attendees would like to stay on-site.
Nearby is the quaint downtown of Picayune, ready to explore, but you can also make your way south to New Orleans to explore fine dining, sightseeing, and other attractions. The campground itself features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a fishing pond, a 9-hole miniature golf course, and more.
Evergreen Lake Park | Conneaut, OH
Average Cost of RV Park Per Night: Starting at $40
You’ll find Evergreen Lake Park nestled in the sharpest corner of Northeast Ohio, tucked into a small town with wonderful access to Lake Erie. Whether you want to explore miles of sandy beaches or experience this region’s world-class walleye fishing, this low-cost RV park is a perfect home away from home.
The park has two lakes—one for swimming and one for fishing. It also has volleyball and bocce courts, a dog park, a playground, a dance hall, and a recreation clubhouse. There’s also a raceway three miles down the road, wineries within a mile, and an indoor water park less than 30 minutes away.
Brackenridge Park & Campground | Edna, TX
Average Cost of RV Park Per Night: Starting at $40
This low-cost RV park is actually part of the larger Brackenridge Recreation Complex, which spans more than 1,000 acres and is owned and operated by the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority. The campground is actually one of two operated by the LNRA on the shores of Lake Texana, roughly 1.5-2.5 hours from three major urban areas: Houston, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio.
The Brackenridge Campground offers more than 120 sites with full and partial hookups. Nestled into oak trees and pecan groves, it offers good shade and close proximity to the complex’s Main Event Center, recreation center, marina building, and other open-air facilities.
Wright’s Desert Gold Motel & RV Park | Richland, WA
Average Cost of RV Park Per Night: Starting at $40
Those looking to explore some of the recreation opportunities in eastern Washington near the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima Rivers should give Wright’s Desert Motel & RV Park a second look. This park is just miles from the rivers and a marina, so river recreation is abundant here.
Inside the park, you’ll find 89 sites with full hookups, a pool and a hot tub, and a convenience store. But it’s also a great destination for golfing, shopping, and dining in nearby Richland and Kennewick.
How Much Does Using an RV Park Septic System Cost?
New RVers may not be aware that most RV parks allow you to use their dump station even if you’re not staying overnight. If the campground has a dedicated RV waste facility separate from their sites, you can typically pay to pull in, dump RV waste, and keep driving.
Most RV parks charge $5 to $20 to use their septic system if you’re not an overnight guest. Other places to empty RV holding tanks while on the road include municipal waste facilities, rest areas (in some states), travel centers, boat marinas, and select retail locations.
How Much Do RV Park Utilities Cost?
RV park utilities are typically included in the nightly rate for short-term stays. However, some RV parks meter utilities for monthly patrons. In our experience, electricity is the main metered utility you’ll pay for if an RV park charges extra for monthly renters. The rates will always depend on your location and utility provider.
The average RV park cost is only one line item on your RV road trip budget. Here are a few more resources to help with budgeting and planning your next camping trip:
- Planning a Cross Country Road Trip
- Finding RV Parks Without a 10-Year Rule
- Adjusting Your RV Budget for the New Year
How much is too much to pay for an RV park, in your opinion? Let us know your ideal RV park price and what amenities you look for in a campground!
