RV/Van Life Campground Budget Calculator
Created by: Olivia Harper
Last updated:
Plan and track your camping costs for any trip length. Calculate campground fees, hookup premiums, dump station visits, laundry, showers, propane, and water to get a complete picture of your RV or van life travel budget.
What is an RV/Van Life Campground Budget Calculator?
A Campground Budget Calculator helps RV and van owners plan and track camping costs for trips of any length. This tool calculates total expenses including campground fees, hookup costs, dump fees, and utility expenses to give you a realistic trip budget.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or budgeting for full-time RV living, this calculator helps you understand true camping costs and compare different camping strategies to find what works for your budget.
Understanding Campground Costs
Campground Fees: Nightly rates vary from $20-100+ based on location and amenities
Hookup Premiums: Full hookups typically cost $10-30 more than basic sites
Service Fees: Dump stations, laundry, showers add $50-150/month
Utilities: Propane and water refills cost $30-100/month
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do campgrounds cost per night?
Costs vary widely: basic sites $15-30/night, partial hookups $25-45, full hookups $35-70, resort campgrounds $50-100+. National/state parks average $20-35 with reservations. Location, season, and amenities greatly affect pricing. Plan for $30-50/night average.
What's the difference between full hookups and partial hookups?
Full hookups include water, electric (usually 30 or 50 amp), and sewer connections. Partial hookups typically include water and electric only - you'll need to dump your tanks elsewhere. Dry camping (no hookups) is cheapest but requires self-sufficiency.
How can I reduce campground costs?
Join discount clubs (Passport America, Good Sam, Harvest Hosts), stay at free/cheap options (BLM land, Cracker Barrel, Walmart), book weekly/monthly rates for 20-50% savings, workcamp for free sites, use National Park passes for camping discounts.
What are typical RV trip utility costs?
Propane: $20-50 per 5-gallon fill (lasting 1-3 weeks). Dump stations: $5-25 per dump. Laundry: $5-10 per load. Showers: $3-10 per shower at truck stops. Water fills: usually free or $0.25-0.50/gallon. Budget $100-200/month for utilities.
Is boondocking really free?
Dispersed camping on BLM, National Forest, and some state lands is free with 14-day stay limits. You need self-contained water, power, and waste capacity. Some 'free' spots require passes or have donation boxes. True cost is zero but requires preparation.
How much should I budget per month for RV camping?
Budget varies by style: Full-time boondockers spend $500-800/month. Mix of campgrounds and boondocking: $1,000-1,500/month. Primarily campgrounds: $1,500-2,500/month. Resort/destination focused: $2,500-4,000+/month. Add food, fuel, and insurance.
Are monthly campground rates worth it?
Monthly rates typically offer 20-50% savings over nightly rates. A $50/night site might be $800-1,200/month. Worth it if staying 3+ weeks in one area. Also saves on fuel and dump fees. Many snowbirds use monthly rates in winter destinations.
What hidden costs should I expect at campgrounds?
Common extras: resort fees ($5-15/night), WiFi ($5-10/day), cable TV ($3-5/day), extra vehicle/pet fees ($5-15/night), early check-in/late checkout ($15-30), visitor fees, and firewood ($5-10/bundle). Ask about total costs when booking.
Sources and References
- Campendium - Campground Pricing Database
- RV Travel - Annual RV Cost Survey
- Good Sam Club - Campground Rate Trends
- Recreation.gov - Federal Campground Rates