RV park costs vary widely based on amenities, location, season, and site features, with nightly rates ranging from $20 at basic public campgrounds to $150+ at luxury resorts.
Below, we break down what impacts the cost of an RV park, what you can expect to pay at various parks (with real-life examples), and ways to save money on park costs.
Overview
What Impacts the Cost of an RV Park?
When planning an RV trip, one of the primary considerations is the cost of staying at an RV park. Understanding the factors influencing these costs can help you budget more effectively for your trip.
Location
The location of an RV park plays a significant role in determining its cost. Parks near popular destinations or scenic areas often see higher demand, increasing prices.
For instance, RV parks near national parks, beaches, or major tourist attractions tend to have higher nightly and weekly rates. The supply of available spaces in these areas is often limited, especially during peak seasons, further elevating the costs.
Therefore, if you want to save on park rates, you might consider staying a bit farther from these high-demand areas.
Amenities
Amenities are another factor that can significantly impact the cost of your stay at an RV park. Parks that offer a wide range of amenities, such as pools, Wi-Fi, clubhouses, restaurants, and golf courses, usually charge higher rates. These amenities add value to your stay but come at a premium.
If you’re on a budget, you might opt for parks with fewer amenities to enjoy lower park prices. However, if comfort and convenience are high on your list, be prepared to pay more for these added luxuries.
Time of Year
The time of year you choose to go RVing can also affect the cost of an RV park. During peak seasons, such as summer months, school holidays, and holiday weekends, you’ll find that prices are generally higher. This is the high season when demand for RV spots is at its maximum, leading to crowded campgrounds and elevated reservation rates.
Conversely, off-season periods, typically during the winter months, offer lower rates. Understanding the seasonal pricing trends can help you make more cost-effective decisions when planning your trip.
Type of Site
The type of site you choose at an RV park can also influence the cost. There are various site types, including back-in sites, pull-through sites, sites with full hookups, and sites with electric only.
Pull-through sites, which allow you to pull your RV through rather than backing it in, are generally more expensive due to their convenience.
Full hookup sites that provide water, electricity, and sewer services also come at a premium compared to electric-only sites.
Knowing what type of site you need based on your RV size and requirements can help you budget accordingly.
Stay Duration
The length of your stay at an RV park can also affect the overall cost. Most parks offer different rates based on the duration of your stay, with options for nightly, weekly, or monthly rates.
Generally, the longer you stay, the cheaper the cost per night will be. For example, when divided by 30 days, the monthly rate will usually be less than the nightly rate multiplied by the same number of days.
This pricing structure offers savings for those looking to have an extended stay. However, availability for longer stays may be limited, especially during peak seasons, so booking well in advance is advisable.
Average Rates at RV Parks
Now, let’s look at the average nightly, weekly, monthly, and yearly rates to better understand how much an RV park costs for varying durations.
Nightly Rates
Nightly rates are what RV parks and campgrounds charge per day and night of stay. These rates range widely based on the services and features available at the facility.
- Basic RV parks with limited amenities like bathrooms and electric hookups average $25 to $50 per night.
- Mid-range parks with more amenities like full hookups, Wi-Fi, and recreation average $40 to $70.
- High-end luxury resorts can cost $100 or more per night.
Nightly rates provide the most flexibility for RVers but are the most expensive way to stay overall.
Weekly Rates
Many RV parks offer discounted weekly rates that incentivize staying for a full week. Rates are typically 10% to 25% cheaper compared to paying the standard nightly rate for a week’s stay. Weekly rates allow RVers to save on longer stays at a single location.
Average Weekly Rates
| RV Park Type | Average Weekly Rate |
|---|---|
| Basic RV Parks | $175 to $350 |
| Mid-Range Parks | $280 to $490 |
| Luxury Resorts | $700+ |
Weekly rates encourage longer stays and help RV parks forecast demand. The weekly discounts can add up, especially during high season when nightly rates are inflated.
Monthly Rates
Monthly rates offer more significant savings for RV travelers planning extended stays in a single area. Most RV parks reduce rates by 15% to 40% for month-long stays.
Average Monthly Rates
| RV Park Type | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Basic RV Parks | $600 to $1,200 |
| Mid-Range Parks | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Luxury Resorts | $2,000+ |
Monthly rates allow RV parks to lower off-season rates to attract snowbird retirees and other long-term guests. Monthly rates give travelers deep discounts but less flexibility to change locations.
Yearly Rates
Some parks also offer yearly rates for those looking to live in an RV park on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. At this point, costs are less like vacationing and more comparable to RV lot rent.
Average Yearly Rates for RV Park Lots
| RV Park Type | Average Yearly Rate |
|---|---|
| Basic RV Parks | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Mid-Range Parks | $8,000 to $15,000 |
| Luxury Resorts | $15,000+ |
Yearly rates give the lowest nightly cost but the least flexibility. The rates make the most sense for full-time RVers.
Related: Find the Long Term RV Parks Near You
Budget RV Parks ($20 – $40 per night)
RVing can be expensive, especially when factoring in campground costs for overnight stays. For RVers looking to save money, budget RV parks provide an affordable alternative to the mid-range and luxury parks we’ll look at below. These economical parks offer basic amenities at nightly rates ranging from $20 to $40.
Budget RV parks typically provide gravel sites and partial hookups for electricity and water. While they lack extensive facilities and resort-style features, these pared-down parks meet the essential needs for resting and recharging on a road trip. The gravel sites are level and often well-spaced to allow privacy. Electric hookups (usually 30 or 50 amps) provide power. Water hookups offer fresh water and a place to fill tanks.
Advantages of Budget RV Parks
Opting for a budget RV park has several advantages for frugal RVers:
- Cost savings – The lower nightly rates significantly reduce total vacation costs. A week in a budget park can save $200 or more compared to mid-range parks.
- Proximity to nature – Affordable parks are often situated in beautiful natural locations away from major cities. This provides access to state/national parks without huge crowds.
- Focus on adventure – With fewer on-site amenities, travelers can spend more time exploring the surrounding area. The parks serve as a comfortable home base.
- Simple but sufficient – Modern RVs have full bathroom and kitchen facilities. Budget parks provide the hookups to use your own RV’s features.
- More park options – In popular areas, lower-priced parks have more availability than luxury resorts.
Examples of Real Budget RV Parks Across the U.S.
Here are some examples of excellent budget-friendly RV parks across the country:
- Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort and Campground, Florida – Simple back-in grass sites with water and electricity for $33 per night. Close proximity to the Suwanee River and Peacock Springs State Park.
- Midway Campground, Florida: Located in Big Cypress National Preserve, this campground offers basic amenities and is close to nature. The average price per night is around $30.
- South Carlsbad State Beach, California: This is a more rustic option with fewer amenities but offers beautiful ocean views. Prices can be as low as $35 per night for some sites.
- Desert Eagle RV Park, Nevada: Situated in Nellis Air Force Base, this park offers basic amenities like partial hookups and gravel sites. The average nightly rate is around $22.
- Walt’s Four Seasons Campground, Kansas: This RV park offers various amenities, like electric hookups, pull-through sites, a swimming pool, a dog park, and more. The average price is around $35 per night.
Budget RV parks provide affordable options for RV travel across the country. Though most lack luxury amenities, they offer well-located spots focused on rest and enjoying the great outdoors.
Mid-range RV Parks ($40 – $80 per night)
For many RVers, mid-range RV parks provide the ideal blend of amenities and affordability. Mid-range parks offer full facilities and convenient features for nightly rates ranging from $40 to $70.
Mid-range RV parks typically provide paved RV sites with full hookups. This includes 30/50 amp electric service, fresh water hookups, and sewer.
Beyond the sites, mid-range parks typically invest in amenities, which may include:
- Clubhouse with lounge, kitchen, TVs, games, and meeting space
- Outdoor swimming pool and hot tub
- Playground and recreation areas
- Laundry facilities
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
- Basic camp store for supplies
- Public restrooms with private showers
- Walking trails or fitness courses
In terms of cost, mid-range RV park rates are affordable for many vacationers. The rates reflect the upgraded amenities compared to budget parks yet remain reasonable for multi-night stays. Mid-range parks are widely available nationwide, particularly in popular tourist regions.
Examples of Real Mid-Range RV Parks Across the U.S.
Here are a few mid-range RV parks in great locations:
- Anastasia State Park, Florida: Located in St. Augustine, this state park offers a more natural setting with amenities like electric and water hookups. The park is close to historic sites and the beach, making it a popular choice for RVers. The average nightly rate is around $40.
- Pecan Park Riverside RV, Texas: Located in San Marcos, this RV park offers amenities like full hookups, a swimming pool, and a dog park. The average price per night is $60 – $80, depending on the type of site and season.
- Lebanon Hills Regional Park Campground, Minnesota: Located in Apple Valley, this RV park offers full hookups, hiking trails, and is close to the Twin Cities. The average nightly rate for an RV site is around $50 for a full hookup site after fees.
- Oasis RV Resort, Amarillo, Texas: Located along historic Route 66, this RV resort offers full hookups, a heated pool, and a spa. The average nightly rate starts at around $60.
- River’s Edge RV Park, Fairbanks, Alaska: Located along the Chena River, this RV park offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, and a gift shop. The average nightly rate for an RV site is around $80.
Mid-range RV parks offer the comforts of RVing at affordable rates across the country. With enhanced amenities and location convenience, they deliver solid value for RVers.
Luxury RV Resorts ($80+ per night)
At the top tier of RV parks, luxury RV resorts provide an upscale camping experience. These resorts offer extensive amenities, activities, and services for nightly rates starting at $80 per night. Luxury RV resorts cater to RVers seeking upscale facilities and prime locations.
Luxury RV resorts typically feature spacious, paved sites with full hookups – electric, water, sewer, and Wi-Fi. You’ll often find concrete pads, patios, and luxurious landscaping around each site.
Besides the prime sites, luxury RV resorts often entice guests with high-end amenities:
- Large outdoor pool complex with waterslides and whirlpool spa
- Golf courses
- Tennis courts, pickleball courts, and sports complexes
- Full-service restaurants and lounges on-site
- Clubhouse with gyms and daily activities
Regarding location, luxury RV resorts secure prime real estate near major attractions and destinations. Being close to the action is a hallmark of these resorts.
Examples of Real Luxury RV Parks Across the U.S.
Here are examples of luxury RV resorts in coveted locations:
- Fort Wilderness Resort, Florida: Located in Disney World, this resort offers full hookups and horseback riding and is close to all Disney attractions. Expect to spend about $150 per night (and maybe more, depending on when you go).
- Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, Wisconsin: Known for its water park and mini-golf, this resort offers full hookups and themed weekends. The average nightly rate is between $150 -$175.
- Polson Motorcoach & RV Resort, Montana: Located near Flathead Lake, this resort offers full hookups, a fitness center, and luxury coach sites with views that can’t be beaten. Expect to spend around $180 per night.
- Cherry Hill Park, Maryland: Close to Washington, D.C., this park offers full hookups, swimming pools, and a hot tub. The average nightly rate is around $100.
- Boyd’s Key West Campground, Florida: Located in Key West, this campground offers oceanfront sites, full hookups, and a heated swimming pool. The average nightly rate is around $150.
Luxury RV resorts provide a lavish experience through amenities, service, and sought-after destinations. Nightly rates reflect the premier accommodations.
Average Prices at Popular National Parks
National Park Service (NPS) campgrounds offer a unique opportunity to stay close to some of the most iconic natural landscapes in the United States. The rates at these campgrounds are generally more affordable compared to private RV parks, especially those in the luxury category.
NPS campgrounds typically charge a fee that ranges from $15 to $30 per night for a standard site with no hookups. Some campgrounds offer sites with electric hookups for an additional fee, usually between $5 to $10 extra per night.
Amenities at NPS campgrounds are often limited to basic facilities like:
- Restrooms with flush toilets
- Potable water stations
- Dump stations for waste disposal
- Picnic tables and fire rings at each site
How NPS Site Rates Compare to Private RV Parks
When it comes to cost, NPS campgrounds are generally more budget-friendly than private RV parks. While you won’t find high-end amenities like swimming pools or clubhouses, the lower price point makes these campgrounds an attractive option for those who prefer a more rustic experience close to nature.
On the other hand, private RV parks offer a wider range of amenities and services, reflected in their higher prices. Mid-range RV parks usually start at around $40 per night, and luxury RV resorts can charge upwards of $80 per night. These parks often include full hookups, Wi-Fi, recreational facilities, and sometimes even on-site restaurants and stores.
Price Ranges for Most Visited National Parks
The cost of camping in some of the most visited national parks varies based on factors like location, time of year, and availability. Here are some examples:
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Rates range from $20 to $30 per night for standard sites.
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: The average cost is around $18 to $50 for a site with no hookups.
- Yosemite National Park, California: Prices range from $25 to $75 for RV sites.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina: Rates are generally between $17 to $25 per night for standard sites.
- Olympic National Park, Washington: The cost for a standard site ranges from $25 to $58 plus fees.
These prices offer a snapshot of what you can expect when planning a trip to some of the most popular national parks in the U.S. While the rates are generally lower than those at private RV parks, the trade-off is fewer amenities and a more rustic camping experience.
Track all the National Parks you’ve visited with our National Parks Checklist! It’s a fun way to visualize which parks you’ve visited and help you plan future visits. Can you check them all?
5 Ways to Save on RV Parks
1. Stay Longer for Weekly or Monthly Discounts
One of the most straightforward methods to reduce your RV park expenses is to opt for longer stays. Many RV parks offer discounted rates for guests who commit to weekly or monthly stays as opposed to nightly rates.
For example, a park that charges $50 per night might offer a weekly rate of $300, effectively giving you one night free. Monthly rates offer even more substantial savings, often reducing the effective nightly rate by 40% or more.
2. Visit in Off-Peak Season
Another effective way to save on RV park rates is to plan your trip during the off-peak season. The demand for RV parks decreases during these periods, leading to lower prices.
Off-peak seasons vary depending on the location and climate. For instance, desert locations may see lower prices during the hot summer months, while northern locations may offer discounts during the colder winter months.
By avoiding the high season, you can enjoy less crowded campgrounds and lower prices.
3. Use RV Membership Discounts
Various RV memberships offer discounts at participating RV parks. Programs like Good Sam, Passport America, and Escapees RV Club offer members a range of discounts, usually between 10% to 50% off the standard nightly rate.
These memberships often pay for themselves after just a few nights of discounted camping. It’s advisable to research which membership programs are most aligned with your travel plans and preferences.
4. Alternate Boondocking Nights
Boondocking, or dry camping without hookups, is another way to offset the costs of staying at RV parks. You can significantly reduce your overall expenses by alternating between nights at an RV park and nights spent boondocking.
Public lands, such as those managed by the Bureau of Land Management or the U.S. Forest Service, often allow free boondocking.
5. Workamping Opportunities
Workamping involves exchanging labor for a free or discounted campsite. Many RV parks offer workamping opportunities, especially during their peak seasons.
Common tasks include grounds maintenance, office work, and guest services. In exchange, workampers usually receive a free site and may even earn a small stipend. This can be an excellent way to extend your stay at an RV park without incurring additional costs.
Finding the Right RV Park for You
RV parks and campgrounds vary widely in terms of amenities, location, vibe, and cost. With nightly rates ranging from $20 to $150+, finding the right fit for your budget and travel style is key.
Several factors determine RV park pricing and offerings:
- Location – Parks near top attractions and destinations command higher rates. Rural spots are more budget-friendly.
- Amenities – Pools, recreation, restaurants, and other amenities increase rates. Basic restrooms and hookups are the lowest cost.
- Time of year – Prices peak during summer and holidays. Off-season saves money.
- Site qualities – Premium sites cost more for views, privacy, and convenience.
- Demand – Popular parks in peak season charge the most as sites fill up.
With this in mind, focus on your unique needs and priorities to choose the best RV park. Budget travelers may pick basic public campgrounds or no-frills private parks. Families might look for fun amenities and activities. Luxury resorts provide a pampered experience for those willing to spend more.
Evaluate each park based on hookups offered, site spacing, cleanliness, location convenience, recreation options, etc. Read reviews and talk to other RVers for recommendations. Match the RV park features to your travel goals. Advance reservations ensure you get the sites you want.
America’s wide range of RV parks makes finding your ideal spot at the right price possible. Determine your must-haves, consider nice-to-haves, and compare options within your budget to select the best RV park for your adventure.