RV camping allows you to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing your comfort. Explore and head to places you’ve never been. With so many new destinations on your list, it can be expensive. Here’s how to be careful with your money while on the road in your rig. With these tips, you can save money and enjoy every moment of your trip.
Plan Ahead to Save Money
Plan your RV camping trip ahead. Consider the route in advance and identify RV parks and campgrounds along the way. That will make it easier to find the best RV camping resorts budget-wise and avoid everything else that charges a rate too high for your price range.
Travel Off-Season
Drive around in your rig during the off-season. Campgrounds tend to be more expensive during the peak season, usually during the summer months. If you travel off-season, you can enjoy reduced camping fees.
Cook Your Own Meals
Eating out at restaurants can quickly add up and become expensive. One way to save money on food is to cook your meals in your RV. RVs come equipped with a kitchen, so you can easily prepare your meals on the road. You can also stock up on groceries before you leave home or stop at a grocery store. This way, you can save money on food while enjoying healthy and delicious meals.
Pack Your Entertainment
Entertainment can also be costly when traveling. Go classic by bringing books, a portable movie player, board games, and more. And with enough research, you can find free activities offered by the RV resort or anywhere close to where you’re staying. You can also spend a lot of time biking, hiking, and exploring the wonders of nature. There’s entertainment everywhere when you know where to look, so you don’t have to break the bank to have fun and explore.
Use Discount Programs
Look at the discount programs. Some can help you save money on your RV camping trip. For example, many campgrounds offer discounts for seniors, military personnel, and AAA members. Do you or your family members qualify for any of that? You can also purchase an annual pass to national parks. That can result in significant savings on entrance fees. Joining discount camping clubs also gives discounts on camping fees at participating campgrounds. That can bring significant savings over time.
Limit Your Driving
Fuel costs can quickly add up when traveling in your RV. One way to save money on that is to limit your driving. Choose a destination closer to home, or plan a trip with shorter driving distances. Consider traveling during the off-peak season when fuel prices tend to be lower. Driving at slower speeds saves on fuel costs, try that if you haven’t already. Also, plan ahead to avoid wasting fuel when you drive around and get lost.
Be Energy-Efficient
Energy costs can also add up when traveling in an RV. To save money on energy consumption bills, be more conscious of how you use energy resources. Turn off lights and appliances when they're not in use. When it’s time to replace your lighting, shop for and use energy-efficient light lighting or bulbs. Using a generator or solar panels to power your RV instead of relying on campground electricity also helps you stay on top of your budget.