How Much Does an RV Trip Cost? A Real Budget Breakdown for 2026

The number one question from first-time RVers: "How much is this going to cost?" The answer is genuinely variable — a week in a Class B van boondocking on BLM land costs a fraction of a week in a 40-foot Class A at a full-hookup resort. But the core cost categories are the same for every trip. Here's how to estimate them for yours.

The Five Cost Categories

1. Fuel

Fuel is typically the largest trip expense after campground fees. How to estimate it:

• Class B van campers: 20–25 MPG → ~$0.13/mile at $3.25/gal diesel
• Class C motorhome (24–30 ft): 10–14 MPG → ~$0.23/mile
• Class A gasoline (30–36 ft): 8–10 MPG → ~$0.32/mile
• Class A diesel pusher: 7–10 MPG → ~$0.33/mile at $3.25/gal diesel
• Truck + fifth wheel: 8–11 MPG combined → ~$0.30–$0.40/mile

Rule of thumb: estimate total trip miles, divide by your MPG, multiply by current fuel price. Add 15% for detours, idling, and generator use.

2. Campground Fees

Average nightly rates by campground type in 2026:

• National Park campgrounds (no hookups): $20–$35/night
• State park campgrounds (no hookups): $20–$45/night depending on state
• State park with electric hookup: $30–$55/night
• Private campground (no hookups): $35–$60/night
• Private campground (full hookups): $50–$85/night
• KOA or resort-style campground: $60–$120/night
• BLM/National Forest dispersed camping: Free to $10/night
• Harvest Hosts: Included in membership ($99/year)

Most experienced RVers blend campground types — some nights in national parks, some nights in private parks for laundry and hookups, some nights free camping. A realistic average for a two-week Western trip is $45–$65/night.

3. Food

The RV kitchen is your biggest money-saving tool. Eating most meals in your RV costs $50–$80/day for two people — less than a single restaurant dinner in a tourist area. Budget add-ons:

• Restaurant meals: $25–$60 per meal out for two people
• National park visitor center food/snacks: Expensive — pre-stock before entering
• Campfire cooking supplies: Nominal, but budget $15–$25/week for firewood if campfires are part of your trip

4. Activities and Entry Fees

• National Park entrance: $35 per vehicle per park. America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) covers all federal lands — pays for itself in 3 park visits
• State park day use: $5–$15 per vehicle
• Tours and activities: Highly variable. Budget $50–$150/day for guided activities if that's your style
• Gear rentals (kayaks, bikes, etc.): $30–$80/day

5. Miscellaneous and Buffer

• Dump station fees: $10–$20 per visit if not included in campground fee
• Propane: $20–$40 per fill depending on tank size and usage
• Laundry: $10–$20 per load at campground laundromats
• Unexpected repairs/supplies: Budget $50–$100 per week as a contingency buffer

Sample Budget: Two-Week Western Trip for Two

• Fuel (3,000 miles, Class C at 12 MPG, $3.50/gal): ~$875
• Campgrounds (14 nights avg $55/night): ~$770
• Food (14 days, mostly cooking in, 4 restaurant meals): ~$900
• Entry fees (America the Beautiful Pass): $80
• Activities and tours: ~$300
• Miscellaneous: ~$200
• Total: ~$3,125 for two people for two weeks

That's roughly the cost of a single week at a mid-range all-inclusive resort — with significantly more miles covered, more flexibility, and the freedom to cook your own meals.

Related: America the Beautiful Pass: is it worth it?  ·  Full-time RV living costs  ·  Saving money on fuel while RV traveling

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