For many people, hitting the road in an RV and becoming a full-time RVer is the ultimate dream. Seeing new places, meeting new people, and creating unforgettable memories every day is a lifestyle that many of us crave.
However, if you’re considering this lifestyle change, you’re probably wondering: how much does it cost to RV full time? The answer isn’t a straightforward one, as expenses can vary widely depending on your lifestyle and the places you choose to visit. We’ll break down the costs associated with full-time RVing, so you’ll be better equipped to plan and budget for your adventure on the road.
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What should be included in my full time RV budget?
As mentioned above, these fees will vary GREATLY depending on factors such as what area of the country you’re in (IE, somewhere popular will cost alot more than somewhere a bit out of town) and how often you want to move.
Also, most of these prices are based on a more stationary RV lifestyle (IE, staying at one spot for a month or more). If you want to TRAVEL and full time RV (think no more than 2 weeks at any one spot), you’re looking at a minimum of $4,00 a month
- Campground Spot Fees ($700 – $1,500 a month) – More manageable if there are discounts for booking weeks/month at a time
- Power ($150 – $500 a month) – Some campgrounds charge for power separately. This can skyrocket during summer months.
- Propane ($50 – $200 a year) – Mostly only a cost in cold areas, but can still be alot!
- Insurance ($175 – $500 a year) – Varies based on how much you travel and how good of insurance you have.
- Diesel/Gas (Varies too much!) – Obviously goes up if you want opt to travel more often vs remaining stationary.
- Wi Fi ($50 – $125 a month) – Some campsites include this, others don’t. Sometimes the provided wifi will not be enough and you’ll need to get your own service, such as Starlink or a mobile hotspot.
- Camper Payment (BIG) – Varies based on your camper, but I’ve seen between $650 – $1300!) It’s great if you can pay it of somehow before starting to free up some more money.
- Groceries (varies ALOT, ~ $800)- It can be more expensive to buy and prepare food while traveling as RV kitchens just aren’t as capable sometimes. Food also tends to be more expensive near popular area
Campground fees
One of the most significant expenses of RVing is campground fees. Campgrounds vary in price depending on location, amenities, and season, so you’ll need to consider your itinerary and your preferences.
Monthly rates tend to be cheaper than daily or weekly ones, and full-time RV parks usually offer discounts for extended stays. On average, campground fees can range from $10 to $120 per night, with the average being around $55 a night.
Sample Campgrounds Rates For Full Timers
I gathered this information from various Facebook discussions and have attempted to organize it so you can get a better idea of how much it may cost for a long term stay in an RV park in different parts of the country.
Variables that influence the cost of a campgrounds rate include
- Monthly vs Weekly Rates… – of course he monthly rates are WAY cheaper than weekly. They can be hard to find though without alot of early planning.
- Memberships – These unlock lower rates, but also even monthly rates *exclusive* to members only – without them, you may not be able to access those rates.
- What services are at that specific spot – This varies from nothing to full hook ups, wifi and more. The more extras, the funner.. but at a price!
- Off season or peak season – If you are traveling to Arizona or Florida during winter months, aka a “snow bird” then you will pay higher rates since there is more demand at these times.
- Location Location! – Proximity to town or major attractions (National Parks, lakes, beaches etc) can bump up rates quite a bit. If you don’t care about being close to that stuff, it’s alot easier to find a budget friendly campground.
Arizona Campground Fee Averages
- Yuma, AZ – $450/mo including utilities
Arkansas Campground Fee Averages
- Boston Mountains, AR – $500/mo, water and power included.
California Campground Fee Averages
- Phelan, CA – $550/mo, including utilities and power
- San Dimas, CA – $575/mo, includes all utilities besides wifi.
- San Francisco Bay, CA – $680/mo, but water, trash and sewer are not included. Electric around 35 cents a kWh.
- Shingle Springs, CA – $508/WEEK, not includes all utilities (KOA)
Florida Campground Fee Averages
- Frostproof, FL – $434/mo, 5 Star RV 55+ Park
- St. Petersberg, FL – $1200/mo for all utilities
- Gainsville, FL – $600/mo for all utilities
Indiana Campground Fee Averages
- Petersburg, IN – $525/mo for all utilities
- Elkheart, IN – $1,350/mo… + $5 per kid per night!
Montanna Campground Fee Averages
- Butte, MT – $650/mo for most utilities.
Nevada Campground Fee Averages
- Henderson, NV – $650/mo for most utilities.
- Las Vegas, NV – $825/mo including utilities e (dirt lot though)
New York Campground Fee Averages
- Fort Drum, NY – $650/ mo, Full Hookups
Oregon Campground Fee Averages
- Unknown, Oregon – $850/mo, no utilities included
- Rogue River, Oregon – $800/mo all utilties
- Bend, Oregon – $800 for winter, daily rates for summer
- Salem, Oregon – $350/WEEK, full hook ups.
Texas Campground Fee Averages
- Conroe, TX – $650/mo, .14 cents a kWh for power
- Nacogdoches, TX – $425/mo, including everything.
- Victoria, TX – $550/mo, including everything
- Brookeland, TX – $400/mo, electric separate.
- Castroville, TX – $635/mo, electric separate. RV Resort
Virginia Campground Fee Averages
- Northern Virginia – $1,500
Washington Campground Fee Averages
- Near Tacoma, WA – $650/mo, DOES NOT include power/trash
- Anacortes, WA – $850/mo, electric seperate.
- Forks, WA – $1,000/mo all utilities
Insurance costs
RV insurance is similar to car insurance, but it can be more expensive since it needs full-time coverage. Policies typically account for liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, so it’s important to choose a policy that fits your needs and budget.
The cost of RV insurance can vary depending on factors like the year, make, and model of your RV, your driving history, and where you’ll be traveling. On average, annual RV insurance costs range from $400 to $1,500 or more.
KOA made an excellent guide on what to consider when purchasing RV insurance here.
Power costs
Some RV campgrounds include electricity in the daily or monthly rates, while others charge electricity usage separately. If you’re planning to use a generator or solar panels, it’s essential to factor in the costs of the equipment and the maintenance. The cost of power can vary, but RVers usually report spending between $50 to $200 a month on electricity.
If you plan on upgrading your power options, such as buying better quality batteries, a generator, or doing solar upgrades, the costs can be over $700.
Maintenance and repairs
Like any vehicle, an RV requires regular maintenance. The costs of this maintenance can vary from minimal to significant. In general, RVers should budget around 3% of their RV’s value for maintenance expenses per year, and put it into a savings account for when it’s needed.
Common maintenance expenses include oil changes, tire rotations, and propane refills. You might also run into more significant repairs that could lead to higher expenses. On average, RVers can expect to pay $1,500 to $5,000 annually for maintenance and repair costs, or more depending on the age of the RV.
I like to keep track of these sorts of things use these RV maintenance log sheets so that I don’t lose track of important dates and contact info of various repair shops.
Misc Costs of RVing Full Time
You’ll certainly encounter miscellaneous expenses while on the road, including groceries, eating out, entertainment, and RV accessories. Depending on your traveling plans and preferences, these expenses can vary widely.
Whatever your miscellaneous spending looks like, it’s important to track it and incorporate it into your budget. RVers report spending an average of $400+ per month on miscellaneous expenses.
- Entertainment (~ $350+/mo)– You still need to have fun! This could include eating out, going to the Farmer’s Market, attending a concert etc.
- Mail Services ($130/year)- If you plan on moving alot, it’s handy to have a services like escapees to assist in forwarding your mail.
- Laundry (~ $4 a load) – The average travel trailer or mid size RV doesn’t come with a laundry set up, so you may find yourself in the laundromat often.
- Savings for Repairs + Upkeep – When something in your camper gets broken, the repair tends to be EXPENSIVE! Not only that, but it may be in the shop for ahwile so it’s nice to have a fund to dip into for a hotel stay in the mean time.
Ways to Save Money on Full Time Rving
There are a couple of memberships that can save you some serious money when you are living full time in your camper. Here are some of the most popular ones!
There is an EXCELLENT Cost of RV Living Calculator that NomadsinNature created, and it’s super helpful when trying to create a budget for yourself while RV living. If you’re more of a paper person, you may love my full time RV living budget sheet (at the end of this post)
My Open Roads
If you find yourself moving often, or covering alot of distance between moves, you may be interested in this membership that can save money on diesel costs (up to 40 cents a gallon!)
Thousand Trails
This campground membership offers free nightly stays (capped at 2 weeks at any location) at over 200 RV Resorts and campgrounds. If you find yourself camping on the coasts alot, you will especially find value in this one.
Good Sam Membership
Savings through this membership included 10% discount on select campgrounds, money off gas/diesel at Pilot Flying Js and discounts on in store prices at Campingworld.
Work Camping
In exchange for working as a host or other campground duty, you may be able to stay at a campground completely free! Websites like kamperjobs and workampingjobs are a great way to find opportunities like this near you.
Boondocking
This means finding some land you’re allowed to camp on and… camping on it! These spots are free, however have none of the amenities of a campground – that means no level, easy to get into sites, no power, water or septic/dump!
Don’t worry though, there are tons of apps and websites available to help you find a spot easier. This boondocking 101 article will help you understand what to expect, and if this is a good option for you.
Budget for your Full Time RVing plans with this Printable!
A notepad works ok, but it’s so much easier to account for every cost when you start with a base. With that in mind, I made this Full Time Rving Monthly Budget printable! I’m such a paper person, and find this helpful in planning potential stays in different areas of the country.
Don’t worry – included in the packet, there is a more simple design that is printer friendly… I just love color so always include something bright!
Download the Fulltime RV Budget Planner here (print and enjoy!)
So, do you think you can swing full time RVing?
For many people, full-time RVing is an incredible opportunity to see the world and live a life of adventure and freedom. However, it’s essential to understand the costs associated with this lifestyle. Whether you’re planning to full-time RV on a tight budget or with more leisure, breaking down the expenses into categories will help you better plan and budget for your journey.
Do not EVER try full time RVing because you think it will save you money – unless you live in a high rent/home price area, it will either be the same or cost MORE than a “sticks n bricks” set up. Most people pay atleast 3k+ for all expenses considered (there’s more than just campground fees!), so it’s important to not sell everything and full time on a whim.
Thank you for the information