The allure of the open road, the freedom to explore, and the ability to carry your home with you - living in an RV is a dream for many. However, the romantic notion of life on wheels often obscures the practicalities, particularly the costs associated with this nomadic lifestyle.
In this blog post, we will delve into the financial aspects of living in an RV, with a focus on one of the most significant expenses - RV parks.
Towards the end, we will break down our personal costs after being on the road for two months. Keep in mind we were NOT trying to budget and simply looking for sites that made the most sense geographically speaking. We knew that this would end up costing us in the end… but plan on using it as a baseline for future trips to that way we CAN budget and try to get better and better each trip when it comes to saving some extra cash.
Here are the biggest variables that we have discovered impact cost when it comes to finding an RV park
East Coast vs. West Coast
RV park costs fluctuate depending on the region. On the East Coast, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Florida or the Northeast, you may find higher prices due to demand. On the West Coast, the allure of the Pacific coastline can also drive up costs. Researching and planning your route can help you anticipate and budget for these regional differences.
Seasonal Swings
The time of year can significantly influence RV park prices. During peak tourist seasons, especially in the summer, prices tend to be higher as demand surges. Conversely, winter in the southern states, known as the snowbird season, may see increased costs due to an influx of travelers seeking warmer climates. Balancing your travel plans with seasonal price fluctuations can help you manage expenses effectively.
Hidden Gems and Budget-Friendly Alternatives
While luxury RV resorts offer top-notch amenities, they come with a price tag. For budget-conscious nomads, exploring alternative options such as state parks, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, or national forests can provide cost-effective alternatives. Some of these sites may offer basic amenities, but the savings can be substantial.
Breaking Down Our Costs
Okay here’s the stuff you probably came here for. Embarking on a two-month RV journey is thrilling, but it comes with costs. Here's a brief look at our expenses at various RV parks during our nomadic adventure. The dates are figurative and some of the totals were paid out a day or two after our stay. Some were paid before we left.
However, the TOTAL amounts are exact.
Oct. 8 SPLASH RV 187.15
Oct. 10 LOVES 40
Oct. 15 BRANSON SHENANIGANS 253.85
Oct. 21 BRANSON SHENANIGANS 57.18
Oct. 21 AIR CAPITAL RV PARK 113.4
Oct. 23 GUNSMOKE RV 96
Oct. 24 GARDEN OF GODS 345.48
Oct. 25 GARDEN OF GODS 230.32
Oct. 29 CANYON VIEW RV 188.6
Oct. 31 GARDEN OF GODS 115.1
Nov. 1 GARDEN OF GODS 105.74
Nov. 3 ZION RIVER RESORT 96.06
Nov. 6 ZION RIVER RESORT 192.12
Nov. 7 KOA VEGAS 107.35
Nov. 7 KOA VEGAS 224.57
Nov. 8 ORANGELAND 85
Nov. 9 ORANGELAND 85
Nov. 11 EL CAPITAN 141.36
Nov. 13 KOA SANTA CRUZ 122.36
Nov. 13 SUN OUTDOOR SANTA BARBARA 285.2
Nov. 14 KOA SANTA CRUZ 424.71
Nov. 15 SUN OUTDOOR SANTA BARBARA 100.88
Nov. 21 KOA MONTROSE 60.95
Nov. 24 KOA MONTROSE 243.8
Nov. 27 KOA SANTA FE 84.54
Nov. 28 KOA SANTA FE 84.54
Nov. 28 LOVES 44.4
Nov. 29 KOA SANTA FE 253.62
Dec. 2 KOA SANTA FE 81.46
Dec. 3 KOA AUSTIN 89
Dec. 4 KOA AUSTIN 178
Dec. 7 KOA NOLA 73.66
Dec. 7 KOA NOLA 76.93
TOTAL 4868.33
Our total RV park expenses over two months amounted to $4868.33, capturing the essence of a memorable journey.. but an expensive one. Navigating RV living costs is part of the nomadic lifestyle. Despite the figure, it encapsulates rich experiences gathered along the road less traveled.
Moving forward we will be looking to budget a bit more and explore our options when it comes to booking cheaper stays.
Living in an RV is not just about embracing the open road; it's also about navigating the financial terrain. Understanding the costs associated with RV parks, considering regional and seasonal variations, and exploring budget-friendly alternatives can help you make informed decisions.
By striking the right balance, we hope to turn our RV lifestyle dream into a sustainable and budget-friendly reality.
Happy trails!
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