RV Trip Budget Calculator | Free RV Cost Calculator with Fuel & Campground Costs

🚐 RV Trip Budget Calculator

Calculate the real cost of your RV trip including fuel, campgrounds, food, and hidden expenses most people forget

RV trip budget calculator for motorhome travel cost planning

RV Trip Budget Calculator – Plan Your Motorhome Travel Costs

Use our free RV trip budget calculator to estimate your next adventure! This RV trip calculator helps you plan the real cost of RV travel including fuel expenses, campground fees, food costs, and the hidden expenses that most RVers forget to budget for. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country RV trip, our RV budget calculator provides accurate cost estimates based on real 2025 data.

Our RV trip budget calculator works for all RV types: Class A motorhomes, Class B campervans, Class C motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers. Calculate costs for your specific RV type, travel distance, campground preferences, and meal plans with our comprehensive RV cost estimator.

What Does This RV Trip Calculator Include?

RV fuel cost calculator for motorhome gas expenses

RV Fuel Costs

Calculate gas expenses based on your RV’s MPG and current fuel prices for accurate RV trip budgeting

RV campground cost calculator for RV park fees

Campground & RV Park Fees

Estimate costs for RV parks, public campgrounds, national parks, or free boondocking locations

RV food budget calculator for meal planning

Food & Dining Budget

Budget for groceries and restaurant meals during your RV trip with our meal cost calculator

How Much Does an RV Trip Cost in 2025?

The average RV trip costs between $100-$300 per day depending on your RV type, travel style, and campground choices. Our RV trip budget calculator shows that Class A motorhomes typically cost more due to lower fuel efficiency (6-10 MPG), while Class B campervans are more economical (15-20 MPG). Campground fees range from free (boondocking) to $100+ per night at premium RV resorts. Use our RV cost calculator above to get a personalized RV trip estimate for your specific adventure.

For more RV travel tips and destination guides, visit Roadtrippers or check out RV Life for comprehensive RV trip planning resources.

Trip Details

RV Trip Fuel Costs Calculator

Optional: Override the default MPG for your RV type
Average U.S. price is $3.50-$4.00

RV Campground Budget Calculator

Optional: Enter your exact campground costs

RV Trip Food Budget

RV Trip Activities & Entertainment Budget

Park entrance fees, attractions, tours, etc.
Total for all parks during trip

Hidden RV Travel Expenses

Avg $20-50 per trip
$5-15 per dump
$5-10 per load
Recommended 10% of total budget

💡 RV Money-Saving Tips for Budget Travel

  • Drive at 55-60 MPH: Fuel efficiency decreases rapidly above 50 mph. You could save $0.24/gallon for every 5 mph over 50.
  • Travel Off-Peak: Campground rates can drop 20-50% outside summer and holiday weekends.
  • Join Membership Programs: Thousand Trails, Passport America, and Good Sam offer significant campground discounts.
  • Cook More Meals: Dining out can cost $100+ per person per day. Cooking saves 60-70% on food costs.
  • Use Free Camping: Apps like Free Campsites, iOverlander, and Campendium help find free boondocking spots.
  • Reduce Weight: Every 100 lbs can reduce MPG by 1%. Travel with empty holding tanks when driving.
  • Use Fuel Apps: GasBuddy can save $0.20-0.50 per gallon by finding cheaper stations along your route.
  • Stay Longer: Many RV parks offer weekly rates (10-20% off) or monthly rates (30-40% off).

⚠️ Hidden RV Costs Most RVers Forget to Budget

  • Propane refills: $20-50 per trip for heating, cooking, and hot water
  • Generator fuel: $5-15 per day if boondocking without hookups
  • Dump station fees: $5-15 each time if not included in campground
  • Fresh water fills: $5-10 at some locations
  • Laundry facilities: $5-10 per load (washer + dryer)
  • WiFi/internet: $5-10/day at some campgrounds if not included
  • Pet fees: $2-10 per night extra at many campgrounds
  • Extra vehicle fees: $5-15/night for tow vehicles or extra cars
  • Tolls: Can add $50-200+ on routes through the Northeast
  • Tire wear: RV tires wear faster; budget for replacement
  • Oil changes: More frequent than cars, $150-300 for motorhomes
  • Emergency repairs: Always budget 10% for unexpected issues

RV Trip Planning FAQs

How much does it cost to RV across the country?

A cross-country RV trip typically costs $3,000-$8,000 depending on your RV type, campground preferences, and trip duration. For a 3,000-mile, 14-day trip in a Class C motorhome, expect to spend approximately $1,200 on fuel, $630 on campgrounds, $840 on food (2 people), plus activities and hidden expenses.

What is the average MPG for an RV?

Class A motorhomes average 6-10 MPG, Class B campervans get 15-20 MPG, Class C motorhomes achieve 10-15 MPG, fifth wheels typically see 12-16 MPG, and travel trailers can reach 14-18 MPG. Your actual mileage depends on weight, driving habits, terrain, and wind conditions.

How much does it cost to stay at an RV park per night?

RV park costs range from free (boondocking on public lands) to $100+ per night at luxury resorts. Public campgrounds average $20-40/night, private RV parks cost $30-60/night, and national parks typically charge $30-70/night. Premium RV resorts with full amenities can exceed $100/night.

What are the hidden costs of RV travel?

Hidden RV costs include propane refills ($20-50), dump station fees ($5-15), laundry ($5-10 per load), tolls, pet fees at campgrounds ($2-10/night), extra vehicle fees, WiFi charges, generator fuel, and emergency maintenance. These expenses can add $200-500 to your trip budget.

Is it cheaper to RV or stay in hotels?

RVing is typically cheaper than hotels for families or extended trips. While hotels cost $100-200+ per night, RV camping ranges from free to $60/night. Factor in cooking meals in your RV versus dining out, and RVing can save 30-50% compared to traditional travel, especially for groups.