How to Cut RV Trip Costs for Holiday Weekends

The extra days on a holiday weekend make it the perfect opportunity for an RV road trip. Of course, costs have been climbing across the board lately, and holiday weekends can be more expensive than usual. However, the good news is there are things you can do to lower your costs on a holiday weekend road trip. Here are some cost-saving tips to try before you hit the road.

Route & Fuel Planning

Fuel can be one of the highest costs on an RV road trip, depending on your destination. You can bring down fuel costs by using an app like GasBuddy, which shows you the current price of gas at multiple stations along your route. Also, sign up for loyalty cards to use at gas stations along the way.

Another way to save is by using less actual fuel. Driving at a slower, consistent pace burns less fuel than driving at higher speeds. The U.S. Department of Energy says that, broadly speaking, each 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.27 per gallon of gas. For RVs, the cost savings are likely even higher. You can also save on gas by avoiding traffic jams as everyone leaves for the holiday weekend. Leaving very early in the morning or later in the day after rush hour can save both time and gas.

Finally, consider your RV itself. Keeping your vehicle well-maintained can help it to run better and burn less fuel. It can also keep you from spending money on expensive repairs in the middle of a road trip. Decluttering your RV and waiting to fill your water tanks close to your destination can make your rig lighter and use less fuel.

Where to Stay

Be sure to book campgrounds early for a holiday weekend, as popular places can fill up quickly. This gives you time to compare prices and amenities and to budget for exactly what you want on a trip. It also helps you avoid paying for a higher-priced campground at the last minute or wasting fuel searching for an available campsite. Check into campground discounts as well. You may find a place that offers discounts for longer stays, or one of the many campgrounds with great military discounts.

Finally, depending on your destination, you may want to consider dispersed camping. The Bureau of Land Management allows free camping in some areas (usually in the Western United States). If you’re looking to get away from crowds and have a quiet weekend, this can be a great option.

Discount Programs & Memberships

There are also lots of discount programs and memberships available to RVers. If you plan to camp a lot, consider a program like Harvest Hosts, Passport America, or Good Sam. You’ll pay an annual fee and have access to campgrounds across the country at a reduced cost (or sometimes, no cost beyond the membership fee). These can be a good option for people who camp often.

You may also want to join a roadside assistance club like AAA. This can save you money on towing, locksmiths, and other emergencies on the road. AAA also offers discounts on restaurants, theme parks, and other attractions. Your insurance company may also offer a roadside assistance program for a low or free rate as part of your plan.

Finally, many restaurants, attractions, and other places offer discounts for seniors, kids, locals, first responders, or other groups. Research online in advance or ask someone on-site to see whether anyone in your party qualifies for a lower rate. For example, the Every Kid Outdoors Pass gives all fourth graders, and usually accompanying family members, free access to most sites managed by the National Park Service, plus some other federal sites.

Activities & Entertainment

Researching your destination when you’re taking a holiday weekend RV trip almost always saves money over last-minute decisions. Research events at your destination – one of the best parts of a holiday weekend is that many communities host free or low-cost events, such as fairs and festivals. Campgrounds may also have their own events so campers can celebrate the holidays.

If you’re visiting a national or state park for the holiday weekend, you might also want to consider a park pass. Most of these pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. If you’ll be visiting three national parks in a year, it’s a good deal. Seniors can purchase a Lifetime Pass, which saves even more money.

Meal Planning and Shopping

Meals are another area where a little planning ahead of time can save some serious money on the road. One of the big advantages of having an RV is having an entire kitchen at your disposal. Decide ahead of time when you’re going to splurge on restaurant meals, and when you’ll make meals in the RV. Even something like having morning coffee at the RV instead of a coffee shop can save a good amount of cash.

Also, plan to do your grocery shopping near your destination. For one thing, this reduces the weight you’re hauling while you drive, which also saves gas. Shopping locally is also an experience in itself. Different regions offer unique cuisine, and even large grocery stores like HEB and Wegmans are a new experience if you’ve never shopped at one before. Shopping in a new-to-you grocery store exposes you to local life in a way that hitting up the area amusement park never can.

Set Trip Expectations and Your Budget

As you’re talking about meals and plans, also talk with family or friends about expectations for your trip. The more you can communicate with them ahead of time, the better. Talk about the experiences you will (and won’t!) have. Discuss whether you’ll be buying them souvenirs, giving them any spending money, or expecting them to save up their money for treats on the trip. Talking about all these plans with them ahead of time can help manage disappointment or endless requests for new things along the way.

You don’t have to be an extreme couponer to save money in some big areas on a holiday weekend road trip in an RV. Spending a little time planning, packing strategically, and researching discounts and memberships can go a long way towards lowering your costs.