There’s a school of thought that suggests RVing and camping can be expensive. The folks who subscribe to that theory aren’t necessarily wrong, but there are ways to save money on campgrounds and overnight stays, and in this post, we’re giving you some of our best suggestions for doing just that.
Does Camping Save Money?
Camping CAN save you money. Hotels are expensive, and eating in restaurants is a great way to quickly spend a lot of money as well. So having your own bedroom & kitchen with you on your travels can save you quite a lot. But the reality is that driving a large rig like an RV can be expensive, too (due to the cost of fuel as well as maintenance, insurance, and general upkeep). Additionally, you must consider that RV parks and some campgrounds can be quite expensive as well.
On average, RV campsites typically cost between $25 and $80 per night, depending on the location and amenities. However, some luxury RV resorts can cost as much as $100 to $200 a night. And that adds up fast! So, when you consider the cost of driving a large rig and parking it at a campground or RV park, and you compare it with the cost of driving a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle and staying at a hotel or motel, it doesn’t seem that camping is more cost-effective as a rule.
However, there are many ways to save money on campgrounds, and when you employ some of these ideas, we’re pretty sure you’ll agree that camping is not only more affordable but more enjoyable as well. One of the easiest ways to save money on campgrounds is by utilizing some of the numerous memberships available to campers and RVers. So let’s take a look at some of our favorite membership opportunities…
Best Memberships to Save Money on Camping
Good Sam Club
Good Sam Club allows you to save 10% at thousands of participating RV parks and campgrounds. Many of these are Good Sam parks, but membership is also often accepted at parks that are not part of the Good Sam network.
A Good Sam Club membership costs only $39 annually, and there are many campgrounds and RV parks where you can save 10% as a member, along with additional perks. We’ve been members for a couple of decades.
For just $39 for the entire year’s membership (or you can opt for a three-year Elite membership for $109 that includes additional perks, including access to an RV tech hotline), you’ll be able to use Good Sam’s website to locate RV parks and campgrounds by entering the state/province, postal code, or park name, and clicking the “search” button. That’s it!
You can also plan trips by checking out some of their suggested categories, such as Adventure Seekers, Snowbirds, Boating Fun, Family Camping, Pack & Stay Rentals, Attractions, and Entertainment etc. You can find park reviews and even RV storage rental facilities.
Why We Love Good Sam Club
We love the fact that in addition to saving 10% on any of the 2,000+ Good Sam parks and campgrounds, Good Sam Club membership allows you to save even more money with retail discounts at Camping World (including 15% off propane) and Gander Outdoors, as well as fuel savings at Pilot Flying J locations (up to 10 cents savings per gallon of fuel). In some locations, you can also save on dump station fees.
All of these savings quickly cover the annual membership cost, making this a clear win.
Join Good Sam, the world's largest organization of RV owners, and enjoy 10% savings at their network of 2,100+ Good Sam Parks throughout the United States and Canada. Members also get discounts at Camping World and Gander RV & Outdoors retail...Show More
Join Good Sam, the world's largest organization of RV owners, and enjoy 10% savings at their network of 2,100+ Good Sam Parks throughout the United States and Canada. Members also get discounts at Camping World and Gander RV & Outdoors retail locations along with instant fuel discounts at select Pilot Flying J locations. Plus, Good Sam members enjoy savings on propane, installation fees, free online RV trip planning, show discounts, and much more!
Show LessPassport America
Passport America allows travelers to save up to 50% at over 1,450 participating campgrounds, all for an annual fee of only $49. You can search for campgrounds near you using the mobile app, and enjoy trip routing as part of your membership. You can also search by amenities, such as 50-amp service, big-rig-friendly parks, heated swimming pool, fishing, and more. With your membership, you’ll also receive an online subscription to RV America Magazine, as well as additional discounts.
With savings of up to 50% in a single use, a Passport America membership pays for itself quickly.
Why We Love Passport America
Who wouldn’t love to save 50% if there’s a participating park in the area you’re visiting? That’s significant savings, and like anyone else, we love to save money where we can. You should be aware that there can be restrictions on the length of stay, and even on availability, depending on the season. That said, for an annual fee of $49, it’s relatively easy to make a Passport America membership worthwhile.
The Dyrt PRO
The Dyrt PRO is another one of our favorites. The Dyrt’s free app is a fantastic way to find campgrounds for sure, but when you add in the perks of upgrading to The Dyrt PRO, the savings can really begin… especially since the cost of the PRO membership is minimal.
There are many reasons to get The Dyrt PRO app, not the least of which is savings!
Upgrading to The Dyrt PRO also gives you access to their RV trip planning features, and that aspect of the membership alone is a great reason to join. With PRO you can even download maps of your route (in case you lose cell coverage along the way) or export them to Google Maps for offline navigation. Additionally, you’ll receive map overlays for BLM, US Forest Service, and National Park Service boundaries. This is a great way to save money on campgrounds, as these locations are often free for campers with certain restrictions.
But the most direct way The Dyrt PRO will help you save money on campgrounds is through their discount program. As a PRO member, you receive access to savings of up to 40% off. With thousands of participating RV parks and campgrounds, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a place to stay… for less! And those discounts even extend to camping gear! So not only can you save on where you’re staying, you can save money on the clothing, gear, and equipment that help make a stay anywhere even better.
Why We Love The Dyrt PRO
There are numerous tools available to enhance your RVing experience, but for those who may be less technologically inclined, we recommend The Dyrt PRO for its simplicity and ease of use. And since The Dyrt’s PRO membership also gives you a multitude of discounts, it doesn’t take very long before you’ve saved more than the cost. And everything beyond that is all gravy!
The Dyrt PRO costs only $35.99 per year after a 7-day free trial. However, if you’d like more than seven days to determine whether or not the upgrade would be worthwhile for you, here’s a special deal.
Use the "Go To The Deal" button to access the website, then click the "Redeem Your Gift" button found there to start your FREE 30-DAY TRIAL (a credit card is required, but you can cancel at any time).
Use the "Go To The Deal" button to access the website, then click the "Redeem Your Gift" button found there to start your FREE 30-DAY TRIAL (a credit card is required, but you can cancel at any time).
NOTE: the discount code field should fill in automatically. If it doesn't, click "I have a discount code" and enter code RVGEEKS to start your 30-day free trial.
Show LessBoondockers Welcome
Boondockers Welcome is our favorite, non-traditional way of camping while saving money on campgrounds. But, in this case, you’re not staying at a campground… you’re staying on the properties of participating private property owners. Here’s how it works:
A one-year subscription to Boondockers Welcome costs $79. This will give you access to more than 3,675 locations. However, you also have the option of joining Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts together for an annual fee of $169, which provides access to over 9,025 locations. There’s even an “All Access” membership that includes all of those locations plus nearly 400 additional golf courses and country clubs for $179.
As with Harvest Hosts (below), you’ll need to be traveling in a self-contained RV to stay at Boondockers Welcome host locations. You’ll use the website or app to select locations along your travel route, contact the hosts, and arrange to stay on their private property, all at no additional charge.
Boondockers Welcome hosts open their home properties to travelers, giving fellow RVers a safe, peaceful place to rest.
There are more than 3,675 Boondockers Welcome hosts, and Boondockers Welcome guarantees your satisfaction, allowing you to try the subscription for 90 days. If you don’t feel you’ve gotten your money’s worth after your first stay with a host, your subscription fee will be refunded. (Refunds will not be given if two or more stays have been completed within 90 days.)
Why We Love Boondockers Welcome
What makes Boondockers Welcome truly amazing is the relationships formed with fellow RVers who open their homes and properties to other travelers. It’s a unique and wonderful way to meet people and get a true, down-home feeling for the areas you’re traveling to. Hosts tend to be warm and welcoming, and also very helpful with suggestions, recommendations, and lots of hospitality. Many hosts even offer their guests amenities like power and WiFi.
For the low annual subscription fee of $79, you get unlimited stays with Boondockers Welcome hosts. There are so many of them in so many places that you could explore the entire continent staying only with Boondockers Welcome hosts!
Now a part of Harvest Hosts, you can save 20% on your initial membership and get the best of both programs! Click to view the deal and use the coupon code listed here.
Safe, free and...Show More
Now a part of Harvest Hosts, you can save 20% on your initial membership and get the best of both programs! Click to view the deal and use the coupon code listed here.
Safe, free and legal RV parking on private property. It’s like having friends and family everywhere! A great alternative to being stacked side-by-side in an RV park.
Watch our Boondockers Welcome video
Boondockers Welcome in Australia
Read Our RV Trip Planner Post
Harvest Hosts
Like Boondockers Welcome, Harvest Hosts is a fantastic concept that allows RVers to stay overnight for FREE at non-traditional locations. Instead of RV parks, you can stay at amazing locations such as wineries, farms, orchards, breweries, distilleries, museums, golf courses, attractions, and other unique businesses, all the while saving money.
Orchards, wineries, and farms are just a few of the beautiful, serene environments provided by Harvest Hosts throughout the United States and Canada.
Members pay an annual membership fee of $99 for the Classic plan and are then welcome to stay overnight at the 5,400 Harvest Hosts locations throughout the United States and Canada — free of additional camping fees.
As mentioned above, you can upgrade/combine your membership to add Boondockers Welcome to your plan for a total of $169 per year. You’re then welcome to stay overnight at any of the 9,025+ HH and BW locations. There’s also an “All Access” membership for $179 a year that includes all of those locations plus 400 golf courses, country clubs, and golf resorts. That’s over 9,400 locations! If you try it and don’t enjoy it (highly unlikely!), there’s a 3-month 100% satisfaction guarantee. Cancel within the first three months, and you will receive a full refund.
There are restrictions to keep in mind with Harvest Hosts. You must be traveling in a self-contained RV. All classes of RVs are allowed, including motorhomes (Class A, B, and C), fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, toy haulers, camper vans, truck campers, and schoolies. But you must be fully self-contained. For example, there’s no cooking outside at any location, and you must have your own toilet facility inside your RV. There are a few other restrictions as well, so read the site carefully with your particular situation in mind.
Harvest Hosts encourages you to patronize the businesses that offer you a night’s stay at their locations, but this is not difficult to do. Harvest Host locations are fantastic. You can buy a bottle of wine, some food, or a gift in a shop.
Why We Love Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts is a unique camping membership. It offers RVers the opportunity to stay in a variety of truly unique spots while enjoying the culture of those locations during their stay, all while saving money compared to traditional campgrounds. The experience of spending the night in the middle of an orchard or winery, outside a local brewery or distillery, or on a working farm gives “camping” a whole new meaning. The ever-increasing popularity of Harvest Hosts over the years is an understandable phenomenon.
Save 20% on your first year’s membership to Harvest Hosts... click on the "Go To The Deal" button and use the discount code listed here!
Tired of RV Parks and Campgrounds and want to...Show More
Save 20% on your first year’s membership to Harvest Hosts... click on the "Go To The Deal" button and use the discount code listed here!
Tired of RV Parks and Campgrounds and want to try something different? Stay overnight at wineries, breweries & distilleries, farms, and other attractions instead! Enjoy unique experiences that you'll always remember.
Show LessOvernight RV Parking
Overnight RV Parking is exactly that – parking, not camping. With locations all over North America, you’re sure to find places to park overnight to get a good night’s rest prior to continuing on in your journey. Overnight RV Parking is a great way to save money on campgrounds. Now included in Roadtrippers Premium subscription, it’s the largest database of free RV parking in the United States and Canada, featuring information on over 16,000 locations.
Finding free overnight parking is a great way to save money on camping, but the trick is finding locations that are legal and trouble-free. That’s where the Roadtrippers subscription and Overnight RV Parking come in handy.
Again, this is not a camping app. It’s an overnight parking app for travelers on long journeys who simply need a free place to legally stop and spend the night before continuing. Here’s how it works: You type in your location, and the app or website will suggest nearby overnight parking areas. It’s that simple!
In addition, you’ll see what other travelers who’ve stayed in these locations had to say about the area and their experience. You’ll not only be shown where you can park overnight, but also many places where you can’t, such as Walmarts that prohibit overnight parking (unfortunately, there are lots of those).
The Roadtrippers Premium subscription costs just $59.99 annually and includes not only access to the Overnight RV Parking database, but also turn-by-turn GPS navigation customized for your RV, as well as a fantastic trip planner and many other perks.
Why We Love OvernightRVParking.com and Roadtrippers
We love the fact that Overnight RV Parking (part of the Roadtrippers Premium subscription) saves us money, but also that it saves a lot of time and hassle on long travel days. When you’re en route to a destination and just need a place to stop for a good night’s sleep, you really don’t need all the benefits of a full campground, so why pay for them?
There’s no time spent registering, parking at a campsite, getting set up, etc. You just pull into the overnight parking area knowing that it’s been pre-approved for your overnight stay (be sure to check in with the customer service desk when you arrive, just to be sure nothing has changed), and you enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you won’t be getting a knock on your RV door from security personnel, or police, in the middle of the night.
In addition, the Roadtrippers membership offers other benefits, including excellent road trip planning and an RV-specific GPS app. You’ll also find additional money-saving opportunities, such as discounts of up to 45% on RV tires!
Save $5 with coupon code BTR5QTP (case sensitive / all caps).
Upgrade your RVing experience with a Roadtrippers membership. One annual subscription gets you access to Roadtrippers Plus (a comprehensive trip planner), Campendium (for...Show More
Save $5 with coupon code BTR5QTP (case sensitive / all caps).
Upgrade your RVing experience with a Roadtrippers membership. One annual subscription gets you access to Roadtrippers Plus (a comprehensive trip planner), Campendium (for finding free boondocking spots all over North America), OvernightRVParking.com (for finding free overnight RV parking spots), RV-Safe GPS (for RV-specific turn-by-turn navigation), and access to savings on RV Tires (save up to 45% on major brands).
Show LessEscapees/Xscapers
The heart of Escapees and Xscapers is community, and the mission of both clubs is to create bonds between members who share interests in travel. Whether you’re full-timers, part-timers, or weekenders, we all share a love of the freedom that RVing offers, and this is what brings us together as Escapees or Xscapers (Xscapers is the club-within-a-club for the newer generation of working-age RVers).
Escapees has been in existence since the late 70’s when it was started by Joe and Kay Peterson, a couple that enjoyed RVing with their family and meeting other like-minded travelers with whom they wanted to stay in touch. They formed the group Escapees as a means of fulfilling that desire, and eventually, it took on a life of its own. More than forty years later, not only is Escapees still going strong, but its younger sibling, Xscapers, was created (by Joe & Kay’s grandson, Travis, and his wife, Mel) and has become a popular RVing club for younger, adventurous nomads who choose to live and work on the road.
Xscapers isn’t your grandma’s group! Young energy abounds at all Xscapers events!
Escapees has several club-owned RV parks and member-operated co-op parks, all of which offer discounts to members, presenting yet another way to save 15% to 50% on campgrounds. In addition, Escapees/Xscapers offers the largest private mail forwarding service in the country, and membership allows you to receive your mail and packages wherever you travel.
For those interested in working on the road, the club offers a job exchange service, and Escapees Roadside Assistance service provides help if your rig breaks down while you’re traveling. Escapees also provides a significant amount of education to its members, including RVers Boot Camp, RVers Online University, and SmartWeigh RV weighing program, as well as the Escapees magazine.
If you’re a resident of the United States, you’ll pay just $49.95 for an annual membership. Residents of Canada or Mexico pay $59.95 (USD), and residents of other countries pay $64.95 (USD).
The Escapees RV Club is one of the oldest, largest, and most loved RV membership organizations in the world. They provide a total support network for all RVers, regardless of their travel style, type of RV, or experience level.
We're...Show More
The Escapees RV Club is one of the oldest, largest, and most loved RV membership organizations in the world. They provide a total support network for all RVers, regardless of their travel style, type of RV, or experience level.
We're particularly drawn to the Xscapers group, which is a community within the Escapees RV Club that was created specifically for working-aged RVers.
All in all, Escapees membership offers a lot of valuable resources... including the Escapees C.A.R.E Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that provides a safe haven (with professional assistance at affordable prices) for members whose travels are permanently ended because of age, or temporarily interrupted because of health problems.
So if you're not already a member, please join today!
Show LessWhy We Love Escapees
First of all, we have so much love and respect for the great people who run Escapees. Also, in addition to the discounts afforded to members, Escapees/Xscapers is a great group that advocates for RVers. The educational materials and sessions provided are hugely helpful to RVers of all types (full-timers, part-timers, and weekenders alike), and the rallies and gatherings are a wonderful way to meet other RVers and have a great time.
Amazingly, Escapees long ago developed a center for full-time RVers who find themselves needing help due to age or a health crisis.Escapees C.A.R.E. Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that provides an independent living residency program for full-time RVers when they can no longer care for themselves or a spouse following an illness, injury, surgery, or the progression of a long-term healthcare issue.
C.A.R.E. (Continuing Assistance for Retired Escapees), located in Livingston, Texas, provides a safe place for members to receive assistance at an affordable price. Members stay in their own RVs and receive assistance with tasks such as transportation to medical appointments, cleaning, and dumping RV tanks, as well as meals and opportunities to engage in community activities, including socializing, playing games, and exercising.
Xscapers is a community within the Escapees RV Club that was created for working-age RVers. Members are usually full-time RVers, most of whom work on the road and have a nomadic, adventurous spirit. Many are raising families, and the sense of community provided by Xscapers is invaluable.
There’s No Reason Not To Save Money On Campgrounds
Clearly, there are plenty of ways to save money on camping and to make RV travel more affordable in general. These are some of our favorites, and there are more to be found, given a bit of research.
So, whether you’re looking for a safe place to park overnight as you make your way along your journey, or you’re looking for campgrounds and RV parks with particular amenities to keep you and your family happy and comfortable, there’s something here for everyone. Even if you’re just seeking a nomadic community with similar interests to your own, you can save money with low-cost memberships, and with apps that bring information to your fingertips.
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Marilyn Maxwell
Wednesday 30th of July 2025
We are currently camping about 30' from the Pacific ocean (yes, we were ready to bug out if the tsunami advisory came to pass) about 3 hours south of Ensenada, Baja California. In the previous week we have had 2 groups of about 8 people each (they went clamming every morning) and a solitary guy in his small Class C with his dog here. Bathrooms that are really clean, lots of hot water (albeit salty) for showers, electricity (110 V) and a very helpful manager - all for $11 a night. All that being said don't forget to look in Mexico!!El Pabellon RV Park about 20 minutes south of San Quintin.
Teresa
Wednesday 30th of July 2025
I belong to Good Sam and Passport America with both being lifetime memberships. Then I also belong to Harvest Hosts and I'm an Elk member so I can camp at Elk Lodges for almost nothing. With my 38ft Diesel Pusher I don't really want to do National Forest campgrounds as most aren't set up for big rigs. I haven't had any problems finding spots when traveling and I also use AllStays to find campgrounds.
Paul
Wednesday 30th of July 2025
Corp of engineers campgrounds if you have the America the beautiful pass are $11.00 a night
Jim
Thursday 20th of February 2025
One thing I've come across with Good Sam, is when you book and its during peak season or holidays, campgrounds don't accept the Good Sam discount. I may need to find another membership, that offers discounts, no matter what day of the year it is. Otherwise, why offer these memberships, that we pay for, but can't use. Thanks again for all the wonderful tips, and excellent RVing suggestions you both offer.
Hugh
Wednesday 4th of August 2021
I've camped seven times so far this year. All in free State & National forest campgrounds. I refuse to waste money on private campgrounds. Even when I stay at pay Forest campgrounds, they are less than $10 with a Golden Age Pass.
TheRVgeeks
Wednesday 4th of August 2021
We're with you on saving money, and spend a LOT of our time boondocking, totally for free. But when we need or want to hook up, it's great that there are so many ways to save money on that! (I love my Golden Age pass, too... has to be SOME benefit to getting old(er). LOL