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RV Trip Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of your RV trip including fuel, campgrounds, propane, food, and activities. Plan an accurate budget.

Inputs

Distance & fuel

Class A: 7-10, Class C: 8-12, Travel trailer w/ truck: 9-13

Camping

Boondocking: $0. State parks: $25-40. Private RV park: $50-90.

Other costs

What an RV trip really costs

The most common surprise on a first RV trip is how much fuel costs. A 9-mpg motorhome on a 1,000-mile round trip burns 110+ gallons — roughly $400 at $3.85/gal, often the single biggest expense of the trip.

The second biggest cost varies wildly. State parks averaging $25-30/night feel inexpensive. KOA Holiday or destination resorts can hit $80-100/night, putting a 10-night trip's camping bill at $1,000. Boondocking on free BLM and National Forest dispersed sites brings that line item to zero.

Where the money actually goes (typical 7-day, 800-mile trip)

CategoryModest tripComfortable trip
Fuel$340$340
Camping (mix of state parks and free)$140$420
Propane$15$30
Food (vs. eating out)$150$350
Activities (parks, museums)$50$200
Total$695$1,340

Costs people forget

  • Tolls can be brutal in the Northeast. A trip from Vermont to Florida and back picks up $80-150 in tolls depending on route.
  • Generator fuel if you boondock with AC.
  • Maintenance reserve: budget $0.05-$0.15/mile for tires, oil changes, and repairs over the long run.
  • Pet fees at private RV parks ($3-5 per pet per night is common).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a typical week-long RV trip cost?
For a couple in a Class C motorhome traveling 800 miles round trip and staying in mid-priced state parks, expect $700-1,400 for the week, mostly fuel and camping. Boondockers can drop that under $500. Resort campers can push above $2,000.
Is it cheaper to RV than to fly and hotel?
It depends heavily on the destination, party size, and how often you go. For a family of four taking a 7-day trip 600 miles from home, an RV is usually 30-50% cheaper than flying and hoteling. For two people taking a single weekend trip, flights and a hotel are often cheaper. RVs win bigger on longer trips, larger groups, and remote destinations.
How can I reduce RV trip costs?
In order of impact: (1) boondock instead of paying campgrounds, (2) plan routes that avoid tolls and don't backtrack, (3) cook in the RV instead of eating out, (4) use Harvest Hosts or Boondockers Welcome for free overnight stays, (5) consider Thousand Trails or Passport America membership if you camp 30+ nights per year.
How accurate is RV fuel mileage?
Manufacturer claims for Class A and C motorhomes are usually optimistic. Plan on the lower end of the range, especially in headwinds, mountains, or above 65 mph. Diesel pushers do better than gas Class A's. Travel trailers towed by half-ton trucks lose 30-40% of the truck's solo mpg.

Related Calculators

Propane EstimatorDays per tank for your usage.Towing & Payload CheckVerify GVWR, GCWR, payload.Fresh Water CalculatorGallons needed for your trip.
About our math & sources

Every default and formula in this calculator is grounded in published manufacturer specs, industry standards, or peer-reviewed measurement. Where we make assumptions, we tell you what they are so you can adjust.

  • RV MPG ranges. Manufacturer-published figures and aggregated owner reports from RV.net, iRV2, and Fuelly. Class A diesel pushers: 7–10 MPG. Class C: 8–12. Travel trailers towed by half-ton: 9–13.
  • Campground rates. National averages from KOA, Good Sam, and ReserveAmerica for state parks. Boondocking on BLM/National Forest dispersed sites is free.
Disclaimer. This calculator provides estimates only. Real-world results depend on equipment efficiency, environmental conditions, and installation quality. Always verify against your equipment's spec sheets and consult a licensed installer for safety-critical decisions.