Budget RV Travel
How to Save Money While RV Camping
Where the money actually goes on a family RV trip, and the four changes that can cut an average nightly cost nearly in half.
11 min read
Your first family RV trip, in five steps
Everything below is in order. Work through it once and you'll have a rig you can handle, a campsite booked and a packing list that fits your bays.
- Read the guide
1. Pick the rig that fits your trips
Match length, weight and sleeping berths to how you actually travel — not to the dream trip.
- Read the guide
2. Book a shakedown weekend
One night, under an hour from home. Find the leaks while you can still drive back.
- Read the guide
3. Pack from a checklist
Hookups, kitchen, kids, safety. Print ours and adapt it to your bays.
- Read the guide
4. Plan a real route
Two hours of driving, arrive by four, a park or playground at the end of every travel day.
- Read the guide
5. Keep the rig healthy
Tires, roof seals and batteries. Fifteen minutes a month prevents the big repairs.
Then read these
Campgrounds
Our Favorite Family-Friendly Campgrounds
Twelve family-friendly campgrounds worth a look, compared on site spacing, playgrounds, bathhouses and bike-safe loops.
13 min read
Checklists
RV Packing Checklist for Families
A complete pre-trip checklist grouped by bay so nothing gets loaded twice and nothing gets left behind.
9 min read
Free printable
Get the Ultimate Family RV Checklist
A free printable checklist covering everything from pre-trip maintenance to the walk-around before you drive away. Enter your email and we'll send it straight to your inbox.
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