RV travel offers unmatched freedom to explore America’s diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to serene coastlines. However, rising fuel prices, campground fees, and travel costs can strain budgets. Fortunately, budget-friendly RV destinations abound, offering stunning scenery, affordable camping, and plenty of low-cost activities.
This article explores nine of the cheapest RV destinations across the United States, perfect for travelers seeking adventure without breaking the bank. From desert boondocking in Arizona to forested campgrounds in Missouri, these spots combine affordability with unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re a full-time RVer or planning a weekend getaway, these destinations provide cost-effective options, including free activities, low nightly rates, and opportunities to save through boondocking or off-season travel.
Let’s dive into the nine cheapest RV destinations for 2025, each offering unique attractions and wallet-friendly camping.
1. Quartzsite, Arizona
Quartzsite, Arizona, is a haven for budget-conscious RVers, especially during winter when thousands flock to its vast desert landscape for boondocking. Located in the Sonoran Desert, Quartzsite offers free or low-cost camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, making it one of the cheapest RV destinations in the U.S. The town’s annual gem and mineral shows attract bargain hunters, while its sunny weather is ideal for outdoor activities.
Campground Recommendation: La Posa Long-Term Visitor Area, managed by BLM, charges just $40 for a 14-day permit (approximately $2.86/night) or $180 for the season (September to April). No hookups are available, but the low cost and spacious sites make it a steal.
Activities: Hike the nearby Kofa National Wildlife Refuge for free, spotting desert wildlife like bighorn sheep. Visit the Quartzsite Rock Shows (January-February) for inexpensive gems and crafts. Explore Celia’s Rainbow Garden, a free community tribute with colorful stone arrangements.
Money-Saving Tips: Boondock to avoid campground fees entirely (with a permit). Travel in early winter to dodge peak-season crowds. Stock up on supplies in nearby Blythe, California, where groceries are cheaper.
2. Lake Ouachita, Arkansas
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Lake Ouachita is Arkansas’ largest lake, offering pristine waters and affordable RV camping. Its proximity to Hot Springs National Park adds appeal, but the lake’s campgrounds keep costs low, making it a hidden gem for budget travelers.
Campground Recommendation: Joplin Campground, part of the Ouachita National Forest, offers sites for $10-15/night with electric hookups. The campground provides lake access and shaded sites, ideal for families.
Activities: Swim or fish in Lake Ouachita for free (no license needed for bank fishing). Hike the nearby Ouachita National Recreation Trail, a 223-mile path with scenic lake views. Visit Hot Springs National Park (free entry) for historic bathhouse tours.
Money-Saving Tips: Camp in spring or fall to avoid peak summer rates. Bring your own kayak or fishing gear to skip rental fees. Shop for groceries in nearby Malvern for better deals than Hot Springs tourist shops.
3. Custer, South Dakota
Custer, South Dakota, is a budget-friendly gateway to the Black Hills, offering access to iconic sites like Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park. Affordable campgrounds and free attractions make it a top pick for RVers seeking history and natural beauty.
Campground Recommendation: Custer’s Gulch RV Park offers sites for $20-30/night with full hookups, located minutes from Custer State Park. For even cheaper options, boondock on nearby Forest Service land for free (check regulations).
Activities: Drive the Needles Highway in Custer State Park ($20/vehicle, good for 7 days) for stunning rock formations. Hike the free Sunday Gulch Trail for waterfall views. Visit the free Custer County 1881 Courthouse Museum for local history.
Money-Saving Tips: Travel in late spring or early fall for lower rates and fewer crowds. Cook meals at your campsite to avoid pricey tourist restaurants. Use a National Park Pass ($80/year) if visiting multiple parks.
4. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas offers dramatic desert landscapes, the Rio Grande, and some of the cheapest RV camping in the National Park System. Its remote location keeps crowds and costs down, perfect for budget adventurers.
Campground Recommendation: Rio Grande Village RV Campground offers full-hookup sites for $36/night, while backcountry sites are $6/night (permit required). Boondocking is allowed in designated areas with a $10 permit.
Activities: Hike the free Santa Elena Canyon Trail for breathtaking river views. Stargaze at this International Dark Sky Park (free). Soak in the nearby Hot Springs Historic District (free, bring a towel).
Money-Saving Tips: Visit in late fall or winter to avoid summer heat and peak rates. Stock up on supplies in Alpine, Texas, before entering the park, as amenities are limited. Use solar panels for boondocking to save on hookup fees.
5. Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) boasts rugged forests, Great Lakes shorelines, and affordable RV camping. Its remote vibe and low-cost campgrounds make it a budget traveler’s paradise, especially in summer and fall.
Campground Recommendation: Twelvemile Beach Campground in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore charges $15-20/night for non-electric sites with lake views. Free dispersed camping is available in Hiawatha National Forest with a permit.
Activities: Explore Pictured Rocks’ cliffs and waterfalls via free hiking trails like Miners Falls. Visit the free Seney National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching. Swim in Lake Superior (free, but chilly!).
Money-Saving Tips: Camp in early summer or fall for lower rates and vibrant scenery. Buy groceries in Marquette to avoid small-town markups. Use a Michigan Recreation Passport ($13/year) for state park access.
6. Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina offers lush mountains, waterfalls, and budget-friendly RV camping. Its proximity to Asheville adds cultural appeal, but the forest’s campgrounds keep costs low.
Campground Recommendation: Davidson River Campground charges $22-33/night for sites with electric hookups, near hiking trails and rivers. Free dispersed camping is available in designated areas (check Forest Service rules).
Activities: Hike to Looking Glass Falls or Sliding Rock (free). Fish in the Davidson River (license required, ~$7/day). Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway (free) for scenic views.
Money-Saving Tips: Visit in spring or fall to avoid summer crowds and higher rates. Pack meals to skip Asheville’s pricey restaurants. Use a bike to explore trails and save on gas.
7. Kanab, Utah
Kanab, Utah, is a budget-friendly base for exploring southern Utah’s red-rock landscapes, including Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Affordable campgrounds and free nearby attractions make it a steal for RVers.
Campground Recommendation: Kanab RV Corral offers full-hookup sites for $25-35/night, with easy access to town. Free BLM boondocking is available at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (check regulations).
Activities: Visit the free Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a massive pet rescue. Hike the free Toadstool Hoodoos Trail for surreal rock formations. Explore Coral Pink Sand Dunes ($15/vehicle).
Money-Saving Tips: Travel in spring or fall for milder weather and lower rates. Stock up at Kanab’s grocery stores before heading to remote sites. Share park entry fees with fellow RVers.
8. Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri
Mark Twain National Forest in southern Missouri offers rolling hills, clear rivers, and some of the cheapest RV camping in the Midwest. Its dispersed camping options and low-cost campgrounds are ideal for budget travelers.
Campground Recommendation: Paddy Creek Campground charges $10/night for non-electric sites with river access. Free dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest (follow Leave No Trace principles).
Activities: Float the Big Piney River (rentals ~$20/day or bring your own tube). Hike the free Ozark Trail for forest views. Visit the free Onondaga Cave State Park for guided tours ($15, optional).
Money-Saving Tips: Camp in spring or fall for cooler weather and fewer bugs. Buy supplies in Rolla to avoid rural price hikes. Use a hammock or tent for dispersed camping to save space.
9. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park in Maine offers coastal beauty, granite peaks, and surprisingly affordable RV camping if you know where to look. Budget options near Bar Harbor make it accessible for cost-conscious RVers.
Campground Recommendation: Bar Harbor Campground offers sites for $30-40/night with partial hookups, just outside the park. For cheaper options, boondock on nearby Forest Service land (check regulations).
Activities: Hike the free Jordan Pond Path for lake and mountain views. Watch the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain (free with park pass, $30/vehicle). Explore Bar Harbor’s free waterfront trails.
Money-Saving Tips: Visit in late spring or early fall to avoid peak summer rates. Cook seafood meals at your campsite using local markets. Use a National Park Pass for multiple park visits.
Travel on a Budget this Year!
These nine RV destinations prove that adventure doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. From the desert expanses of Quartzsite to the coastal cliffs of Acadia, each location offers affordable camping, free or low-cost activities, and opportunities to save through boondocking or off-season travel.
To stretch your budget further, invest in a National Park Pass, stock up on supplies before arriving, and embrace dispersed camping where permitted. RV travel is about freedom and discovery, and these destinations deliver both without draining your wallet.
Pack your rig, plan your route, and hit the road to explore America’s most budget-friendly RV hotspots in 2025.
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