Budget-Friendly Camping Road Trip Tips

A long road trip filled with nights under the stars offers a connection with nature that money can’t buy. But, careful planning is key to ensure your trip remains stress-free and doesn’t break the bank.

That’s why we’re sharing some of our best road trip tips for campers on a budget, from finding affordable campsites to saving on fun things to do. So, queue up that playlist and fire up the RV. It’s time to hit the open road.

How to start planning your budget-friendly camping road trip

As you think about planning a road trip, consider the big-picture plan: the dates, your starting and ending points, and your budget. The key to actually following your road trip budget is to make a plan. For a longer trip, determine a weekly spending amount, then account for things that could become big expenses, such as car maintenance, fuel, and tolls—just in case. All in all, plan diligently, while allowing for some flexibility.

• Start planning early: National park campgrounds are notorious for selling out months in advance, so if you’re set on public land, create some Hipcamp Alerts for your best shot at a site. Otherwise, consider that some other campgrounds offer lower rates the farther in advance you book.
• Use Hipcamp’s Roadtrip search function to figure out your stops: This powerful tool makes it easy to find great campsites along any road trip route. Simply enter your starting and ending points, and Roadtrip search will show options for Hipcamps within 30 minutes of your custom route. Add up to 10 waypoints along the way for the most exact mapping.
• Keep travel costs in mind: Use Google Maps to plan out your rest stops, find the cheapest routes with fewer tolls, and minimize detours. Even better, driving a hybrid or an EV will allow you to drive longer distances with lower fuel costs. If you have an EV, plan out places to charge it or bring a backup battery. Keep a paper map in the car as a backup.
• Prepare your vehicle: Make sure the battery, engine, and tires are all good to go for a long drive. Top off fluids and create an emergency kit with jumper cables—just in case roadside assistance isn’t available.
• Invest in necessary gear: An extra warm insulated sleeping bag, a cushy foam mattress topper a durable tent (if you don’t plan to sleep in your car), and portable camping stove all make a significant difference on the road. Establishing a cozy sleeping space will avoid the temptation to check into a motel even in bad weather. Sure, all of these items can be a pricey initial investment, but consider buying most of them second-hand at a discount or borrowing for free from a friend.
• Stay longer at each site: You’re going on a long drive already—maybe along the iconic Route 66, for instance—so stay a bit longer at each destination rather than paying more for gas to drive to the next spot.

Choose affordable destinations

Planning a camping road trip on a budget is easy when you have options for where you’re going to stay. Look for free campsites in the areas you’re planning to visit and think about the time of year you’re traveling to score better deals. 

• Look for free dispersed camping: As you plan your road trip route, look for opportunities for free dispersed camping in national forests and on BLM public lands.
• Search for budget-friendly campsites: Look for Hipcamps under $75 a night, including places to park an RV or pitch a tent. Cabins and other types of lodging may be pricier, while car camping is another more affordable option.
• Stay in less popular destinations: If you’re visiting a well-known national park, consider booking a hidden gem just off the beaten path. Sometimes an extra 20-minute drive is worth the savings in lodging you’ll find in quieter small towns.
• Book during off-peak times: Booking your stay during the off-season can net you serious savings, particularly if you want to visit more popular destinations. Plus, spring, fall, and even winter can get you some seriously special camping experiences.
• Find useful amenities: As you browse for campsites, key in on places that offer amenities like free wifi and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. You can filter Hipcamps by those that offer toilets, showers, and potable water, too.

Save on food and drinks

Sure, we can all get by on cheap and fast junk food while on the road, but it isn’t the most sustainable or the least expensive option, by any means. Plan for a few ways to save on some meal costs during your trip. 

• Do some camp cooking: Try meal planning for the road! Stock up on campsite meal ingredients at grocery stores and supermarkets near your basecamps. No need to get fancy here—keep the menu simple but healthy for sustenance you can maintain. Some go-to items include chicken, veggies you can grill easily or eat raw, canned beans and tuna, pasta, eggs, and peanut butter and jelly. All of these are simple to cook, nutritious, can be stored in bulk while traveling, and end up costing less than repeatedly dining out.
• Pack tons of snacks: Load up on easy-to-eat treats for the open road, like trail mix, baby carrots, grapes, beef jerky, and protein bars. This will help you avoid the temptation of impulse purchases at gas stations and rest stops. You’ll want to pack supplies like reusable dish towels, too.
• Bring a water bottle: It’s vital to stay hydrated as you drive across long distances, but purchasing water bottles can get pricey and create a lot of waste. This is also a reason why it’s handy to book a campsite with potable water.
• Brew your own coffee or tea: A simple pour-over or French press can produce an excellent cup of coffee and an ultra cozy morning at camp. All you need is a kettle over a campfire to boil some hot water.

Try low-cost activities along the way

To offset national park entrance fees and other expenses, take the time to also plan some low-cost activities everyone can enjoy on your camping road trip.

• Try free things to do in nature: We all know there’s incredible hiking and biking trails to be found if you know where to look—take advantage! Other options include taking a dip in a local swimming hole or trying your hand at geocaching. 
• Use apps for discounts and deals: Start searching for coupons and discounts for attractions you might want to hit. Look out for certain discount days too.
• Check park schedules: Many state and national parks offer free activities and programming, like wildlife viewing with a park ranger or stargazing community events. These are easy ways to connect with other families and campers, and if you plan to visit three or more national parks in one year, the annual pass will be worth the investment (and encourage you to explore more!).
• Search for cheap roadside attractions: You never know what you might find on the side of the road. Unique (if not cheesy!) spots, like Hole ‘N’ The Rock near Moab, Utah, are affordable options for low-stakes afternoons.

Save money and plan a road trip with confidence 

Road trippers in the US and Canada can get caught up on making good time, but it’s only when you slow down that you can appreciate both the journey and the destination. Whether you’re planning to set up camp along the Oregon Coast or cruise down California’s Pacific Coast Highway, keep these budget-friendly tips in mind for an unforgettable yet low-cost trip.