Hitting the wide-open road with the family on an RV adventure might be the best way to see the country — and to do it affordably.

Some of the best adventures happen on the longest drives, which is why millions of Americans have turned to this style of vacation.

Taking an RV adventure means that travelers avoid those expensive plane tickets and added baggage fees, but that doesn’t mean that a road trip doesn’t also need a budget. Things can escalate pretty quickly when all your RV costs are added up. But the good news is that anyone can learn how to save money on a road trip.

5 Ways to Save Money For Your Road Trip Budget

This article covers the top ways that RV campers can reel in their spending on their next journey. Already having an RV is a great start, but there are several aspects to this kind of travel that should be considered. After all, it shouldn’t cost a fortune to live on the open road.

Map Your Route and Stick to It

No one but you gets to decide where you go and for how long, but once you’ve chosen the route you want to take, it can save you lots of money to stick to the plan. Having an idea for the general direction of travel ahead of time allows you to plan each step of the way without backtracking and saving on gas and time.

RVers had to rely on folding paper maps and have their co-pilot guide them to their next stop in the old days. Thanks to technology, RV apps like inRoute can be great tools to give you all the details upfront of where you’re going, where to stay, and how much gas prices fluctuate along the way.

Avoid Needless Shopping and Pack Accordingly

It can be tempting to pack your entire life with you on a two-week road trip, but packing wisely and going as light as possible is a much better approach. Not only will you have less to keep track of, but the RV overall will have more room amongst everyone.

Packing smart means just taking the essentials for yourself and the rest of the RV and going without the items you don’t use every day. This simple hack also cuts back on on-the-road expenses. You don’t have to worry about shopping for napkins, board games or wireless speakers—items that you may already have at home—if you planned for them.

Bringing your own food on trips can significantly reduce costs compared to frequenting fast-food outlets, allowing you to maintain a budget while still enjoying your journey.

Budget Your RV Fill-Up Expenses

Learning to budget your RV fill-up expenses is one way to save money on a road trip. A free app and website like GasBuddy can help you navigate the best places to top off the tank.

Additionally, using Gas Guru to compare prices and find affordable gas can be particularly helpful. Planning gas stops in advance with such apps can help avoid high costs and the inconvenience of searching for stations, especially in urban areas.

Depending on the model of RV, your expenses may vary, as some vehicles are much more cost-effective than others, and this is something to remember during your budgeting process.

Top Ways to Improve RV Fuel Efficiency

1. Drive at Optimal Speeds

• RVs burn significantly more fuel over 60 mph.
  
  

• Sweet spot: 55–60 mph on highways = best gas mileage.
  
  

• Use cruise control on flat terrain to keep your speed steady.
  
  

2. Lighten Your Load

• The heavier the RV, the more fuel it consumes.
  
  

• Pack only what you need. Dump grey/black tanks when possible.
  
  

• Avoid carrying full freshwater tanks unless necessary.
  
  

3. Use Overdrive & Higher Gears

• If your RV has overdrive, use it for highway driving to lower RPMs.
  
  

• Avoid aggressive shifting in manual RVs—smooth acceleration saves fuel.
  
  

4. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

• Under-inflated tires reduce fuel economy by up to 10%.
  
  

• Check pressure often, especially during major temperature swings.
  
  

5. Avoid Idling for Long Periods

• Idling burns gas unnecessarily—turn off the engine if you're stopped for more than a couple of minutes.

Fuel Savings Strategies

Planning your route to avoid toll roads and highways with high gas prices is a smart way to save money on a road trip. Use a gas price comparison app or website to find the cheapest gas stations along your route. Apps like GasBuddy and Waze can be invaluable for this purpose.

Fill up on gas during cooler parts of the day, as gas is denser in cooler temperatures, giving you more for your money. Avoid filling up at busy stations or those near major highways, as prices tend to be higher in these areas. Instead, look for gas stations in suburban towns or near larger truck stops where gas is often cheaper.

Consider using a gas rewards credit card or loyalty program to earn points or cashback on your fuel purchases. Apps like Upside can also help you find the cheapest gas stations and earn rewards. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your fuel costs on your next road trip.

Best Gas Price Apps

Apps like:

• GasBuddy
  
  

• Upside (formerly GetUpside)
  
  

• Waze (for gas prices + navigation)

How to Find RV-Friendly Gas Stations

1. Use Apps Made for RVers

• RV LIFE or Campendium (includes reviews from other RV travelers)
  
  

• iExit (tells you what’s at each highway exit)
  
  

• Truck & Travel (filters truck stops that accommodate large RVs)
  
  

2. Look for These Features at Fuel Stations

• Pull-through or wide access lanes
  
  

• Diesel availability (if applicable)
  
  

• RV dump stations or propane fill-ups
  
  

• Extra clearance for taller rigs (look for 13 ft or higher)
  
  

3. Pilot Flying J, Loves, TA, and Buc-ee’s

• These are known to be RV-friendly with designated RV lanes, dump stations, and big parking areas.

Example Savings of Fuel Effeciency 

Let’s say your Class C RV gets about 9 mpg and you drive 2,000 miles on your trip:

• At $3.50/gallon: You’d spend about $777 in fuel.
  
  

• By increasing your mpg to 10.5 (a 17% increase from optimizing speed, tires, and weight), your cost drops to ~$667.
  
  

• That’s a $110 savings—just from small changes!

Look For Overnight Alternatives

Even though there are over 16,000 RV sites in the USA, sometimes you have to make a swift change of course on your trip. If you’re in between camping spots or only staying in a location for one night, it might be smart to find an alternative for free RV parking.

Signing up for loyalty programs can significantly reduce accommodation costs during your road trip. Additionally, booking ahead can lead to better rates and a more organized travel plan, helping you save money on accommodations.

Many experienced RVers know that some retail stores like Walmart allow campers to stay in their parking lot for an evening. But it’s always a good idea to call ahead and ensure that this is permitted. It’s also important to remember RV etiquette if an overnight alternative allows you to stay. Leaving trash or setting up tents is not appropriate for an alternative to a campground.

Cook Your Meals Instead of Eating Out

For many people, being on vacation equates to eating out every day, but bringing your food is another popular way to save money on a road trip. Packing your own food can significantly reduce expenses compared to frequenting fast-food outlets, allowing you to maintain a budget while still enjoying your journey. Additionally, selecting hotels that offer free breakfast can provide a substantial meal and snacks for later, making it a practical choice for managing expenses effectively.

Most RVs come with refrigerators, so shopping in your local grocery store for a week or two before leaving lets you stock up on those discount prices. Cooking your meals on the road allows you to save a lot of money and prepare easy, budget-friendly meals that will carry you from city to city.

How Cooking in Your RV Saves Money

Eating out adds up fast. Here's a basic cost comparison:

Savings per day (for 2 people): $60–$120 or more
Over a 7-day trip, that’s $420–$840+ saved just by cooking for yourselves.

Meal Planning Tips for RV Road Trips

1. Plan a Simple Weekly Menu

Create a menu before you hit the road. Keep it flexible but predictable. Include:

• 2–3 easy breakfasts
  
  

• 3–4 lunch options (like sandwiches, wraps, or salads)
  
  

• 4–5 dinners (grilled meats, one-pot meals, pasta, tacos)
  
  

2. Pre-Chop and Pre-Make at Home

Cut veggies, marinate proteins, and even freeze meals like chili, stew, or burrito fillings. This saves time and makes setup easier.

3. Stick to Versatile Ingredients

Use ingredients across multiple meals:

• Tortillas → tacos, breakfast wraps, quesadillas
  
  

• Ground beef → burgers, spaghetti, tacos
  
  

• Eggs → breakfast, egg salad, fried rice
  
  

4. Shop at Local Markets

Support small farms and local businesses by shopping for fresh produce at farmers’ markets or roadside stands. Often, these markets provide competitive prices and deliver a more memorable and personal shopping experience.

5. Cook Outdoors with a Grill

Use a portable grill or fire pit to cook:

• Burgers, sausages, or kebabs
  
  

• Grilled corn, peppers, or foil packet veggies
  
  

• Skillet hash or grilled pizza

Additional RV Cooking Tips

• Use a cooler or RV fridge efficiently—pre-freeze meats to extend shelf life.
  
  

• Bring essential spices and oils—this avoids rebuying and elevates flavor.
  
  

• Don’t forget storage containers for leftovers (saves money on future meals).

Outside-the-Box Ways to Save Money 

When you’re on a long-term road trip, the typical money-saving strategies—like cooking your own meals or using fuel apps—can only take you so far. To really stretch your budget, it pays to get creative. One unconventional way to save is by house sitting or pet sitting through platforms like TrustedHousesitters or MindMyHouse. 

In exchange for watching someone’s home or pets, you can enjoy free accommodations, laundry access, and a break from the road. Similarly, volunteering at campgrounds or state parks (a practice known as “Workamping”) can get you free RV hookups in return for light duties like helping with campground maintenance or hosting.

AAA Membership can also be a great way to save money and get assistance during road trips, offering discounts on accommodations and attractions. Additionally, national forests provide affordable camping options, with many inexpensive campsites located near national parks and wild camping permitted on BLM land.

Joining membership programs like Harvest Hosts or Boondockers Welcome is another smart move. For a small fee, you gain access to overnight stays at farms, wineries, breweries, and private properties—often more scenic, peaceful, and budget-friendly than traditional campgrounds. 

You can also save money by looking for free community meals. Churches, local events, and community centers often host potlucks, barbecues, or pancake breakfasts open to the public. Scoping out local happenings on Facebook Events or Meetup is a great way to stay informed.

For a low-cost way to access showers, Wi-Fi, and even massage chairs, consider a Planet Fitness Black Card membership. At around $25/month, it provides access to locations across the country and can substitute for campground stays just for basic amenities. 

If you own a home, garage, or storage space back where you live, renting it out through Airbnb or a platform like Neighbor.com can provide steady income while you’re on the road.

Finally, joining RV-focused Facebook groups like RV Life or Full-Time RV Living can connect you with other travelers willing to share resources, swap campground spots, or pass along tips for free overnight stays. 

The key mindset shift? Think like a local, not a tourist. Skip the tourist traps and ask yourself: “Where would locals shop? What free things would they do for fun?” That shift can lead to significant savings and a more authentic travel experience.

Save Money with an RV Rental

As with any vehicle purchase, deciding to buy an RV is a big one. If you don’t have current plans to either live in or use one several times per year, it might be a smarter financial decision to rent an RV instead.

Having the right camping gear is crucial for an enjoyable camping experience. Consider renting or borrowing camping gear to reduce costs, especially if you plan to camp at public campsites across the country.

If you’re in the hunt for a reputable company that knows its travel ins and outs, look no further than Cruise America. Our RVs are equipped with a generator, gas cooktop, fresh water toilet, shower, and more—perfect for making memories with the family.

Finalize your budget and hit the road with Cruise America today!