How to camp for less (even when gas prices spike)

As reliably as the spring equinox, fuel prices rise each year ahead of summer travel season.

True, this year’s increase may be a bit steeper. But it doesn’t mean putting RV trips on hold. It just calls for a few smart adjustments to how you plan and spend.

Here's what we do when it costs more to fill up the tank.

1. Camp closer to home

If fuel costs are stressing you out, this may not be the year you take a cross country trip. But there are still plenty of adventures to be had, closer to home or in your region.

For example, you could pick a maximum mileage goal – say, 75, 100, or 200 miles – and check Google maps to see what's inside the radius around your home base. You may find that you've been so focused on visiting national parks and taking bucket list trips (we get it, we do that too) that you've overlooked the many interesting places and events in your own state.

From historic sites and festivals to beautiful state parks and interesting towns, there are probably a number places you've never been, or things on your "we've always wanted to do that" list that you've never taken the time to visit. 

Case in point: this weekend we're heading to northern Arizona to stay at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Arizona. It's about 200 miles from our home. It's beautiful and relaxing, with hiking trails and proximity to the charming town of Cottonwood. We've talked about going for years, but longer trips have always taken precedence. With gas prices over $4.00 in Tucson, now is a great time to check it off the list.

2. Rethink high priced campgrounds

This is an easy way to slash the cost of a trip.

Like everyone else who owns an RV, we've watched campground prices climb over the past few years. For a while we thought nothing of paying $80, $90, or more for one night at a nice campground. 

But the truth is that there are still many, many campgrounds out there that are $50 or less. You just have to do a little research and you can't wait until the last minute to plan your route. These days we focus on finding family owned RV parks, state parks, and other hidden gems that are below $60. 

3. Boondock more

Boondocking (camping without hookups) is often super cheap, or even free, at great spots all over the country—and you usually get a nicer view! 

Where can you find great and inexpensive boondocking sites?

• Harvest Hosts is great option. For $79 a year, you get free, unlimited overnight stays at thousands of interesting places around the U.S. It's an incredible deal if you are willing to plan your route accordingly.
• Courtesy parking at a friend's house. Read this blog on how to courtesy park like a pro, and don't forget that the Airstream Club maintains a directory of members who welcome courtesy parkers.
• Public lands, like Bureau of Land Management areas (mostly out west), US Army Corps of Engineers projects, state recreation areas, etc.
• For quick overnights while you're on your way somewhere else, look for businesses that let you park for free, like many Walmarts and Cracker Barrels. Be sure you research the rules before you go.

Regardless of which spot you choose, you'll be more comfortable when you BYOP (bring your own power). Check out Sorein Power Stations as an easy, affordable way to extend your stays.

4. Slow down–you'll get better gas mileage

If you're serious about saving money on fuel, your speed is the simplest way to achieve it. Driving style matters more than most people think.

Cut your speed 5–10 mph and you can improve fuel economy by a few miles per gallon. It adds up fast when you're towing. As a bonus, driving a little more slowly is also safer.

5. Compare the cost of the trip to the value of your time

It's easy to get stressed about the cost of a gas. But in real dollars, how much are we really talking about? Calculating the true price difference may surprise you.

According to data from the US Energy Administration, as of March 24 the average price increase per gallon of unleaded gas in most regions of the U.S. is about 85 cents more than last year. For diesel, it's about $1.80. (Prices in California are higher; check the website for those.)

I did some quick estimates of how these increases add up, on a trip where you'd fill up the tank four times. (Four seemed reasonable for a regional trip but it's just an estimate.) Considering several common sized tanks for a Ford F-150 and F-250, here's the math:

Unleaded

• Mid-sized F150: 26 gallons x .85 = $22.10/tank x 4 tanks = $88.40 more
• Short bed F250: 34 gallons x .85 = $28.90/tank x 4 tanks = $115.60 more

Diesel

• Mid-sized F150: 26 gallons x $1.80 = $46.80/tank x 4 tanks = $187.20 more
• Short-bed F250: 34 gallons x $1.80 = $61.20/tank x 4 tanks = $244.80 more

These are just estimates and yes, for those who drive large diesel trucks it's a couple hundred dollars. But in the greater scheme of things, is this amount enough to keep you and your RV home? In most cities these days, $88 is the cost of one decent dinner out for two people–$115 if you include a nice bottle of wine. $245 is the cost of a quality home espresso maker, a quality leather bag, or a pair of football tickets.

The point is: life is short and you've already got the Airstream and the tow vehicle. Just get out there. I doubt you'll come home and say, "boy, we really regret going on that trip."

I'm reminded of something an Airstream couple said to us a few years ago. They had taken a leave of absence from work and were on a long trip. They told us they had decided to do it because they "only had so much QTR," and wanted to make the best of it. Quality Time Remaining. We loved that acronym and have adopted it for situations like higher gas prices or higher prices for experiences we want to enjoy.

Let's face it, most of us who own RVs are over 55–or even (ahem) over 65. Do you really want to put off travel to places you've been waiting to see because it might cost a little more?

6. Use GasBuddy to find the best prices

Sure, we'll spend the money to fill the truck tank and travel. But we don't want to overspend on gas. Who does? GasBuddy is the app that helps us spot the best price, as reported by people who recently purchased gas at a service station.

The map view on this simple, free app is my favorite feature. Not only can you view prices at the gas stations ahead, you have directions in your hand to get there. 

7. Check tire pressure and keep tires inflated

These two strategies not only will help fuel economy, they'll also keep you safer.

Check pressures before you leave on every trip and top them up to the manufacturer's recommended pressure if they need it. Don't forget to check the spare tire too. 

While you're topping off the tires, take a look at the treads and give them a quick inspection.

8. Stay in one place longer 

We've started to do more of this over the last few years. It's not only more relaxing, it can also be a cost saver. Instead of staying one night in a campground and moving on the next morning, try staying put for a few days in each location and spending more time exploring there.

I call this a “hub-and-spoke” approach, instead of a nomadic one. It gives us more time to settle in, get to the know the area, and create small daily routines while we're there (which our dog Mickey appreciates). 

For instance, we love going out to local coffee shops and visiting historic sites. When we stay longer in one place, we get to check out more of both. We also typically travel with our bikes. Staying in a place more days allows us to bike an additional trail or two in the area. It's also nice to have a home base in the Airstream, from which we take day trips.

9. Cook more, dine out less

I'm not sure I'll convince everyone how enjoyable cooking in the Airstream can be, but I'm going to try. This time, in the context of saving a bit of money on the trip.

Just like at home, cooking for yourself is a less costly (and healthier) way to eat. But in an RV it's even more fun. Kind of like making a meal in an outdoor fort, or as one Airstreamer put it to me once, her "dollhouse". 

Pack your refrigerator and pantry with your favorites for meal-making, snacking, coffee, tea, happy hour – whatever you like. I always take more than we need because you never know what we might fancy during the trip.

Make things ahead that you can freeze or refrigerate. For us that includes batches of quinoa, rice, homemade soup, or pasta sauce. All of this contributes to your flexibility to create a wide variety of meals on the road. It's less expensive than eating out, healthier, and allows you to relax and enjoy a glass of wine on the patio while you're cooking.

Certainly we enjoy local restaurants when we travel, and trying local dishes is part of the experience. But eating out is the exception, not the rule, and when we are trying to pinch pennies we primarily cook for ourselves.

10. Don't cancel a trip you've been really looking forward to!

If you've planned a special trip this year, or are ticking off a national park you've always wanted to visit, think hard before you cancel. Like everything in life, gas price spikes are temporary. If it's a trip that means a lot to you, just do it.

In mid-April we're heading to the Region 12 Cali Rally at V6 Ranch in Central, California. Yes, that's a much longer drive than northern Arizona, about 700 miles. But it's one of our favorite rallies of all time and it's held only every other year. We registered for it six months ago and don't want to miss it, even if it's going to cost a bit more. 

For us, the memories, the people, and the experience are well worth the extra miles. This is one of those trips that had us asking ourselves, "how much QTR do we have?" The answer is, no one knows, so we're going. Cali Rally, here we come.