RV Trip Cost Calculator
Budget an RV, motorhome or campervan trip: fuel, generator, campgrounds, hookups, dump fees and rental cost per day. All costs in US dollars (USD).
RV Trip Cost Calculator: Budget Your Motorhome or Campervan Adventure
How much does an RV trip really cost? Fuel is only part of the answer. Our free RV trip cost calculator adds up everything that goes into a motorhome holiday: RV fuel cost based on your real MPG, generator fuel, campground fees, hookup charges, dump station fees, propane refills and, if you are renting, the RV rental cost per day, mileage charges, insurance and one-time prep fees.
It works for every kind of rig, from a Class A diesel pusher to a Class C, a Class B campervan, a small van conversion or a pickup towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel. Drivers in the UK and Europe can use kilometres, UK MPG or L/100 km for a motorhome or campervan hire trip. All costs are in US dollars.
How to use the RV trip cost calculator
- Enter your route. Add the one-way driving distance, choose round trip or one way, and set the number of nights and travelers.
- Pick your RV type. The calculator fills in a typical MPG, which you can change if you know your own figure.
- Enter the fuel price (gas or diesel) and how many hours a night you expect to run the generator.
- Add campground costs: the nightly site fee, hookup type and surcharge, dump station visits and propane refills.
- Renting? Turn on rental costs and enter the nightly rate, included free miles, the per-mile charge, insurance, the generator fee per hour and one-time fees.
- Read your total RV trip cost, cost per night, cost per person and a clear breakdown of where your money goes.
How much does an RV trip cost?
A typical one-week RV trip in the USA costs roughly $1,500–$4,000 for a rental, or $600–$1,500 if you own the RV. The biggest variables are the rental rate, the distance you drive and the type of campgrounds you choose. Here is an example based on the calculator’s default settings.
Example: 7-night Class C rental, 1,600 miles round trip
| Cost | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Driving fuel | 1,600 mi ÷ 12 MPG × $3.60 | $480.00 |
| Generator fuel | 14 hrs × 0.5 gal/hr × $3.60 | $25.20 |
| Campgrounds | 7 nights × $45 | $315.00 |
| Full hookups | 7 nights × $15 | $105.00 |
| Dump stations and propane | 2 × $15 + 1 × $25 | $55.00 |
| RV rental | 7 nights × $175 | $1,225.00 |
| Extra mileage | (1,600 − 700 free) × $0.35 | $315.00 |
| Insurance | 7 nights × $30 | $210.00 |
| Generator rental fee | 14 hrs × $3.50 | $49.00 |
| Prep, kitchen kit and cleaning | One-time | $150.00 |
| Other (tolls, attractions) | Estimate | $60.00 |
| Total | 4 travelers | $2,989.20 ($747.30 each) |
Tip: On many rentals, mileage charges cost more than the fuel itself. Compare an unlimited-mileage package with the per-mile rate before you book. The calculator shows both in seconds.
RV fuel economy: typical MPG by RV type
| RV type | Typical MPG (US) | MPG (UK) | L/100 km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A motorhome (gas or diesel) | 6–10 | 7–12 | 24–39 |
| Class C motorhome | 10–14 | 12–17 | 17–24 |
| Class B campervan | 16–22 | 19–26 | 11–15 |
| Small campervan / van conversion | 20–28 | 24–34 | 8–12 |
| Truck towing a travel trailer / caravan | 9–14 | 11–17 | 17–26 |
| Truck towing a fifth wheel | 8–11 | 10–13 | 21–29 |
Headwinds, mountain passes, speed and weight all have a big effect on RV fuel economy. A Class A motorhome at 70 mph can use 20–30% more fuel than at 60 mph. For a simple car or SUV trip, use the road trip fuel cost calculator.
Campground, hookup and dump station fees
- Public campgrounds (national, state and county parks, US Forest Service): about $15–$40 per night, with electric hookups often costing $5–$15 more.
- Private RV parks and resorts: about $40–$100+ per night with full hookups (water, electric and sewer), and more in peak season and popular destinations.
- Boondocking / dry camping on BLM land or in national forests: often free, but you will run the generator more and need dump station visits.
- Dump station fees: free at many campgrounds for guests, or $5–$25 at travel centres and public stations.
- Propane refills: $20–$40 for a typical 20 lb tank or motorhome refill.
- UK campsites and caravan parks: electric hook-up (EHU) pitches often cost the equivalent of $30–$60 per night in high season.
RV rental cost per day: what’s included?
RV rental prices vary with season, location and the size of the RV. As a rough guide:
- Class B campervan rental: $100–$250 per night
- Class C motorhome rental: $150–$300 per night
- Class A motorhome rental: $200–$450 per night
- Travel trailer rental (delivered or towed): $60–$150 per night
- UK motorhome and campervan hire: roughly $100–$250 per night, depending on season
Watch for extras that raise the real RV rental cost: mileage charges (often $0.30–$0.50 per mile over the allowance), generator fees ($3–$5 per hour), kitchen and bedding kits, prep or cleaning fees, pet fees, insurance or damage waivers, and a refundable security deposit, often $500–$1,500.
How to save money on an RV trip
- Drive less, stay longer. Fewer, longer stops cut fuel and mileage fees.
- Travel in shoulder season for cheaper rentals and campgrounds.
- Mix campground types. A few free boondocking nights between paid full-hookup sites keep the average cost down.
- Use campground memberships and discount programmes if you RV often.
- Drive at 55–62 mph. It is the single biggest fuel saver in a big rig.
- Use solar panels or shore power instead of the generator where possible.
- Cook at camp. Plan meals and estimate fuel with our camp stove fuel calculator.
- Book unlimited mileage for long, one-way or cross-country trips.
- Share the RV with friends or family and split the costs.
RV trip cost checklist
- Fuel (driving and generator)
- Campgrounds, RV parks and hookups
- Dump stations, propane and water fills
- Rental, mileage, insurance and one-time fees
- Tolls, ferries and bridge fees (RVs often pay higher rates)
- National park entrance fees and permits – see our park permit and parking cost tool
- Food, supplies, laundry and Wi-Fi
- Maintenance, tyres and an emergency fund
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to take an RV on a trip?
A one-week RV trip typically costs $600–$1,500 in fuel and campgrounds if you own the RV, or $1,500–$4,000 including rental. The calculator adds fuel, generator use, campgrounds, hookups, dump fees, propane and rental costs to give your exact total.
How do I calculate RV fuel cost?
Divide the miles you will drive by your RV’s MPG, then multiply by the fuel price. A 1,600-mile trip at 12 MPG and $3.60 per gallon costs 1,600 ÷ 12 × $3.60 = $480. Add generator fuel on top, usually 0.3–0.8 gallons per hour.
What MPG does an RV get?
Class A motorhomes average about 6–10 MPG, Class C 10–14 MPG, Class B campervans 16–22 MPG, and a truck towing a travel trailer about 9–14 MPG. Speed, weight, wind and hills all make a big difference.
How much are RV hookups per night?
Electric-only sites often add $5–$15 per night at public campgrounds. Full hookups (water, electric and sewer) at private RV parks usually cost $40–$100+ per night in total, including the site fee.
Is renting an RV cheaper than a hotel road trip?
For families and groups of four or more, an RV can cost about the same as a hotel road trip once you include meals, because you cook your own food. For couples, a car and budget hotels are often cheaper. Compare both with this calculator and the road trip fuel cost calculator.
Do RV rentals charge for mileage?
Many do. Rentals often include 100–150 free miles per night, then charge about $0.30–$0.50 per extra mile. Some offer unlimited-mileage packages that are cheaper for long trips. Toggle unlimited mileage in the calculator to compare.
Can I use the RV calculator for a UK motorhome or caravan holiday?
Yes. Enter distance in kilometres or miles, fuel economy in UK MPG or L/100 km, and fuel price per litre converted to US dollars. The campground fields work for UK campsites and electric hook-up pitches too.