Campground fees typical: real RV costs, hidden add-ons, and how to avoid sticker shock

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report

Campground fees are no longer a simple nightly rate. For RV owners and shoppers, site prices have fragmented into a mix of dynamic pricing, add-on charges, taxes, and tiered amenities that can swing a stay from affordable to eye-watering. This report breaks down what “typical” campground fees look like today across public and private parks, what changed over the last decade, how to anticipate and control costs, and where to find unfiltered owner feedback on real-world prices. Our goal is to help you set a realistic RV ownership budget and avoid unpleasant surprises at checkout.

We focus on facts, trends, and accountability—calling out practices (like nontransparent resort fees or “site lock” charges) that routinely confuse travelers. At the same time, we’ll highlight improvements that benefit consumers—such as clearer cancellation policies, more public park inventory online, and new low-cost alternatives for overnighting.

Where to hear real owners talk dollars

Before you book, compare your planned route and dates against what owners pay in the wild. You’ll find unfiltered price reports, fee screenshots, and cancellation-policy discussions here:

Reddit r/rvs owner threads on campground fees typical — search by state or park name inside r/rvs search to surface current rates and fee stacks.
YouTube campground fees typical video walkthroughs — watch booking flows and “fee reveal” moments in reservation carts.

Want peer advice in real time? Join multiple campground-fee and RV-travel groups for broader perspective. We recommend searching: community groups on Facebook for campground fees typical discussions. Filter for your region and rig type.

If you’ve encountered unusual fees or found a great workaround, add your story in the discussion—your example helps other shoppers price their trips accurately.

Snapshot: What RV campground stays cost in 2024

There is no single “typical” price anymore; the spread is wide, and it’s driven by location, hookups, seasonality, and brand. The ranges below reflect patterns consistently reported by owners, park systems, and operators in 2023–2024.

Public campgrounds (county/state/federal, standard sites): $20–$45 per night for dry or electric-only sites; $30–$60 with water/electric; $35–$75 with full hookups where offered. Some states add separate park-entry or day-use fees.
Private parks (non-resort): $40–$85 per night typical for full hookups, with higher prices near national parks, beaches, and major metros.
Destination “resorts” (amenity-heavy, prime locations): $80–$160+ per night. Premium/“pull-through deluxe” sites can hit $180–$250 on holidays at top-tier properties.
Monthly/seasonal stays: $500–$1,400+ per month base rent, usually plus metered electricity (commonly $0.12–$0.22/kWh). Premium metro/coastal resorts can exceed $2,000+ per month.
BLM/USFS developed campgrounds: Often $8–$25 per night; some charge more for hookups, where available.
Overnight alternatives (fairgrounds, moochdocking, Harvest Hosts): Free to $30; Harvest Hosts typically encourages a $20–$30 purchase with your stay; fairgrounds range widely but often under local hotel rates.

Typical city taxes and tourism assessments add 5–15% depending on locality. Booking engines may also include per-stay processing fees ($3–$10+), “site lock” fees ($10–$50), or resort/amenity fees ($5–$20 per night) disclosed late in the reservation flow.

How we got here: A short history of rising RV site prices

Pre-2019: Slow, steady increases

For years, campground rates rose gradually with inflation, with public parks anchoring affordability and private parks commanding premiums for full hookups and location. Dynamic pricing was rare outside of a few chains.

2020–2022: The pandemic surge

RV sales and campground demand spiked. Private parks adopted hotel-style pricing, raising rates on popular weekends and holiday weeks.
Booking sites scaled up, adding online convenience fees and “choose your site” upsells.
Public systems struggled with capacity; some introduced stricter change/cancellation policies and reservation windows to manage demand.

2023–2024: Mixed normalization

Some regions softened midweek and off-season, but summer and marquee destinations remained pricey.
Resort-style parks continued adding amenities alongside “resort fees.” Chains refined “site lock” pricing and premium tiers.
Utilities inflation, insurance, and labor costs kept base rates elevated, especially at private parks.

Bottom line: even as demand cooled in certain markets, pricing sophistication (and fee layering) remained, making careful comparison shopping essential.

What’s in the price? The fee stack explained

When a $69 nightly rate becomes $96 at checkout, it’s usually the result of multiple add-ons. Here’s what commonly appears in the cart, and what to ask about before you book:

Base rate: Often varies by site type (back-in vs pull-through), pad material, and length. Better pads and longer sites cost more.
Dynamic pricing: Many systems adjust prices daily based on occupancy, season, and lead time. Weekend rates often exceed weekday rates by 10–40%.
Taxes and assessments: Lodging taxes, tourism fees, and sometimes special district surcharges. Verify whether listed nightly rates are pre- or post-tax.
“Resort” or amenities fee: A per-night add-on covering facility access (pool, Wi-Fi, cable, activities). Ask if you can opt out if not using amenities.
Site lock / “guarantee” fee: Pay to reserve a specific site rather than “type only.” Frequently $10–$50 per stay. If the park assigns you the same site even without the fee, push back.
Booking/processing fee: Per reservation, more common on third-party systems and some public reservation portals.
Extra person/vehicle/pet fees: Typical extras: second vehicle $5–$15 per night; additional adults $3–$10; certain breeds or numbers of pets may incur fees.
Utilities: Nightly stays generally include utilities; monthly stays typically add metered electricity and occasionally water/sewer surcharges.
Early check-in/late checkout: $10–$40 depending on hours. Always call ahead; off-season flexibility is better.
Cable/Wi-Fi upgrades: Basic often included; higher speeds or streaming tiers may cost extra.
Mail/package handling: $1–$5 per item or a flat fee at some parks; long-term guests may pay mailbox or key-card deposits.
Cleaning/damage deposits: Common for cabins, but some RV resorts require refundable deposits for long-term stays.

Consumer narrative we hear often: “I booked a $75 site near a national park, but after a $10 resort fee, $6 booking fee, and 12% tax, it was $96. Then they tried to charge $25 to guarantee a pull-through for our 40-footer.” That is not unusual in 2024. If this has happened to you, tell us what the final bill looked like so others can compare.

Public vs. private parks: Typical fee patterns

Federal and state parks

Pros: Lower base rates, scenic locations, less upselling.
Common fees: Day-use or vehicle entry fees separate from camping, especially in state systems; reservation platform fees; extra vehicle fees.
Cancellations: Often flat change/cancel fees with cutoffs at 2–7 days out; no-shows lose first night or a fixed amount.
Hookups: Many sites are dry or electric-only, with dump stations on-site; fewer full-hookup sites than private parks.

Private parks and resort chains

Pros: Abundant full-hookup sites, paved pads, long pull-throughs, reliable utilities, laundry, and amenities.
Common fees: Dynamic pricing, resort/amenity fees, site lock fees, and per-night pet/vehicle charges. Cancellation policies can be stricter with higher forfeitures near arrival.
Membership discounts: 10% off (Good Sam, KOA Rewards, FMCA) is common. Some parks exclude peak dates or premium sites from discounts.

Regional patterns: Where RVers pay the most—and least

High-cost zones: Coastal California, Florida in winter, mountain West near national parks (e.g., Moab, Jackson), and New England coast in summer.
Moderate zones: Upper Midwest lake country in peak season; Texas Hill Country; Carolina beaches shoulder season.
Lower-cost zones: Great Plains, many inland Southeast counties off the beach; desert Southwest public lands outside gateway towns.

Even in “lower cost” regions, expect holiday surcharges and big-event spikes (balloon festivals, rallies, eclipse paths, major races). Time your route to avoid those micro-markets or book far in advance.

Monthly and seasonal stays: The real math

Monthly and seasonal rates can slash your nightly cost—but don’t ignore utilities and deposits:

Base monthly rent: $500–$1,400+ depending on region and amenities; coastal and metro resorts higher.
Metered electricity: $0.12–$0.22 per kWh is common; summer A/C can add $80–$250+ per month depending on size of rig, climate, and thermostat habits.
Deposits/fees: Security deposit ($100–$500), electricity deposit ($50–$200), gate key ($10–$50), background check ($15–$35).
Mail/Package: Long-term mailbox fees or per-item handling at some resorts.

Case study: Two months in Florida

A couple secures a $1,200/month site at a coastal resort for January–February. Their 50-amp fifth wheel runs dual A/C sparingly, plus an electric space heater some evenings.

Rent: $1,200 x 2 = $2,400
Electric: 1,000 kWh total across two months at $0.18/kWh = $180
Resort fee: $6/night x 59 nights = $354
Taxes: 10% applied to rent + resort fees (varies) ≈ $275
Total ≈ $3,209 (effective nightly ≈ $54.40)

Compare that to nightly rates of $120–$170 in January at similar properties. Monthly can be half the nightly cost, though fees and taxes vary by local law. If you’ve done a seasonal stay recently, what did your electric bill run?

Memberships and clubs: Do they actually cut fees?

Discount and subscription programs can help, but benefits differ dramatically.

Good Sam / KOA Rewards / FMCA: Typically 10% off daily rates; sometimes excluded during peak events or for premium sites. Payback is fast if you stay often at participating parks.
Passport America: Deep discounts (up to 50%) but with strict exclusions (limited days of week, season, or site types). Good for flexible travelers off-peak.
Thousand Trails / Encore add-ons: Pay upfront for access to included-night stays within zones; great value for slow travelers who can rotate parks and comply with stay-out rules. Not ideal for short notice or specific high-demand parks.
Harvest Hosts / Boondockers Welcome: Overnighting at wineries, museums, farms, and private driveways; no site fee, but HH expects a courtesy purchase. Zero hookups typical; great for transit days.

Key strategy: treat every membership like a spreadsheet. Estimate realistic usage across your planned routes and seasons, then calculate break-even scenarios. If your travel is concentrated in high-demand coastal markets during peak season, traditional 10% cards won’t dent dynamic pricing much, but a zone-camping subscription could—if you camp within its network consistently.

Reservation platforms: When the cart becomes a cost trap

Campgrounds increasingly use third-party reservation engines that add service fees and upsells. Read every line item before you enter payment info:

Opt-in upsells: Site lock selections, early arrival, late departure, golf cart rentals, linen packages for cabins, activity wristbands.
Non-optional fees: “Resort” or “amenity” charges that apply to all guests regardless of use; sometimes disclosed only at the final step.
Auto-applied add-ons: Pet fees defaulted to “yes” or second vehicle detected by plate capture systems.

Accountability check: opaque fees erode trust. If an amenity fee is mandatory, it should be clearly disclosed up front, not at checkout. Many owners post screenshots of these surprises—scan recent posts in communities like Reddit threads on campground fees typical before you book.

Cancellation, change, and refund rules: Read the fine print

Policies tightened during peak-demand years and often stayed that way. Typical patterns:

Daily stays: Nonrefundable first night if canceled within 48–72 hours of arrival; $10–$25 change fee.
Holiday/special events: Longer cancellation windows (7–30 days) with higher penalties; sometimes fully nonrefundable.
Monthly/seasonal: Deposits are frequently nonrefundable if you cancel within 30 days; some parks retain application/background fees regardless.
Weather exceptions: “Acts of God” typically exclude refunds unless the park is closed. Always verify hurricane or wildfire policies in exposed regions.

Tip: If your plans are uncertain, prioritize parks with 24–48 hour cancellation windows and no “gotchas” on changes. Screenshot policies during booking in case terms shift later.

Taxes and legality: Why your rate jumps at checkout

Campgrounds are often subject to hotel/lodging taxes and local assessments. Some states exempt stays over a certain number of days; others tax the entire period. Examples seen in 2023–2024:

Lodging taxes: 5–12% common; resort municipalities sometimes add 2–5% tourism fees.
Monthly stays: Certain jurisdictions waive lodging tax after 30 consecutive days; verification varies by park and accounting practices.
Separate park entry fees: State parks may charge a per-vehicle entry fee in addition to campsite price; multi-day passes can reduce cost.

Action: Ask, “Is lodging tax applied to the full stay? Is there a monthly exemption? Are park entry fees included?” The answers can change your budget by double digits.

Typical fees by campground type

County and fairgrounds

Price: $20–$45 nightly; $400–$700 monthly in many regions.
Fees: Minimal; sometimes cash/check only; expect basic amenities, limited office hours.
Watch for: Event blackouts and livestock shows displacing campers.

State parks

Price: $25–$60 nightly depending on hookups and state.
Fees: Reservation fee ($3–$10), vehicle entry, second-vehicle fee, extra adult fees.
Watch for: Generator hour limits; site length limits; non-refundable booking fees.

Private non-resort parks

Price: $40–$85 nightly; weekly discounts 10–20% sometimes.
Fees: Dynamic pricing, good-sam/KOA discounts, occasional site lock or resort fee.
Watch for: Wi-Fi limitations, older power infrastructure; review recent owner reports.

Destination resorts

Price: $80–$160+ nightly; holidays can exceed $200.
Fees: Resort fee, activity wristbands, golf cart rentals, cabanas; strict cancellation windows.
Watch for: Wristband charges for guests; pet breed restrictions; per-person charges over base occupancy.

Owner-reported “gotcha” fees and how to respond

Mandatory “resort fee” undisclosed until checkout: Pause and call the front desk. Ask to waive if amenities are closed/off-season. If refused, consider a different property and tell them why.
“Site lock” fee on an almost-empty map: Politely request assignment of the site you prefer without the fee. Many managers will accommodate when occupancy is low.
Metered electric at nightly rates: For daily or weekly stays, electricity is usually included. If not, clarify the kWh rate and average usage before committing.
Second vehicle upcharge for towed car “on dolly”: Clarify that the second vehicle is part of your rig. Some parks waive if it fits fully within your site.
Pet fee per night for service animals: True service animals are not “pets.” Fees should not apply under ADA; emotional support animals differ. Ask for the written policy.

Have you faced a questionable fee? Report the specifics—date, park, fee name, and whether management worked with you.

Budgeting strategies that actually work

Book smarter

Travel midweek: Tuesday–Thursday stays can be 10–30% cheaper than Friday–Sunday in many markets.
Shoulder seasons: Late spring and early fall often bring lower rates and looser cancellation policies.
Compare public options: County parks are hidden gems. Search by county name plus “RV campground.”
Map your utilities: For monthly stays, estimate kWh use. A 50-amp rig in summer can easily exceed 600–900 kWh monthly in hot climates.

Trim the fee stack

Skip the site lock: If pad specs are similar, let the park assign at check-in.
Decline resort add-ons you won’t use: Some parks waive fees in off-season if amenities are closed.
Leverage weekly rates: At many private parks, a seven-night stay with weekly pricing beats five or six nights on nightly pricing.
Stack discounts judiciously: Combine club discounts with weekday and shoulder-season travel for compounding savings.

Choose the right overnight type

Transit nights: Use fairgrounds, municipal parks, Harvest Hosts, or BLM pullouts instead of premium resorts you won’t fully enjoy for 12 hours of sleep.
Destination weeks: Pay for amenities when you’ll actually use them; otherwise, book a clean, no-frills park nearby for half the cost.

Safety and infrastructure: When a cheaper site costs more

Chasing the lowest price can backfire if poor infrastructure damages your rig or creates risk. Be cautious with:

Underpowered pedestals: Voltage sag on hot afternoons can trip A/Cs or harm electronics. Consider a voltage monitor/surge protector.
Flood-prone sites: Riverfront bargains can come with evacuation headaches; check historical flood notes and recent reviews.
Long untrimmed branches: Low-cost parks sometimes defer maintenance. Do a slow walk of your route before backing-in to avoid roof and A/C shroud damage.

Cost is more than the nightly rate. A fried converter or water intrusion from poor site grading will erase any savings.

Transparency and accountability: What campers should demand

We’ve reviewed hundreds of owner reports that point to the same frustrations: late-revealed fees, shifting cancellation policies, and inconsistent enforcement of pet/vehicle rules. The best operators do the opposite—publish all-in pricing, provide accurate site photos and pad measurements, and apply rules consistently.

As consumers, vote with your wallet and your reviews. Praise parks that show itemized costs up front and treat guests fairly; call out, respectfully and factually, those that bury fees at checkout or change terms post-booking. As always, keep receipts and screenshots—especially if you intend to dispute a charge.

Frequently asked questions: Campground fees

Are resort fees legal at campgrounds?

Generally yes, provided they’re disclosed. The consumer issue is timing: if disclosure appears only on the final checkout screen, ask management to honor pre-fee quotes or cancel without penalty.

Do public parks charge separate vehicle entry fees in addition to camping?

Many state systems do, and the entry fee may apply daily. Annual passes can save money if you’ll visit multiple parks within the state.

Are monthly RV stays taxed like nightly hotel stays?

Some jurisdictions exempt stays of 30+ consecutive days from lodging tax. Ask the park how they process exemptions and confirm on your invoice.

Can I negotiate campground prices?

You’ll have better luck asking for fee waivers (site lock, early check-in) or weekly rates rather than a lower nightly rate, especially in shoulder season or midweek. Always be courteous and flexible.

What about mail and packages?

Policies vary: some parks accept packages for free, others charge per item or restrict long-term deliveries. Call ahead if you rely on medication or parts shipments and budget any handling fees.

Real-world examples: How the same route can cost wildly different amounts

Example A: Two-week national park loop, summer

Plan 1 (convenience-first): Two private resorts near park entrances at $140/night all-in; 12 nights = $1,680. Add two transit nights at $75 each = $150; total ≈ $1,830.
Plan 2 (balance): Mix public campgrounds inside the park at $35–$50 and county parks at $45–$55 for 10 nights ≈ $470; two private nights near town at $120 each = $240; two transit nights Harvest Hosts with $25 purchases = $50; total ≈ $760.

Example B: One-month snowbird stop

Premium resort: $1,750 base + $0.18/kWh electricity (~$120) + resort fee $6/night ($180) + 10% tax (where applicable) ≈ $2,200 total.
County park: $750 base, electricity included, no resort fee, minimal tax ≈ $750 total.

Neither choice is “wrong.” The question is whether you’ll use the premium amenities. If not, redirect savings into experiences or maintenance.

How to predict the final price before you book

Call and confirm: Ask for an out-the-door quote including all taxes and fees for your rig length, occupancy, pets, vehicles, and exact dates.
Screenshot every step: Retain the rate grid, fee disclosure page, and final cart. If a discrepancy appears at check-in, you’ll have proof.
Ask targeted questions: “Is there a site lock fee? Are there any resort or amenity fees? Are early arrival or late checkout charges mandatory? What is the cancellation deadline?”
Check owner forums the same week you book: Prices move. Compare your quote with recent posts in communities like Reddit, RV forums, and YouTube reviews of the same park.

If you spot a widespread fee trend or a park whose pricing stands out (good or bad), post your example for others to benchmark.

Special cases: Families, pets, and long rigs

Families: Some parks set a base occupancy (2 adults, 2 kids) and charge extra per additional person. Activity wristbands for waterparks can add $5–$20 per person per day.
Pets: Common fees include a per-night charge or breed/size restrictions at private resorts; many state parks allow pets with few or no fees. Always ask about off-leash policies and pet-occupied structure rules.
Big rigs (38–45 ft): Expect to pay for pull-throughs and longer pads. Site lock fees are pitched heavily here; scout satellite imagery and user photos to find workable back-ins without the upsell.

What’s improving

More transparent maps: Better site diagrams with pad dimensions, utility placement, and tree coverage reduce the need for site lock fees.
Public park inventory online: State and county systems continue moving to centralized reservation portals with clearer fee disclosure, including entry-fee bundling.
Data-driven discounts: Some chains run midweek and shoulder-season promotions that auto-apply at checkout without coupon hunting.

These are steps in the right direction. Consumers should reward parks that lead with clarity and fair policies.

Action checklist: Keep campground fees under control

Price three options for every stop: a public park, a modest private park, and a resort—then choose intentionally.
Travel midweek when possible; avoid holiday weekends unless booked months ahead.
Ask for an “all-in” quote on the phone; note names, dates, and time of call.
Decline optional fees you won’t use; push back on surprise resort fees.
Use memberships that match your route; don’t chase discounts you can’t actually apply.
Estimate metered electricity for monthly stays; set a thermostat strategy before you arrive.
For public parks, factor park-entry fees and reservation charges into your budget.
Scan current owner posts and video walkthroughs of the exact park and booking engine.

Where to research real-time fee patterns

Owner reports beat marketing. Start with these sources and search your exact destination and dates:

Reddit r/rvs threads on campground fees typical — crowd-sourced receipts, cancellation policy gotchas, and fee screenshots.
YouTube campground fees typical reviews and booking demos — see the full cart before you commit.

If you’ve found an especially transparent park—or one that buried costs—flag it for other readers.

A note on inspections and monthly stays

For extended stays, your site’s electrical quality matters as much as your rate. If you’re committing to a months-long contract at a smaller park with older infrastructure, consider consulting a local RV tech to check your surge protection setup and look for telltale signs of low-voltage risks. To find local pros, search: RV Inspectors near me.

Key takeaways

“Typical” campground fees now vary more by timing and location than by simple hookup level.
Final prices depend on dynamic rates, taxes, and add-ons; assume a 10–30% uplift from listed nightly rates in many private parks.
Public parks still anchor affordability, but entry fees and reservation charges add up—budget them.
Monthly stays can halve your effective nightly cost, but electricity and resort fees matter—do the math.
Transparency is uneven. Favor parks that publish all-in prices and fair cancellation rules.

Seen a new fee or a smart discount we missed? Contribute your intel to keep this guide current for the community.

Comments and owner reports

What did you pay, for what site type, and during which dates? Were there any surprise add-ons or fair policies worth praising? Your firsthand examples help RV shoppers set realistic budgets and avoid traps. Please include the park name, region, dates, and your final “all-in” cost if you’re comfortable. Join the conversation here.