Most Affordable RV Parks…

10 Hidden RV Parks That Won’t Break the Bank: America’s Best-Kept Camping Secrets

Finding affordable places to park your RV shouldn’t cost a fortune. We’ve uncovered America’s most budget-friendly RV parks where you can enjoy the open road without emptying your wallet.

1. Blackwater River State Forest, Florida

Average nightly rate: $14-20

This hidden gem in Florida’s panhandle offers spacious sites under a canopy of longleaf pines. With direct access to the crystal-clear Blackwater River, you’ll enjoy kayaking, fishing, and hiking trails without the premium prices of coastal RV parks. The forest’s campgrounds offer electric and water hookups, clean bathhouses, and peaceful surroundings just 45 minutes from Pensacola.

2. Buffalo Gap Campground, South Dakota

Average nightly rate: $15-22

Located just outside the tourist hotspot of the Black Hills, Buffalo Gap offers all the beauty of the region at a fraction of the cost. Sites include electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables, with the Badlands and Mount Rushmore both under an hour’s drive away. The campground’s elevation provides cooler summer temperatures and stunning stargazing opportunities.

3. Rock Creek Recreation Area, Kentucky

Average nightly rate: $12-18

This Army Corps of Engineers campground at Barren River Lake offers incredible value with spacious lakefront sites. Most spots include electric hookups, and the recreation area features boat ramps, swimming areas, and well-maintained hiking trails. The nearby small town of Glasgow provides all necessary supplies without big-city prices.

4. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, New Mexico

Average nightly rate: $10-14

With the Sacramento Mountains as your backdrop, this affordable desert oasis offers spectacular sunset views over the Tularosa Basin. Sites include water and electric connections, and the park’s location at 4,500 feet elevation provides milder temperatures than many desert destinations. Trails lead to desert springs and historic sites, with White Sands National Park just 30 minutes away.

5. Lake Cascade State Park, Idaho

Average nightly rate: $12-24

Unlike many Western mountain destinations that command premium prices, Lake Cascade offers affordable lakeside camping in the heart of Idaho’s mountains. The 21-mile-long reservoir provides endless water recreation opportunities, while nearby mountain trails cater to hikers and mountain bikers. Many sites offer full hookups at prices that would barely get you dry camping elsewhere.

6. Wayne National Forest, Ohio

Average nightly rate: $10-15

Ohio’s only national forest offers multiple affordable campgrounds scattered throughout its 250,000 acres. The Leith Run Recreation Area along the Ohio River provides electric hookups and boat access, while inland campgrounds offer more secluded experiences. The rolling Appalachian foothills provide scenic drives and miles of hiking and ATV trails.

7. LBJ National Grasslands, Texas

Average nightly rate: $5-10

For the ultimate budget experience, the LBJ National Grasslands in North Texas offers dispersed camping and developed campgrounds at rock-bottom prices. The TADRA Point campground provides basic amenities with access to 75 miles of multi-use trails. Located just 60 miles from Fort Worth, it’s an accessible escape that won’t strain your travel budget.

8. Catherine’s Landing, Arkansas

Average nightly rate: $25-35

While slightly higher priced than some public land options, this Hot Springs RV resort offers resort amenities at prices far below comparable private parks. Full hookup sites, a pool, ziplines, boat rentals, and luxury bathhouses make this an incredible value. Its location just minutes from Hot Springs National Park adds tremendous value without the premium prices of most national park adjacent resorts.

9. North Bend Park, Virginia

Average nightly rate: $20-26

Another Corps of Engineers gem, North Bend sits on the shores of massive Kerr Lake (also called Buggs Island Lake). Most sites include water and electric hookups with prices that haven’t caught up to the amenities offered. The sprawling shoreline means you’re never far from water access, fishing spots, and swimming areas. The campground’s central East Coast location makes it accessible from multiple major cities.

10. Curt Gowdy State Park, Wyoming

Average nightly rate: $12-18

Located between Cheyenne and Laramie, this stunning park offers mountain camping at plains prices. Three reservoirs provide water recreation while the park’s 35+ miles of trail have earned it “Epic” status from the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Unlike many Wyoming destinations that command premium rates during summer, Curt Gowdy remains affordable year-round.

Money-Saving Tips for RV Camping

1. Book directly with parks rather than through third-party reservation systems that may add fees.
2. Consider membership programs like Passport America (50% off at participating campgrounds) or America the Beautiful Pass ($80 annually for access to federal recreation sites).
3. Travel during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when many parks offer reduced rates but the weather remains pleasant.
4. Look for weekly or monthly discounts that can reduce nightly rates by 30% or more for extended stays.
5. Check for resident discounts at state parks, which often offer significant savings for in-state residents.
6. Explore Corps of Engineers and Forest Service campgrounds, which typically offer the best value for developed campsites with hookups.
7. Use free camping options like Bureau of Land Management lands and national forests for boondocking between paid stays to extend your budget.

With these affordable options and money-saving strategies, you can extend your time on the road without extending your credit card balance. The most memorable RV experiences often come from these hidden, budget-friendly destinations rather than expensive resort-style parks.