RV There Yet? Snag Cheap Camping Sites for Under $40

It can be pretty intimidating to look for a campground or resort when prices are sometimes $100+ per night. There are lots of high-end parks around the country, and you can quickly burn through your budget if you stay in expensive places. But fortunately, there are plenty of cheap camping sites that cost $40 or less per night. 

You might be nervous about staying somewhere that’s dirt cheap. And there are definitely some spots where you get what you pay for. But camping on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to settle for something trashy! There are plenty of cheap camping sites across the country that offer beautiful scenery, hookups, and even a few decent amenities. Campground reviews are a great resource to see what you can expect during your stay!

Lots of state parks have RV-friendly campgrounds that cost $40 or less. In fact, if you show up at the right time, you’ll be paying closer to $20 for most of the destinations below! Just make sure that you book a reservation in advance. These spots are popular and cheap, so they tend to fill up pretty quickly. Now without further ado, let’s explore some cheap camping sites that will help you have a great experience.

Blackwoods Campground

• Location: 155 Blackwoods Drive, Acadia National Park, ME 04660
• Number of sites: 306 (60 RV sites)
• Average price per night: $30
• Max RV length allowed: 35 feet
• Average rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds: 8.7/10

This RV and tent campground is nestled within the woods of Maine. It’s pretty close to the coastline and provides some gorgeous views. There aren’t any hookups in the camping area, so you’ll have to be ready for boondocking. The campground is equipped with restrooms, running water, and a dump station. 

Midway Campground – Big Cypress National Preserve

• Location: 52870 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141
• Number of sites: 36 (26 RV sites)
• Average fees per night: $30
• Max RV length allowed: 45 feet
• Average rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds: 8.6/10

National parks and nature preserves are often great places to find cheap camping sites. The Big Cypress National Preserve is a lovely place to spend the night in Florida. Electrical hookups are offered at the RV sites, and there are also flushing toilets, potable water, and dump stations available for guest use.

Mazama Village

• Location: Munson Valley Rd, Crater Lake National Park, OR 97503
• Number of sites: 214
• Average price per night: $36
• Max RV length allowed: 40 feet
• Average rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds: 7.9/10

Crater Lake is a popular adventure destination in Oregon. The pine forests and deep blue water attract travelers from all over the country. There are several places to camp in the surrounding area, but Mazama Village is a nice spot for RVers looking to save some money. Some RV sites have no hookups, others only have electricity, and some offer full hookups!

Devils Tower Nat’l Monument / Belle Fourche Campground

• Location: Hwy 110, Devils Tower, WY 82714
• Number of sites: 50 (43 RV sites)
• Average price per night: $20
• Max RV length allowed: 35 feet
• Average rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds: 9.2/10

Devils Tower is a hotspot for nature lovers and alien fans alike! It’s the famous centerpiece of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, so if you love that movie, you might want to check it out. The campground is quite cheap at only $20 per night, and it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no hookups, but it’s located in a beautiful area.

Alabaster Caverns State Park

• Location: 217036 SH 50A, Freedom, OK 73842
• Number of sites: 22
• Average price per night: $25
• Max RV length allowed: 30 feet
• Average rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds: 8.6/10

Alabaster Caverns is a stunning geological site that features the largest public gypsum cave in the world. The campground itself is open and grassy, which lets you take in all the scenery at once. Hookups for electricity and water are available at some sites, and there are also public bathrooms for visitors to use. 

Cherry Creek State Park

• Location: 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014
• Number of sites: 128
• Average price per night: $40
• Max RV length allowed: 40 feet
• Average rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds: 9.2/10

This is one of the best cheap camping sites in the country, and many people return to this park again and again. Full hookups are offered at some of the sites, and they are all well-spaced and properly maintained. Check it out if you’re in Colorado!

Big Meadows Campground

• Location: Big Meadows Access Road at Mile 51.3 Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, VA 22835
• Number of sites: 119
• Average price per night: $30
• Max RV length allowed: 25 feet
• Average rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds: 9/10

Virginia is a gorgeous state for camping, and Shenandoah National Park is surrounded by cheap camping sites. Big Meadows lives up to its name by offering roomy, nature-focused sites to campers and RVers alike. There are plenty of hikes and nature trails in the area, but just remember that there are no hookups here! Get ready to boondock if you set up camp in this park.

Grassy Pond FamCamp

• Location: 5360 Grassy Pond Rd, Lake Park, GA 31636
• Number of sites: 58
• Average price per night: $40
• Max RV length allowed: 40 feet
• Average rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds: 8.3/10

This is a beautiful little pet-friendly park that can help you relax and connect with nature. Full hookups are offered at the RV sites too, so you can camp in comfort. The prices at this park fluctuate a bit throughout the year. Sometimes they’re as low as $20 a night, while other times it’s $40 or more. You’ll always get a good deal when you stay here though!

Farragut State Park

• Location: 13550 E Highway 54, Athol, ID 83801
• Number of sites: 190
• Average price per night: $39
• Max RV length allowed: 40 feet
• Average rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds: 8.9/10

Farragut State Park was a training station for WWII naval soldiers, but now it’s a gorgeous park that campers love. It’s nestled in a peaceful pine forest, and there are lots of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and just getting some fresh air. Full hookups are available at some sites, and the prices are very reasonable for RVers. Keep it on your list of cheap camping sites!

Ken’s Lake

• Location: Flat Pass Rd, Moab, UT 84532
• Number of sites: 31
• Average price per night: $20
• Max RV length allowed: 35 feet
• Average rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds: 8.8/10

Utah is a great BLM (Bureau of Land Management) destination for those who like to enjoy the rugged beauty of the desert. Ken’s Lake doesn’t offer any site hookups, but it does have gorgeous views and direct access to a scenic lake. Red stone and blue water contrast magnificently here, and the prices will definitely make it appealing to budget-conscious RVers. 

Elkmont Campground

• Location: 434 Elkmont Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
• Number of sites: 220
• Average price per night: $30
• Max RV length allowed: 35 feet
• Average rating on RV LIFE Campgrounds: 8.8/10

The Great Smoky Mountains are gorgeous, and they are surrounded by countless campsites and parks. If you need something that’s affordable, Elkmont Campground is a great place to set up camp. There are no hookups for RVs, but bathrooms, firewood, and camping supplies are available to guests who stay here. It’s also lovely throughout the year, with vegetation that changes to match the seasons. 

Find more cheap camping sites near you

The list above only covers a tiny fraction of cheap camping sites in America. For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campgrounds and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.

Been to a campground lately? Don’t forget to leave a review! Reviews help other RVers like yourself, and they help the campground. Leave a campground review today!

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