By Jimmy Gerhold | RV Specialist at Riverside Camping Center
📞 Call or text me anytime at 252-404-9207
Let’s be real — RV travel can be one of the most affordable and rewarding ways to explore the world with your family… if you know where to save and how to do it smart.
I’ve helped hundreds of families get into RVs they can afford, and more importantly — actually use. Here’s how to keep more money in your pocket while still creating million-dollar memories.
💸 1. Buy Smart — Not Fancy
Sure, the newest luxury rig might have all the bells and whistles, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for your goals. Often, you can get a lightly used RV or even a brand-new unit with practical features (not just flashy ones) for a fraction of the price.
Pro tip: Go for floorplan and function over flash. I can walk you through options that fit your lifestyle and your budget.
🏕️ 2. Camp Cheap (Or Free)
Skip the overpriced resorts. There are thousands of budget-friendly — and even free — places to camp:
- State parks and national forest campgrounds
- Boondocking (dry camping on public land — especially out west)
- Harvest Hosts – overnight stays at wineries, farms, and small businesses
- Thousand Trails, Passport America – membership discounts that pay for themselves
I can point you toward some of my favorite spots that families love.
🍳 3. Cook Your Own Meals
This one adds up fast. Even if you’re just feeding a family of four, eating out on the road can run you hundreds a week. RV kitchens are designed to make cooking easy — and honestly, there’s nothing better than grilling out under the awning while the kids play nearby.
Stock up at grocery stores, use a slow cooker, and bring your favorite seasonings from home. It’s all part of the adventure.
⛽ 4. Plan Efficient Routes to Save on Gas
Fuel is one of your biggest expenses. Use apps like GasBuddy to find cheap fuel along your route, and plan stops with minimal backtracking. Bonus tip: keep your RV weight down — empty your tanks before long drives and ditch anything you don’t need.
Also, don’t speed. Slower = safer and more fuel-efficient.
🔧 5. Do the Simple Maintenance Yourself
Changing water filters, flushing tanks, even resealing windows — lots of RV upkeep can be done with basic tools and a quick YouTube video. Doing it yourself could save you hundreds (or more) in shop fees.
I’ll even show you a few simple maintenance tricks when you pick up your RV.
🎟️ 6. Look for Free or Low-Cost Attractions
Your RV gives you access to incredible experiences that don’t cost much — national parks, museums with free admission, hiking trails, swimming holes, fishing spots, and small-town festivals.
Let the adventure come from the destination, not the cost.
🎯 The Bottom Line:
RV travel doesn’t have to break the bank — and it shouldn’t. With the right setup, a little planning, and some good advice, you can take your family on unforgettable journeys for way less than you’d spend on a typical vacation.
If you’re looking for a rig that makes financial sense and fits your goals, I’d love to help.
📞 Call or text me directly at 252-404-9207
Let’s get you on the road the smart way — without blowing the budget.
See you soon,
– Jimmy
Riverside Camping Center
