Moving frequently costs more, but it's what we like to do Pat K

Why RV if you never intend to move? That would save the most, but why would you do it? Isn't the fun in the exploring, seeing what is beyond the next hill? If not, then why do it/ You need to decide what it is you want to do. Then find figure out the budget. RVing isn't really the cheapest way to go when you figure in the costs of rigs, etc. But it is sure one of the most fun ways to live and see the country at the same time.

Barb

In general, per your question, it costs more to move frequently.  It costs more to move every day than to move every few days.  It costs more to move every few days than every couple of weeks.  It costs more to move every couple of weeks than every month or two.  It costs more to move every month or two rather than every few months.  Of course, that takes into consideration costs of fuel in addition to camping fees, and those that move quite frequently tend to spend more in each new location as they are checking out the highlights, the attractions, the restaurants, etc. 

The longer you stay anywhere, the more you can take advantage of longer term rates.  In private RV parks, weekly rates are better than nightly rates, monthly rates are better than weekly rates (and they may cut the nightly rate in half), seasonal rates are better than monthly rates.  In public campgrounds, there are usually stay limits of a week or two with no discounts, but if you are going to be in a particular state for a good number of nights during a year, it is often cheaper to purchase an annual camping pass.  There are some public campgrounds that have long-term rates in their off season, and we've noticed numerous city/county parks that offer seasonal rates. 

Of course, if you decide to workamp AND stay put for a couple months or so, the costs can really be low.

But do what feels right for you and your budget.

Many people that can't afford to move a lot can still have a very enjoyable life as RVers, and there are lots of people living in RVs that have plenty of resources but that just like the simplicity of living in an RV and enjoying RV communities.  We love to explore and see what's around the next bend, but that's not every full-time RVer's goal and many are very, very happy moving infrequently. 

 

Agree with the statements above.

3 other factors for us:

1) How close / far we are from reasonable shopping & dining opportunities. Staying put in a rural location can lead to higher fuel expenses if you have to drive further for groceries, supplies, propane refills, etc. Sometimes shopping in smaller towns can lead to higher prices as well as reduced selection which leads us to want to venture further afield to find a well stocked grocery store. Or, if we're in a good area with good shopping or restaurants we find ourselves restocking and taking advantage of dining out opportunities more frequently.

2) Attractions in the area, if we're in an area we want to spend a lot of time exploring by bike, kayaking or hiking, it's a much less expensive option vs. an area where we want to visit botanical gardens, museums, etc. And if we're anywhere near family, especially the grandkids, we find ourselves spending more on activities.

3) Local demographics - a month in Seattle or LA is going to cost us a lot more than a monthly stay in AZ, however, with my work situation sometimes we just have to endure the higher cost camping.

One the flip side, we can stay cheaper moving every 2 weeks from membership park to membership park, than staying monthly at private parks, even taking in the cost of fuel to move between parks.

Barb

Why do you say "limited to going to the places…."? We are not limited, we go where we want to. Membership parks are just one of the tools in our bag that we use to keep our budget in line. But that doesn't mean we can only go where there are membership parks - far from it. Though we have used membership parks in just about every state we've been to because of the reciprocal agreements between different memberships parks/systems.

We're in Sonoma County and the Bay area. Will spend about 6 weeks, in 3 different parks, all for less than $100 for the whole time.

Barb

We spent 2 weeks in Colorado Springs visiting with friends, exploring area, ect. Cost for the 2 weeks to us was $0.00.

I see a lot of people that belong to membership parks use he 0 cost for staying and when I find a membership that costs zero per year to maintain I just might get one. But so far I have not been able to find one LOL!!

Barbaraok wrote:

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Jim Fitz wrote:

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What membership parks do you belong to?  Any suggestions.  We are not full time yet (just in the purchase the 5th wheel and truck stage) but hope to be soon after the new year.  Thanks.  Jim and Phyllis

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 If you are going to be on the west coast, I'd suggest you look at trying Thousand Trails Zone Pass for year (~$500 with 30 nights free then $3.00/night after that) and see if you like it.  

We have an old WHR membership (only 1 park left in the 'system' that will soon go under) that serves as our home park which gets us ROD, C2C, and AOR affiliates, plus our TT membership.

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 That 30 nights free is actually $16.66 a night, but if you use it it's still a good deal. And after that it's only $3 a night. I don't think it's ever free there is usually a yearly maintenance fee. But if you use it as often as Barbara does, then it's just as good as free.