By Dave Helgeson
I have long dreamed of the day my wife and I could depart on a cross-country RV trip. Now that we are retired and able to travel more, I question if cross-country RV trips are still viable, or will remain just a dream.
Cross-country RV trips have long been a beloved way for individuals and families to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of a country. The freedom of the open road, the comfort of a home on wheels, and the sense of adventure have drawn countless enthusiasts to embark on these journeys. However, the future of cross-country RV trips is facing challenges that may make them a thing of the past. In this article, we will delve into the changing dynamics of cross-country RV travel and explore how escalating fuel expenses, rising campground fees and the erosion of spontaneity are reshaping this cherished tradition.
1. The impact of escalating fuel expenses
Fuel expenses have always been a substantial component of the budget for RV travel. However, in recent years, several factors have conspired to make this cost an even more substantial burden for those considering cross-country RV trips.
A. Fluctuating fuel prices
One of the foremost reasons that cross-country RV trips may be at risk of becoming a relic of the past is the erratic nature of fuel prices. Gasoline and diesel prices can fluctuate significantly due to geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and economic factors. These price fluctuations make it challenging for RV travelers to plan their trips and budget accurately. The unpredictability of fuel prices can result in unexpectedly high expenses, which can be discouraging for potential cross-country RVers.
B. Environmental concerns
Beyond the financial aspect, another significant factor is the growing concern for the environment. With climate change and sustainability emerging as major global issues, many RVers are weighing the ecological impact of their travel choices. Since RVs often consume more fossil fuels than other types of transportation, many see their RVs as environmentally unfriendly for traveling long distances. As a result, environmentally conscious travelers may be more hesitant to embark on cross-country RV trips, impacting the future of this tradition.
C. Alternative transportation options
In addition to environmental concerns, the emergence of alternative transportation options further threatens the future of cross-country RV travel. Electric RVs and improved public transportation systems are offering travelers more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fossil-fuel-powered RVs. As technology advances and EV charging infrastructure grows, the appeal of long-distance RV trips that are dependent on fossil fuels may diminish, particularly for those who prioritize sustainability.
“It’s not so much the overcrowding that slows my wife and me down, it’s the price of gas! Couple that with increasing campground fees and you could be looking at a daily increase of nearly $50 for your budget.” Per RVtravel.com reader Stephen M.
2. Cross-country RV trips: The rising cost of campground fees
Campgrounds have traditionally played a central role in the cross-country RV trip experience, offering travelers a place to rest, recharge, and connect with nature. However, the increasing cost of campground fees is another significant factor contributing to the potential decline of these journeys.
A. Supply and demand
One of the key drivers behind the rise in campground fees is the fundamental economic principle of supply and demand. As the popularity of RV travel has grown over the years, the demand for campsite reservations has surged. Campground operators have recognized this increased demand and have adjusted their pricing accordingly, often taking advantage of the limited supply of desirable sites. As a result, what used to be an affordable adventure is becoming a costly endeavor.
B. Amenities and services
Many modern campgrounds now offer a broad range of amenities and services to cater to the needs and desires of contemporary travelers. These services may include full hookups, Wi-Fi access, on-site restaurants, recreational activities, and more. While these amenities enhance the RV camping experience, they also contribute to higher fees, making campgrounds less accessible for budget-conscious travelers. Those who wish to enjoy a comfortable and convenient experience while on the road often find themselves facing substantial expenses as more and more RV parks consider themselves “RV resorts” and charge accordingly.
C. Limited availability
In some highly sought-after destinations, campgrounds are frequently fully booked, particularly during peak travel seasons. This limited availability can result in even higher prices, as travelers are willing to pay a site lock fee for a premium guaranteed campsite. Consequently, those who do not plan far in advance or have flexible travel schedules may find themselves priced out of the market.
D. Loss of spontaneity
One of the charms of the traditional cross-country road trip has been the spontaneity of the journey. RV road trippers often relish the idea of hitting the open road without a fixed itinerary, embracing the adventure of discovering new places and experiences along the way. However, limited availability and crowded campgrounds are challenging the opportunity to travel spontaneously.
“I decided whether to turn left or right when I left the campground.” That is the spontaneity RVtravel.com founder Chuck Woodbury used to enjoy during his early days of RVing.
3. Cross-country RV trips: The changing nature of RV travel
Beyond fuel expenses and campground fees, the evolving nature of travel itself is contributing to the potential decline of cross-country RV trips.
A. Digital alternatives
The digital age has ushered in a new era of travel, offering people the opportunity to explore destinations and cultures virtually. Through online platforms, travelers can access a wealth of information, from virtual RV park tours and travel blogs to real-time reviews and recommendations. This digital exploration may reduce the motivation to embark on lengthy cross-country RV trips, particularly among those who seek convenience and cost savings.
B. Urbanization and overcrowding
Many RV travelers, the author included, seek to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. However, as cities continue to expand and attract more visitors, natural spaces are under increasing pressure from urbanization and tourism. The very destinations that once provided solace and rejuvenation for RV travelers are becoming overcrowded and commercialized, diminishing the appeal of these journeys.
C. Time constraints
In today’s fast-paced world, many people face time constraints that make it challenging to commit to extended cross-country RV trips. Work, family obligations, and other responsibilities limit the amount of time available for travel. This leads individuals to opt for shorter, more convenient vacations, which are easier to plan and fit into busy schedules.
Conclusion
Cross-country RV trips have been a quintessential part of the American travel experience, offering a unique blend of adventure, comfort, exploration, and the allure of the open road. However, the future of these treks is at risk, with escalating fuel expenses and rising campground fees posing significant challenges. Additionally, the changing nature of travel itself, driven by the digital age, urbanization, and time constraints, is reshaping the way people approach RV travel.
The author is hopeful the spirit of cross-country RV adventures will find a way to endure into the future. Time will tell!
Do you believe cross-country RV trips are becoming a thing of the past?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below. I look forward to reading them.
##RVDT2607
Yes, All the above is contributing to people not wanting to (or cannot) afford to go across the country as we used to do. Some say its all about (15 minute cities) that government’s are trying to get us to conform to. Some (mainstream media) say it’s a conspiracy theory. Of course they do.
The reduction in spontaneity because of campground crowding is the biggest thing, I can deal with the rest.
Our “Cross-Country” trip this past September. From SW Michigan to Idaho. We had 0 problems with reservations or amenities. But many problems can be mitigated by traveling off peak, we are both retired. Fuel costs, for us, was no issue. Political manipulation of fuel prices is nothing new. Does anyone remember the 70’s and 80’s? We didn’t stop traveling, at 55 mph, because of expensive fuel prices.
We were considering driving to Alaska, in 2024. We did it in 1987 and today, quite a number of people still do. Or travel plans will change mainly because we don’t want to spend that much time driving.
I have made a dozen trips to Alaska working there and buying several properties there because of the mess the lower 48 was in…still is. I miss Alaska…but now even that state is overtaken with the many problems the lower 48 has. Maybe get a large pontoon boat and sail the seven seas?
We’ve gone cross country twice in the last two years. It’s the best way to see family and friends, which also gives us a place to stop along the way – no campground fees. With our smaller B class van, we get great gas mileage, and with solar power, we can stay anywhere without the need for hookups. More eco friendly than jet travel, hotels, and rented cars. Plus, it’s the only way to travel with our two dogs. Next summer we’re going to Alaska!
My husband and I have gone from our home in Kentucky to the west coast and the southeast twice now since he retired. Both 6 week trips. We are fulfilling our travel dreams and have loved every minute! I’m a planner. At 70, I’ve been camping since I was a young teen. The research and reservation-making are part of my fun. I’ve encountered no difficulties getting sites where we needed and wanted them, including over a dozen national parks areas. We budget ahead for fuel. None of the “problems” you mentioned are going to stop us from further long trips. The only thing that will stop us is poor health. After all, we still have the 5 states of the Pacific Northwest to get to!
You sound like us (jerry above) at 71 & 72! Enjoy.
We are pondering now, we had a Class A fixed exactly like we wanted and sold it due our age(80’s) and daughter talking about it. Then we missed it and decided to downsize to a truck and trailer. Then gas prices soared out of sight with no relief in sight so we sold them. Now we are talking about all the things we miss about our Class A and thinking about throwing caution to the wind and doing it again. I told DW we might only have 4-6 years before we HAVE to give it up, so we are “pondering” whether to do it or not. If our health held up it would be great but, DW is having numerous health issues, nothing deadly just annoying. I’m starting to have nagging issues also.
Agree with Mike. The average cost of gas ($3.27) is actually less than it was 20 years ago ($3.72) adjusted for inflation. Harder to nail campgrounds since there is such a range from $0 to $100+. On the other hand that provides RVers a better shot at sticking to budget than folks using hotels. Lots of open land out west at least but other opportunities elsewhere. I’ll admit it might take more planning than before especially for decent full hookup sites but it can be done. We don’t have any trouble staying outside of growing urban areas.
Good article, but one part I doubt: “…many RVers are weighing the ecological impact of their travel choices…” I don’t think more than one in a hundred RVers have had this thought. With the millions of cars and trucks on the road our impact is infinitesimally small. We’re not going to stay at home with an RV in the driveway after we spent tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase it, because of some environmental concerns.
We’ve done the cross country trips several times. Yes, it takes a lot of planning but something you really want to do does. The only thing slowing us down, like one reader said, are health concerns.
Sorry Max, it’s time to get your head out of the sand. If this year’s horrific weather and the hottest temps ever recorded by man haven’t convinced you, then you’re probably fact-proof, so I won’t bother trying. Those of us who have functioning brain cells know perfectly well what’s happening. And it’s NOT good.
So true DonH!
Rather harsh tone but anyway. Here are some info for you to ponder (without editorial or emotional comment). No one denies that climates have changed. But is man responsible? Numerous factors contribute to global weather patterns -sunspot activity, greenhouse gases, volcanism-and experts can be found on either side of the climate debate. But during the Medieval Warm Period (c. AD 800-1200) saw warmer than average temperatures that were even higher than the warmest years of the past few decades. The Little Ice Age (c. AD 1400-1800) brought cooler average temperatures than those experienced in modern times. (Source: 2008 Loehle and McCulloch – 2000-Year Global Temperature Reconstruction)
Don. Really?
Gve us a big ole Baaaaaahhhhhh and follow the orders from your Master.
A very well respected climatologist in the 1970’s when politicians said we was entering an ice age said earth goes through a 100 year cycle of heating and cooling. He said it cools off for 50+/- years then heats up for 50+/- years. Let’s see that was the mid 70’s when we were going to be covered in ice, now 45 years later we’re going to burn up. If I lived on the left coast I would seriously start reading the Bible where God said he would not destroy the world with water but by fire the next time. Where do 90% of wild fires happen?
Up until Covid we (retired) wandered for months exploring our country (Canada) and the USA. We never had a night where we could not find accommodation to camp. We very rarely used Walmarts or Cracker Barrels. During Covid, we stayed in Canada and again no difficulty staying in Provincial Parks and private camps.
Soon we will depart for the USA for 5 months so we’ll see how the wandering works out. We only have one reservation at the moment and that’s because we wanted a solid month in AZ otherwise we will be winging it.
We’ll see. We will be off season and very flexible using other options occasionally like Harvest Host/Boondockers welcome etc.
Wish us luck.
Good luck
My wife and I have been crossing the country regularly for the past 13 years (since I fully retired) in a 5th wheel trailer at first and now in a 40′ coach. We’re currently in Saint Augustine FL, having left our home on Puget Sound in mid-October, and we’ll be home around April 1st. We have no intention of cutting back on that regimen. The issues you list are unfortunate, but they’re certainly not the kiss of death for us. And judging by the occupancy rates of the RV parks we stay in, nobody else is cutting back either. Sorry, Chicken Little, the sky is NOT falling…
COSTLY!
A few years back I bought a property ,1 1/2 acres with several hundred feet on the water. The property is on the Penobscot River in Maine. One of the largest and widest rivers in Maine. It runs from north Maine and empties into the Bay of Maine tag Bucksport, Maine.
I paid $28,000 for the property. It has no electric, but is only several hundred feet from a power source. It does have a septic. No gas expenses, and the property increases in value every year. Granted it is isolated, so you don’t have neighbors which to me is a plus. Cheap to stay there, and it’s all mine.
I am pretty well done with the road. But that is just me. I like the peace and quiet.
Merry Christmas.
You have discovered and secured a Utopia, enjoy the peace and serenity , many envy your position.
I cannot believe how political this has gotten. It’s suppose to be about RV travel people. Leave your politics at home. Be nice. It won’t kill you.
News Flash ! Political agendas effect camping, living, health care , investment portfolios, grocery prices, Et Al
Have you been living under a rock the last 3 years? Politics has controlled our lives the last 3 years, before that everyone lived very peacefully day to day. Since January 20, 2021 it’s been inflation, price of fuel, threats of WW III. I would gladly go back to my lifestyle of 4 years ago.
Global issue. Not US. US actually making better moves than most of the world.
Thank you, Sharon
Thank you for saying this. The problem with fuel and other prices has been going on since the 70’s. Fuel prices spiked in the 70’s (Arab oil embargo), and then again in the 80’s. No matter who is in power, prices are governed by oil companies, utility companies and even large retail wanting HUGE profits. Then and now, the government has no control over these big companies.
Plus, it’s all relative. When I first started working in the 60’s gas was about 30 cents a gallon and I was making about $150/wk. Cars cost an average of $2,000. McDonalds was selling hamburgers for 15 cents. New houses were around $30k.
Max, will you please share whatever you’re smoking? it must be really exceptionally good stuff.
Thank you. We need more articles like this to dissuade other RVers from crowding the campgrounds. Before we spent $$$’s on ours, we did our home work, Yes mpg stinks. Yes campgrounds can be expensive. And, yes they can be difficult to schedule. (Don’t tell anyone, we still think it is worth it.)
What hasn’t become more expensive and difficult in recent years???
If we simply hide in a closet to avoid all the issues that befall us what a wonderful life that would be!!
Let’s face it there are just too many people populating our great country all trying to vie for opportunities to enjoy it. It doesn’t matter whether it is camping or any other activity… Just too many people!
My wife and I are full timers. We’re on our 6th year. We love traveling and exploring different sites and sounds. You can’t get that from VR or a YT video. Yes, has pricing fluctuates but we have built that cost into our retirement. As for crowded campgrounds, we haven’t had any issues and for the most part, they have been inexpensive and easy to find a spot. Have fun, hit the roads.
We went across the country in early April. Leaving from southeast PA. Went south to Georgia then west. Last reservation was in Georgia. We never had a problem finding a campground. We stayed in Yellowstone park with full hook ups. There were no crowds at this time of year. The only crowded park was Zion. Beautiful drive, beautiful country. We were gone seven weeks. Still so much more to see!
Max, you are spot on. I am a biology professional who has studied climate predictions since the 1970s. The Climate Change mafia “science” is so ludicrous that not one of them will ever debate. The climate for the next 30 years will be generally cooler (it is the sun after all!) – we see that in early snow falls and the depth of snowpack and cold weather in both hemispheres. Climate is not an issue but Campground crowding and the general lack of appealing conditions in many of them have just made getting on the road less fun. I also see the same trend in hiking and backpacking.
Good morning to you, Concerning cross country RV travel, I still enjoy cross country sights and camping. The one change in my travels I made a few years ago, I take US highways and steer clear of big towns and interstates. I have a 15 foot camper that I pull with a Ram 1500 truck. I seldom have issues with campground reservations as I stay at campgrounds with no hook ups and vault toilets that are usually off the beaten path. The mega camp resorts are just not my thing. Everyone has their own thing and thats what camping is all about.
I carry my lodge cast iron camp pot and cook some very good meals. I also carry a small size crock pot.
I have met so many nice fellow campers.
We live in the south central U.S. Our travels typically take us to the Northwest, or the Northeast, including Canada in both directions. Occasionally a trip Southeast (FL). Only advancing age is significantly impacting our road trips. We are fortunate.
The factors in the article hasn’t slowed us down as much as health, doctors visits, ability to travel longer distances in short time spans. We have been content to make shorter, more regional trips throughout the South and Southeast where we live and explore more historical sites and events, museums, small towns, local attractions, etc. Money isn’t an issue for us and our 25’Sprinter based LTV gets good gas (diesel actually) mileage and the types of campgrounds we want, are less expensive than the resort types which we avoid anyway. We never get advance reservations unless it’s the day or maybe week before. Anyone can still enjoy traveling by RV if you adjust your expectations.
A lot of bunk in this article. And, I can’t believe the use of AI-created pictures after all the anti-AI talk here in the newsletter. I’m with Max down near the end of the comments. Mr. Helgeson has lost some points with me on this one.
Whenever this newsletter talks of “campgrounds “ it is crowded,expensive commercial campgrounds or boondocking at Walmart. Haven’t you used state, county, Corps of Engineers or Forest Service campgrounds? Less money, more beauty!
This article sound like a pitty party. People have money to do what is important to them.
I look forward to taking a relaxed cross country RV trip after I retire. I want to thoroughly explore the Lewis & Clark trail. Currently, I work full time while RVing, so we only drive to get from one RV park to the next in the shortest time so I can be setup for the next work day. Over the years we realized that we prefer to explore the west, so we store our RV in AZ even though we live in MO. It has been cheaper to fly back and forth instead of racking up more miles on the motorhome. The expenses are challenging, and we research and find every way we can to reduce costs. So far, “where there’s a will there’s a way” seems to work for us.
We have been spending 4 to 7 months a year on the road since 2015 and have seen some of the changes noted in this article. We have been cross country and back several times but this last year may be our last, solely based on the cost of gas. We were in Death Valley several years ago and took a picture of the gas price as ridiculously high, it’s now the norm and California prices are through the roof. I would also note that Army Corps sites are still a bargain but State Parks which we love for an out of state person are creeping up to the level of commercial campgrounds.
Although some good points about costs I disagree that cross country camping is not as popular, I meet many who have and are doing just that. The “Climate” issue is complete nonsense, our foot print in the camper is no more and in fact less than many who make up these ridiculous “Climate Crisis” claims.
We plan on doing several cross country trips over the course of several months, go to a location, park for a week or so, see the area sites then move on.
First, I do agree with the three main reasons presented. However, there is an element of desire missing. Older RVers are aging out. Does the younger generation have that same desire to wonder about the country. We occasionally see them in their overpriced Class B’s. But they’re the exception to the younger families. Maybe we just don’t cross paths with them because or our travel destinations? SO…AI generated images? How much of this article was AI generated? It seems so “disconnected” – not quite “hitting the mark”. Even the disconnect in the 3 titled segments. OR…maybe I got it wrong. Could an AI generated article do better. But then, what do AI programs know about fulfilling desires?
For us, preparing and going on a road trip is like going to the moon. It may cost more, but it is totally worth it. We do it not because it is easy, but because it is hard.
“We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win, and the others, too” JFK
I travel for work and take my travel trailer along whenever the weather allows. Occasionally, my family will join me for a weekend getaway so I feel fortunate enough that we can spend time together doing this. Recently, we spent our 20th anniversary touring England and Scotland in a rented motorhome and then spent our 25th in another rented motorhome in Ireland. Spending 2 weeks abroad is a great way for us to see the sights, visit with the locals, and just spend time together. When it’s planned as a vacation to a foreign country……suddenly the expense feels more “worth it.”
I have owned,and actually used, RV’s for the last 50 years and have seen in the past 10-15 years the illusion of the old ways are fast disappearing.People today are not tolerant or ethical like they used to be…one might get assaulted for asking a question…or worse shot at. I don’t think America will ever be like it was,especially in the RV world…so for all us “old fogies” who lived the good life in a common sense world…happy trails.
Now that is something to think about.
How typical, lets turn everything into a conspiracy theory. This is a RV travel article, comments should be helpful to those that would like to travel but don’t think they can. We started FT 5 yrs ago and the budget was $25/night for places to stay. We do not stay in fancy places, use rest areas/walmarts for overnight parking, have a senior parks pass and have learned a few things along the way. We have a seasonal spot for the winter in S. Texas, we pay an annual rate so we can come and go as we please. We also have learned staying longer in one place ends up cheaper in the long run, many times discounts on longer stays, travel in our truck w/o our 5th wheel almost doubles our gas mileage.
We are staying in New England this summer, never been. We picked a nice seasonal spot in Maine, and will travel w/o 5th wheel, again, to see the sites. We are even looking at using Amtrak, uber and hotels to visit DC, NYC, Philly and Boston instead of us trying to navigate high traffic cities. I did a quick calculation on “campground” expenses including the price of Amtrak and hotels in these cites, both our Maine and our annual TX spot, and our spring/fall trips to Wisconsin (a family thing) it came out to $27/night. only a $2 increase in 5yrs over my orig. budget, I can deal with that and look at what we get to see.
Wow, Dave. After reading that I thought about slitting my wrists or maybe drinking Drano for fun! 😉
We will continue to take long trips. This last year we were from Colorado to coastal Virginia. Never made a reservation more than a few weeks in advance. Never was in a campground that was full…in fact most were nearly empty during the week. Next year from Minnesota to Washington and Oregon.
For those that want to travel by RV, they will continue. I suspect many pandemic newbies will drop out and go back to flying and hotels. All the better.
We plan to start our cross country trip this August. If it had been prior to the pandemic we believe it would have been easier. Now we are “scheduling” many of our stops for popular locations. My parents made this trip in 1983 with no schedule! I have their map and details of stops as well as a colorful story written by my dad of their travels. I’m saddened it will not have the same “feel” as their journey. However, we plan to make the most of it!!
Doom and Gloom!
I guess that’s what sells in today’s world or maybe I should say that’s what gets “Published”!
We took an almost four week trip this past summer. Our longest ever. We saw a lot and realized there is so much more to see. The biggest obstacle we faced was having the time off from work. It was a major ordeal to schedule it and our employers probably weren’t the happiest about it. We will surely do it again but most likely not until we are retired.
All political parties need to sit down and TALK to each other instead of battling over who thinks they are right. They were elected to serve the public, not to push their ideas down everyone’s throats.
If there is anything to be learned as an RVer, the reasons and goals for RVing are broad. Those who want to roam as much of the earth as possible as turtles (carrying our homes with us) are one segment. And we should remember Dave is only describing that segment in an Op-Ed.
We might do it, but not as an ongoing lifestyle. For us, seasonal migrations lets us sample the perpetual roaming, then settle into an area we know. It balances the fuel costs of travel with the savings of living in a less energy intensive seasonal climate year-round.
Over ten years ago we tried to get a full hookup site at Yosemite. The sites filled up faster than we could choose one from the website. That has always been true of the most popular places. Everywhere else, no problem. Prices have gone up, for campsites and fuel and most everything else including hotel rooms and meals in restaurants. Incomes have gone up also, although they generally lag price increases, especially for retired folks. Our break even point is 100 miles a day, if we are going to drive more than that on a trip we will fly. At 8 miles per gallon and $4 per gallon, that is $50 a day for fuel, maybe $50 a day for a campsite. It is hard to find a hotel for less than $100.
High fuel prices are nothing new. My folks started RVing in the late 1940’s and quit in 1989 due to high fuel prices. It was cheaper to stay in motels even then.
We dreamed of cross country traveling when we were working, now in our 70s, we find that Doctor appointments are causing us to forego that traveling. Seeing several Docs every month, and can’t get the appts all on same day,. We now just make 2-3 days trips locally.
Agree
Breaking down is always my number one concern.
Due to the higher cost of everything this past few years including fuel, food, and rv sites we don’t even think about doing long cross country trips. We are staying closer to our home in Idaho and only doing trips to states in the Northwest or Southwest but NEVER to CA!!!
Staying in the Northwest and Southwest sounds perfect to me. I’m living in Chicago.
After watching a fantastic video of RVers in Idaho, we are planning on getting there. You live in a beautiful state.
We just finished our 4th cross country trip in our class C and we have enjoyed every one of them. Each trip had a very loose itinerary and we did not make reservations more than a day ahead except for one or two. This summer we traveled from Oregon to Nova Scotia, through New England, down the east coast and finally home through the mid west and Colorado. You need to be flexible and deal with challenges as they come up. The article sounds more like coming up with all the reasons not to do something than the reasons to do it!
At 72 years young…now is the time of our lives to do that which we love to do!
Do we wait till we are 75 or 80 when costs will be less and our health better? I don’t think so.
So we will find a way to make it happen.
Yes, I’m hanging up the keys due to “Environmental Concerns” – not! @@
We have balanced the higher fuel prices/campground prices by staying occasionally at Walmart, casinos with free parking, and other cheap campgrounds such as Corps of Engineers. This keeps our overall cost affordable. The $75 price of a campground in a popular area with full hookups can be balanced by a couple of nights at Walmart/casinos with just a parking spot and no hookups.
Thank you, Dave! Certainly some of those things that you have highlighted have some bearing on our travel. Other factors matter far more for DW and I. Our parents are in their 80s and 90s, nearby, and in declining health. We are needed to varying extents to help and look after them. Number two is that we live on a 120-acre farm that cannot be ignored for several months on end. We are planning to do a 4-month trip to Alaska and back when parental health allows. That may be as early as 2025. As to planning the trip, neither DW nor I are “spontaneous.” So, the trip will be painstakingly planned and reservations made as needed. This served us well for our 2019 Alaska trip.
Mr. Helgeson, your article has no fact based research, these are just your opinions or views personal or political. Given your background this could have been a much better piece of information. I was born in 61, I lived in a travel trailer until I was 14, I have owned many types of trailers and rv’s. I have traveled the US and Canada extensively. Everything in your article is incorrect and based on the comments pretty much everyone agrees on this. Any travel is based on energy whether it is fuel, electric, wind etc. In an rv you may not travel for days on end and hike, fish, swim etc using no resources. To bad false info gets spread like this.
“many RVers are weighing the ecological impact of their travel choices” an assumption by the op-ed. Not a fact.
I’m a Texan-everything is cross country! I haven’t stopped traveling yet. If there’s a will there’s a way and many places in the US and Canada I would like to visit just haven’t made it there yet!
I have been cross country at least 20 times over the past 50 years. I started the day I graduated high school and was addicted to travel the country. Whatever it costs, it is well worth it. I have seen things that I would have never been able to see without making these trips. I did it in sports cars when I was a kid, went with my parents in 1965 when I was 13, been on 8 cross country motorcycle trips. However you can afford to go, just go, you won’t regret it!!! Going again this summer in the motorhome, fuel will be expensive but there is no better way to see the country. If fuel is too expensive, use a low budget economy car, stay at the low cost motels and spend frugally, but just go!!!!
We live in Florida and our kids on the west coast. Tallahassee has a very poorly served airport so we risk flight cancellations and have been stranded several times at connecting airports. Now if we have to fly we travel at least 4 hours to a major airport and spend money on that transportation and parking. Yes cross country trips are exceptionally expensive now with the ridiculous price of gas. Traffic around large cities just as much a nightmare as security at sea tac. However with driving we are in control for the most part
Wow what a bunch of BS!!!
I’ve owned 3 RV’s in my lifetime.
The latest is a much loved meticulously pre owned 2009 Winnebago View with 40k miles on it. We purchase that 4 years ago at the start of covid for the purpose of travel since flying was out of the question and we are retired and enjoy the freedom. We take several trips a year some as long as 2 months we have crossed this beautiful country several times and now have close to 80k miles on our rig. Fortunately we get about 15mpg on diesel fuel. Have fuel prices and RV parks and other fees increased? Of course they have, so has the cost of everything else in life. Plenty of cheap options too, or no cost to go BLM+free solar.
Ditto. In my post above I mention the initial article was a good conversation. Two years ago we traveled for two months cross-country, from NY to CA. When I started planning in August of ’21 for the trip diesel fuel in NY was going for $3.52gal. When we departed home in May of ’22 it was up to $4.79gal, and we paid as high as $7.05gal in California (of course). But we adjusted, saw the planned places to visit, and skipped optional stops along the route to save $$$ on fuel. My wife and I will always remember that first CC trip. This is the stuff the article could’ve focused on.
I agree with both of your response comments. We did the same trip, but in opposite directions in ’22. We might have even crossed paths somewhere, who knows. Still in the planning stages for the next cross country trip! Gas prices are just part of the equation and don’t necessarily alter our plans.
Wow, the initial title of the piece got my attention. However, after reading the introductory paragraph you immediately lost my attention with “B” and “C”. This newsletter does nice little opinion polls (which I enjoy) and I would suggest they ask; How many RV’ers now camp less because of environmental concerns? Then, next week it can ask; How has the diminished availability of fuel stations impacted your RV travel plans?
The whole article is very left coast in thought and if I subscribed to the author’s point of view I would be selling my RV tomorrow with the thought of what in the world was I thinking even starting RV’ing, shame on me.
I would also like to point out as a working teen in the early 70’s gas was around ·50¢ a gallon. On minimum wage I could buy 3 gallons for an hours work. The same is true today. Thanks to technical advancement cell phones, internet etc we spend more monthly for the convenience that offers. I still have not seen an electric powered RV? I installed solar myself this year, cost me $2k with upgrade to lithium not to save money while traveling except now we don’t require FHU which has greatly improved our choices, no reservations needed !!! RV’ng is a choice, we love it. Go see your country.
The nature of rv traveling is that it saves energy and resources. You’ll use less electricity and water. If you stay for extended periods in a few places you can actually use less fuel as well. If you join an on line rv’ing site that books your spot, you’ve solved the reservation problem (but it can cause planning issues too). We’re adaptable and can solve most any problem.
I seldom find any reason to criticize the newsletter, but this is one of those times. This article is more fill than substance. We have been full-time, criss-crossing the country for 4 years. None of these so called issues are relevant in our travel.
Unfortunately I can’t agree with this article. The thing that has changed is gaining admission to popular national Parks on the whim. That has been lost. Gas prices fluctuate, campgrounds yes have raised fees but like everything we adjust and plan for it. RVing cross country will never become a thing of the past in my opinion. The only thing that stops RVing is when declining health makes it impossible.
Totally agree with your observations, Jacqueline.
I get this newsletter in my email and I usually check it out. But I must say, it contains a lot of tabloid-like “click bait” articles. Publisher must have a background in mass media! As for the article- I think the “pandemic” and its many political and social ripple effects have greatly changed the RV scene…and mostly all are negative. Everyone wanted in on the “gold rush” action and now- like any other thing or place that becomes too popular too quickly- a whole lot of what was great about RVing in the recent past is not so great now. I hope the “bubble burst” vigorously continues and the “good old days” return soon before I age out of it!
Many of the ads are from your web browser inserting them. RV Travel has nothing to do with it. Also, if you have donated, weekend editions should be ad free. I’m sure my “twin” Diane will correct me if I am wrong.
Hi, “twin.”😊 You’re correct. Have a great day. 😀 –The “other” Diane Mc…
Another worry in the future is the electrification of cars and trucks. An electric truck has very little range, especially when towing, and where do you find a pull-through charging station (when towing?)
Almost on point. I completely disagree with 2 points mentioned.
Environmental concerns and Digital alternatives. Those 2 points are for the misinformed and so-called green believers. We, USA should not play into these falsehoods. WHY? Learn the truth, learn the constant Major polluters: China, India.
Digital alternatives: We just entered the Stage of Digital world. We are not influenced by this source of information. We are going out to explore, experience and live! That’s why we Live each day to the fullest! We are Baby Boomers Older than 65+. We learned from our Parents and Grandparents. Work Hard and Enjoy Life!
I agree on the 2 points. I’m also retired. I tow a 33′ TT with a RAM 2500. 12MPG average. $150 to fill it up. All I want is full hookups, and no jerks camping near me. Campground prices are too high. $100 a night! Nuts! I’ve only been camping 3 years. Should I continue? Don’t know!
I can’t like your comment for some reason. You consider it liked with this.
We did a 5 month,15,000 mile grand RV tour of the entire USA in 2016. It was quite an adventure! Unforgettable. It was a LOT of stress and work, however. We’ve also done several 2-3 month RV adventures in past decade. We had a ton of fun. I’m nearing 74 now and, well, I just don’t think I want to attempt those long arduous trips going forward. We’ll continue to take the rig out for several weeks each year within a day or two’s drive and hang out at some cool places we love. But I suspect that cruises, house rentals, and car/hotel/resort trips will be our preference going forward.
I don’t known anyone that took their money with them when they died. I say go for it you will have the time of your life.
We love traveling in our RV. We have seen things that we would never have seen. We have done 3 RV Fantasy month long trips and one rally. They really take the hassle out of traveling and I guarantee you will see more and learn more as part of a tour group. And when you put pencil to paper you will find that traveling as part of a tour group is not much more than planning the trip on your own especially if you factor in the time spent making arrangements.
There is little in this article that I agree with.
I did one last year and it was awesome. I would definitely do it again, although there were challenges, as there always will be on such trips. I chronicled it week by week for RVtravel.com. See
https://www.rvtravel.com/wrapping-long-long-rv-trip-final-thoughts-takeaways-1080/
This article was just a thought that may effect some, NOT all. If it does not effect you, why knock it. Continue as to what you can afford. Affordability is what you will spend. Just don’t go out and do more than you can. Take time to smell the roses and see what you can.
I usually really enjoy your articles Dave, but I think this one was a big swing and miss. Maybe possibly aimed at a younger generation of RVer’s
Bill, I am sorry I disappointed you with this article. You might be correct with your age comment. RVtravel recently surveyed the readers concerning their age and I discovered I am a “youngster” among the readers.
We have been traveling cross country, to Canada & Mexico since 1997. We are leaving in January for a trip from CA to FL we have been doing since 2005 and in May from CA to IN we’ve done since 1997. With others in between. The comment about EV’s & public transportation imply no one will be traveling this great country of ours to see & visit amazing places & meet amazing people. What a shame. Yes, expensive. But we are near the end of our long travel days so are willing to just close our eyes and pay the price. We are blessed we can still afford it. That could change. We enjoy our travels too much to not do it. BTW, we travel in a 2002 38ft Newmar Dutchstar
Cross Country travel a thing of the past? Sure, for those who can’t or won’t be flexible, that will leave more options for us.
One challenge is that people traveling through just need a place to park their RV that has electricity only. The increasing demand has taken away the incentive for park owners to offer a service level that meets that need. I’m off the road at 4 PM and back on at 8 AM only need full services every fourth stop or so. One positive note is that more tow vehicles will have on board electrical sources like my Ford pickup does. I can use the hybrid truck battery to provide for my travel trailer needs for an overnight at a rest stop. I expect that soon, more pickup trucks will have that option.
Stan, exactly. 2022 F-150 7.2KW PowerBoost here pulling our Airstream 27FB coast to coast.
What a strange article for a publication dedicated to RV travels and the RV lifestyle. Maybe I missed something. I’m already looking forward to the 10k plus miles we have planned in 2024.
Not for me as I do at least 2 such trips a year for the past 8 years. I don’t live in a fantasy world with unrealistic expectations or unfounded fears, as the author seems to, but rather embrace the challenges of life and gain even more satisfaction when I succeed in watching a grizzly bear swim across String Lake from the comfort of my kayak. As to climate change and sustainability, the furthest things from my mind. The people I meet along the way seem to all be on the same page. Maybe the author should get out and see for himself. My biggest concern is the rise in bad driving.
I’ve been traveling cross country since the early 70’s. First in a small car, sleeping on the ground without a tent or in motels. Up and down the west coast and to Mexico. When I had a daughter, I upgraded to a nice tent, then bought an RV when she graduated from high school. I’ve traveled over 100,000 miles in the last 16 years, and over 15,000 in 2023, on the road for 6 months. I’m in my mid 70’s and if anything I’m traveling more and will keep it up until I can’t, for another 10 years or more. Yes, things cost more, but I usually average between 100 and 150 miles a day, I boondock more and more. I cherish the outdoors, avoid cities, and love the open road. Challenges yes, solutions yes!
Let’s “Cut to the chase.” In 2006 we took off to see America in our Motorhome. We joined Coast to Coast which gave us $10 a night parking at selected RV parks and joined other “discount” RV parking groups. 8 years later we had been to all 49 states and western Canada. On one trip from Maine to Florida and all over the east coast our daily cost was less than $25 a night. Do the math – 15 days at a $35 a night park and 15 day at a $10 a night C2C park is $22.50 a night.
Now a local area RV Park that use to charge $35 a night, today it is $125 to dry camp and $175 for hook up.
What RVing was and what it has become are two very different forms of financial enjoyment. I find that very sad.
Another comment on our finding a way to overcome the fuel cost is by winterizing our home and shop therefore not burning heating oil when we are gone.
This will equate into about 4000 miles of travel.
Earlier, I read about a survey RV Travel did on ages of readers and the majority are oldsters like me. When I read articles like this and then all the comments, I wonder how many of those readers are grumpy old people. I made a vow many years ago to NOT turn in to a grumpy old man. If you want to take a cross country trip (yes, I have), then go for it. The main difference these days is you do need to plan ahead. Be positive, eliminate the negative.
Planning the trip is half the fun! Anticipation is not overrated.
Yeah, yeah, the sky is falling, and the world ends tomorrow. Until then I’m going camping.
I think this article is based upon two factors: your age and your perspective on things. We have been doing the Camping Rv thing for 45 years now, gone through 13 different types of RV’s and currently enjoying our DP motorhome. Age is where a person has gone through all the scenarios of cost, both in RV’s and fuel. Perspective in that enjoy what you can, while you can. Overall, I think this article is not one of the better ones published and I found very little of use in it.
Why RV?
Super expensive campgrounds. Hard to make reservations. Crowded smaller sites. No privacy except in many state parks.
RV’s since Covid made with little care and filled with defects (with few exceptions), and super expensive. Why on earth would a brand-new unit require an independent contractor – inspector to determine if a unit was within specs? Crazy!
I suggest checking out: a) Cost of buying a $150 K unit (include the interest over 5 years)
b) Cost of gas going across country at 8 – 12 miles per gallon
c) Repairs / maintenance (if a used unit).
Compare with packing light and going across country via 29 MPG SUV and nice hotels at @ $150/ night average. Go figure!!!
We’ve been doing trips as you outlined lately, but where in heaven’s name do you find any halfway decent hotel for $150? Nowadays one has to book thru sites like Expedia or Booking.com to find any doable prices then we’re back to the whole planning every night in advance dance. It’s troublesome, often unclean and frustrating. There is a lot of value in sleeping in your own bed every night, cooking some meals at “home” and not lugging luggage to pack and unpack every day.
We thought we’d do as you suggested when we sold our last RV, but now are considering another RV as hotels are so expensive and unclean.
Many Holiday Inn Expresses are that range. We signed up for their reward program & got an IHG (International Hotel Group…many other hotels under same program) that we only use at the hotel. You get extra points for charging hotel with it. We’ve earned many free nights. Just recently used at Thanksgiving. Rooms are very nice, clean, Beds/pillows are great. “Free” coffee, breakfast,,,pretty good. Saves finding a restaurant.
We planned a trip from Virginia to Glacier NP, down through Yellowstone and back several years ago. Due to a back and knee injury I had to cancel all the cg reservations. Even though it was over 30 days ahead I lost money on every reservation, from $10 to 50% of the fee. To compare I cancelled a 2 week trip where we were staying in hotels and I lost not one penny.
The cost of hotels is more than campgrounds, usually, but you don’t pay until you arrive. Also the gas cost is much less driving our Subaru Crosstrek compared to our Nissan Frontier pickup with our tiny Runaway camping trailer. I am now planning a cross country trip for Sept 2025 and we are leaning towards the Subaru and hotels.
Anyone who thinks gas is getting more expensive doesn’t understand basic math or economics. Normalized for inflation, the price of gas has remained impressively flat since at least 1978.
https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/gasoline-prices-adjusted-for-inflation/
Useless article of zero value with no facts. Cross country RV trips are alive and well. We leave in 7 days on our next CT trip heading to Florida, north to NC (4/24) then Michigan then West arriving at the Balloon Fest in (10/24) then West to the left coast then East back to NC (8/24). This is our third CT trip in 6 years. The joy of our chosen lifestyle is the beauty of this country and the people who live here (some notable exceptions). We always end up with 6 to 8 families traveling our itinerary and loving every minute.
But if owners only focus on the negatives then what do they expect?
I laughed when it listed environmental concerns as a reason I wouldn’t go camping. If anything, I’m seeing more availability after the covid boom fascination has started to wear off.
When we got married and started camping together, we had to save for our vacation. Our income was $7,500 a year. Prices have gone up, but so has our income. We still save for our trips / vacations. Decide what is important to you and then save to make it happen. For us, a road trip is more important than a $4,000 wall to wall TV with cable or a new car every couple of years. Our wheels will keep on rollin’ and take us wherever we want to go.
We’ve been RVing about 4 months out of the year for 13 years now and we have no plans of slowing down. The sights that we see, nice people that we meet and just the sheer enjoyment of being on the road is absolutely priceless! With the option of using Harvest Host and Boondockers sites as very inexpensive places to stay our costs have actually come down in recent years. Not to mention all of the cool and unexpected sites that we see either at the host sites or what we happen to run across on our way there.
You have a wonderful attitude!
We are about 1/2 way across the country on a 10 day crossing. The biggest single issue to us has been the deteriorated condition of interstate road surfaces. I’ve experienced 2 damage components to the rig so far on the trip from rough road conditions. Lets be honest- a good many states have just abandoned maintenance of their highways. Others do a great job. Traffic in major metro areas is also a factor that makes the trip less desirable. I have told the family I have no desire to ever run from GA to CA – and back again- after this trip. Yes- fuel cost is a factor and there is no way I’ll ever consider an electric vehicle.
No doubt gas is more expensive, as well as campsite fees. We’re adapting by doing more boondocking, with an occasional night at a campground to recharge. We set a monthly budget, and try real hard to keep within it. True, we sometimes miss the heated spa at a campground, but we can live without it. It’s the experience and adventure of traveling that inspires us. We travel about four months of the year, but we keep mostly west of the rockies. There’s plenty to see and do.
We are getting ready to head out from North Carolina to Arizona in mid February. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE planning trips and I’m pretty darned good at it. We will be gone for 2 1/2 months. We stay mostly in State Parks, County Parks and COE campgrounds. We are spending the month of March in Arizona in a VRBO rental with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms so we aren’t “roughing it” the entire trip. That’s one thing we’ve learned, you get discounts when you book for long term. We planned for years to spend our retirement years traveling for as long as we are healthy enough to do it. Our trips are not extravagant but they are so much fun!
We both retired 12 years ago and sold almost everything and set out in our 36′ motorhome to see the US and Canada. We were so very fortunate that we did that – then! We’ve camped in every lower 48 states and all across Canada. We’ve camped and visited about 75% of the Nat’l Parks as well as many of the State Parks for 8 yrs. That said, I don’t think if we set out to do that today, we could enjoy it like we did then. We loved the freedom of making reservations “on the fly” and being able to get into the Nat’l Parks easily. All that’s pretty much gone now. I could live with the extra cost, but not the difficulties that’s been added. We’ve slowed down to closer, shorter trips now.
I enjoyed my winter trip from Alaska to New Mexico and back. I made only one reservation. I only had a couple of nights where I couldn’t stay where I wanted but it all worked out. My big disappointment was the closure or closed” off season venues.
Pathetic A I article…Chuck, I thought you weren’t going to allow these in your newsletter
Are you confusing the AI generated photos with the whole article on cross country travel, written by Dave Helgeson?
MattD, the article was written by Dave Helgeson, no A.I. involved. He used two AI-assisted images to illustrate his essay, which were clearly labeled as such. We’ve always had problems finding photos to illustrate articles — with our small editorial budget we can’t exactly hire models and professional photographers to go out on location to shoot a photo that fits a particular article — we’d go broke in a few months. We discuss in our writers meetings about the use of A.I. in both writing articles and creating images. So far we’re okay with creating A.I. images as long as they are labeled as such. We do not use A.I. to write articles, although sometimes we use it as a writing aid.
I stand corrected and I understand the use of AI photos. Thank you.
You complain about the use of AI because of the economic impact on journalists but don’t see a problem using AI for images don’t guess that affects the economics of photographers.
Perspective just depends on how you look at it
I think the article was well written and organized and it made for a thought provoking read. I disagree with many of the points for our family. Each year we have a major plan, Two years ago it was about going east to Tennessee to see friends and then exploring that part of the country and north into Michigan. This last travel season we were in western Canada and Alaska. 2024 will find us back east again, with more exploration toward the Atlantic. This will probably be the last year we travel east of the Mississippi in our RV. It is just a long way to go. Maybe fly and drive in the future.
My wife and I made the decision to make higher campground fees even more disastrous to our pocket book! We picked a general price that we thought a campground should cost per night. That price became $35. Any camp spot costing more was paid but the amount above the $35 cap was also put into a plastic container. We “doubled” the pain. Anytime we found a campground for less, we took the difference out of the container. (That did happen a few times!) It became so much fun, we became astute at searching for values just to see if we could squeeze a burger out of the container! Next season we will enjoy as many free nights as the container provides and take that as a reward for this year’s fun.
I averaged $7.50 per night last year with Thousand Trails. Ignorance will always be expensive. The RV creates the experience of freedom that no other country on earth enjoys.
Articles such as this only pertain to some of us. This year we traveled from California to Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois (for 90th birthday here), Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Washington DC,Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, and back to California. With the exception of Cherry Hill for its easy access to DC we did not desire nor stay at resort campgrounds. Generally, where we stop is base camp for exploration with the towed car. No reservations except Thousand Trails. Stayed at several Elks lodges. No boon docking. Traveled 7,831 miles by RV plus 3,567 miles by car. Gas Buddy for diesel prices.
Perspective. Yep fuel cost more, well actually it costs more due to the devaluation of our money. We travel from southern Nevada to North Carolina then up to Michigan yearly. Our DP is transportation and lodging. We plan on 1$ per mile. We drag along a 25 foot trailer with a 6000 pound Bronco. We take our dogs too. There is no possible way to have these accommodations for 4-7 weeks for any less. We rarely stay at resorts or conventional parks. We Boondock or private property stay. Our fuel card EFS saved us a grand last trip. I’m more worried about the devaluation of YOUR retirement money and no one says a word about that.
Sounds like they didn’t save, or invest well enough to go RVing in the style they chose.
RVing isn’t cheap. It’s never been cheap. RVing in the 50s and 60s cost less, but people made less. It all boils down to income. And not everyone can afford it. just like not everyone can go on cruises, or fly to europe, and tour all the countries.
Silly comment. My parents used a travel trailer 70 years ago. Camped all over the west. It was cheap, easy and fun. My first camping trip at 6 week’s old to Oak Creek Canyon. Nope – $4 gas, $100 camp sites? NEVER!
Minimum wage 1950 $.75!
Factoring in inflation, I don’t think fuel prices have risen that much. Fluctuations are to be expected.
Public transportation is not an option if you think it’s the journey as much as the destination.
Most of the other objections are valid and a result of human overpopulation.(It also causes climate change.)
Sure, keep catering to the woke mentality and the false pretense of global warming and you all will just stay home. If this newsletter means to foster the RV community it must rail against the advocates of “Green” energy, which is at best a false promise – there is NO green energy, it is just a concept promoted to scare you into a shell. If any of you out there think the future of RVing is in electric powered vehicles you are being led astray. Try going on a trip of any considerable distance using electric power and compute the time it will take for stops to recharge batteries instead of refill a gas tank and you can safely add days to your excursion. (not enough room for me to finish)
Not one utility company in America can deliver the electricity needed to power their communities today with any reserves. NOT ONE.
EV is a fraud. We all know windmills and solar are expensive, require huge government subsidies, are entirely unreliable AND enrich China while depriving USA OIL and GAS.
Want cheap, plentiful and clean- USA NATURAL GAS. Convert existing internal combustion engines and stop the lies.
THE EU FORMALLY CATEGORIZES NATURAL GAS AS A “CLEAN ENERGY”!
We were full-time RVers for 6 years. The costs for us became prohibitive as described in the article. In addition to those costs are the cost of buying an RV in this day and age, plus the cost to maintain and repair RVs. I’m glad we got 6 years in, but it’s now more cost effective to live in a stick and brick, and take the occasional trip using motels.
Just do it ! Traveled over 3500 miles East to West on dirt, the rest on hardball from
N.Carolina to Port Orford towing my 15ft Aliner. JUST DO IT!
The biggest killers of cross-country RV travel are: (1) fuel costs, particularly diesel, (2) the takeover of RV parks by private equity firms driving up cost and diminishing benefits to the RV community, (3) the dismal build quality of RVs built since 2019, (4) the high cost of maintenance for RVs and, in the case of towables, tow vehicles.
Comparing diesel to gas. Diesel costs more per gallon, but you get better mileage. According to my calculations, diesel gives you more miles per dollar.
We would love to go to Quartzsite az. from ca. again this January with our rv club. But, with diesel so expensive, we estimate it will be 1000.00 in fuel costs.
Maybe next year
Be careful who we vote for. More climate change and we’ll be lucky to drive across town!!
Yes it’s expensive but compared to driving a car and staying in hotel rooms it’s still the way to travel the country.
Boy are you wrong. 7mpg. $4 gas. Even Marriott had good rates vs driving the rv and getting gouged for a site. And Marriott give free breakfast (for 2) and your car probably gets 25-30 mpg.
Beg to differ with your conclusion.
To quote you, “Boy, are you wrong.” It depends where you go, how long you stay, and what your entertainment desires are. I just did a comparison, using numbers from actual trips in the last 4 months. Trailering for a week, covering 1000 miles, we would spend $962 for fuel, campsites, and food. Staying in a moderately-priced hotel ($180/night), and driving the same 1000 miles, we would spend $2007. Yes, we have to pay for the trailer, but we bought it 8 years ago, paid cash, and have used it for over 20,000 miles (conservative estimate). That makes the trailer, basically, a minimal expense consideration. And, WE GET TO SLEEP IN OUR OWN BED EVERY NIGHT. That is a huge consideration. 😀
Fulfilling two bucket list items next summer: after attending the Rolling Stones concert in Atlanta we’re heading to Yellowstone and then who knows? Yes it’s not cheap but at 72 the clock is ticking. Looking forward to finally exploring the Southwest . Retired, will boondock some and reserve some in advance. You can’t take it with you.
Sounds great, Carol! And I love that the Rolling Stones concert is sponsored by AARP! Have fun! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Go for it. YOLO
It is sad what has happened to vacation traveling in the last few years. I remember growing up traveling the country when my father was transferred from one Coast Guard station to another. By the time I was 18, I had been up and down the ALCAN highway 11 times, all before it was straightened out and paved. The adventures of traveling on 1500 miles of dirt road in the wilderness was incredible. Driving across the lower 48 is becoming more and more of a nightmare. Skyhigh fuel prices, campgrounds catering more to long term residents, and the road system is falling apart. I am leery about bouncing my TT down the roads for fear of damage.
I have RV’d for 50 years, been cross country nine times (different routes), and been fortunate enough to travel about everywhere I had a desire. It takes planning, and financial preparation. I always have another trip in mind, but at my advanced age, I am less determined. Fuel prices are not an issue if you want the experience. My first trip was 30+years ago, nearly 3 months with fuel cost of $1700. Last year we did 5 weeks with fuel cost of $3300. We waste more than that on nonessential items. I also winter in Florida and home base in NC mountains. Campgrounds are a small consideration as our diesel pusher can travel up to 10 days without visiting a campground.
Agreed – the cost of a cross-country is pretty significant, especially when you’re on a budget. This past summer, I went from Ohio to Idaho and back, pulling my travel trailer. I had all my stops booked 7 months in advance. But I knew diesel was going to be my biggest expense. Round trip cost me just over $1400. Had several other issues happen on the trip, but fuel topped the list. Would I do another cross-country trip?? Actually yes, I’m planning another trip to Idaho in the next couple years. Fingers crossed I’ll be able to afford it.
What a terrible article. Fuel prices, there are various ways to judge them before departure. Environmental impact, well you can go crawl into a cave. Fossil fuels aren’t leaving us yet. Electric RVs? Weight, range, and cost will put them out of most people’s reach. And, the EV car industry is in a deep nose dive. If folks aren’t buying $50K cars, who will dish out the big bucks on an EV RV? Even manufacturers have to have a base level of business expectations before they can afford to build them. I stopped reading the article at this point.
My first cross country trip was with my parents when I was 13 years old, 5 siblings stuffed into an Oldsmobile station wagon. It was one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had! Just out of high school, me and my best friend went cross country 3 summers in a row. I have since taken my wife and children across country 3 different times. After I retired, we did it 3 more times in 7 years. I have also been cross country on my motorcycle with groups 6 of the past 11 years. I would go again today! Don’t pass up the chance. Spontaneity is gone when going to such places as the National Parks with reservation systems, etc. but I wouldn’t miss the opportunity.
We’re currently on a cross country RV adventure, hauling our 5’er from Oregon to Alabama and back. Having a great time. As far as fuel cost, we figure you either suck it up and do it or stay at home, your choice. We have cut back in other areas, saving money where we can so that the cost of fuel is relatively a non factor. In example, we don’t eat out much any longer and we take advantage of fuel saving programs.
Gasoline and diesel prices are directly related to Wall street and global greed….facts are facts.
Look at the costs of research, exploration, capital, risk, global transportation, refining, regulations, applied State & Federal TAXES, etc., etc., that it takes to get us a gallon of fuel.
Now compare all those costs and the final price to that of a gallon of milk, bottles of water, or soda pop in a can!
I’m always amazed they can provide fuel for what price they do compared to the cost of other liquids I buy!
I’m retired now so I have more time to go but less money, when we were growing up our parents didn’t have much money either so they took out a loan to go on vacation and by the time we were ready to go next time they had the loan paid for and then they would take out another one to go , but we all enjoyed it so they didn’t mind, it was like having a loan that was never paid off but all the memories were worth it, now I’m kinda doing the same thing but there again it’s the memories that matter more, it’s kinda crazy to do it that way but I can’t sit home, I want to see this beautiful country because even though I was a OTR driver and ran all 48 I didn’t have time to stop and see anything.
Well, that was a doom and gloom story if I ever read one! Geez!
DW and I live in the midwest, so our cross country travel is across half the country. This year to NY & PA. Using our Open Roads card, we minimize fuel cost…fuel costs have always fluctuated…oil is a commodity! It’s something we live with. Camping costs? Shop around, plan, use discounts from clubs you are a member of, book early, boondock. The most expensive FHU 50 amp park we booked this year is $43/night. Some are 50 amp E/W in the $30 range. We’re mostly in state or regional parks.
People can mope & cry or get out there and find a way. I’ll choose the latter, thank you!
Easy to think of cross-county being E<>W. We semi-annually do N<>S. Our large TT stays in TX year-round. We use an adventure friendly, self contained, SUV towable TT for the trip. We try to alter our route (almost border to border) to take in a new spot each trip. <continued>
A couple years ago we came south and my spouse’s mother died a few weeks later. The north was already snowbound. We have a large dog and 2 cats. Flying was not an option. For fast planning, we used our RV route and pet-friendly hotels near our RV stops. Because prices had barely changed between the trips, we had a pretty much apples to apples comparison to towing vs hotels. Towing was about $200 cheaper over 1700 miles and MUCH more convenient with the pets and the pets were much happier to be in a familiar place.
Just came back from a 7000 mile trip CA to FL. Diesel using Open Roads card mostly average around $3.15 when removing CA fills. Regular gas below $3.00 in many places. We get back home in CA and diesel posted is $4.50 to $5.00. Regular high $4’s. Mostly CA taxes in the differences…rest overhead & regulatory due to high cost of living here.
Thank you for your thoughtful discussion, Dave! I think that the answer to your question is largely dependent on the expectations of travelers. DW and I are largely new to RVing. We joined her parents at various times and places in their journeys for more than 10 years, but only began RVing ourselves 8 years ago. Thus, our expectations are far different than those who have camped and RVed for 20, 30, or more years. While all you have noted and described is true, it essentially is the “norm” for us. Consequently, we plan to travel to Alaska again this summer. Our planned return presently includes the Pacific NW. Perhaps our paths will cross? Meanwhile, have a great day and safe travels!
We’ve taken 2 long cross country trips in the past 2 years. While we did reserve sites in a few popular areas, we never had problems finding O/N spots. We calculated flying/car rental/food/lodging or car-trip/food/lodging costs and determined that RVing only costs us more TIME, not $$. We also want to see God’s creation as we go, which we would miss by flying. As far as the environment goes, I suppose we could sell the RV and all motorized vehicles, use bikes locally, and stay home. That will really enhance the quality of life and will make very little difference considering China is doing with their coal plants.
I average 8,000-10,000 miles per year. Thank goodness fuel has dropped significant since late January. I’m saving a bunch of money versus the past few years.
Good thing your fuel cost is lower , nothing else has gone down.
Prices have gone up since the day I was born. Wages have gone up since the day I was born. Same for my parents and grandparents. Much of the cost is because of the gadgets we think we need. Why are we complaining all of a sudden? We’ve been dealing with this our entire lives.
We live in the Midwest but RV exclusively in the West. So, we made PHX our home base for the RV. We store it in PHX and fly back and forth to home using credit card points. We spend summers & winters in the West, spring and fall at home. This reduces our RV mileage by 4000 miles each year.
With all the severe weather throughout the country due to climate change, I’m getting concerned about traveling to areas too far from home or that I am not familiar with. Tornados, floods, wind storms, etc. are getting worse and more common, and an RV is not the best place to be in these conditions. Most RV parks have a building that people can shelter in, but we travel with 5 chihuahuas, and we are concerned about room for them in a shelter. Don’t know what we are going to do yet.
Vicki, some storm shelters do not allow dogs. So be sure to keep that in mind.