It’s sometimes difficult for me to stay on budget, especially when RVing. That’s why I’m so happy that we keep an adventure activity account.
It’s our version of budget protection that we call our Triple A fund—not to be confused with the much more famous auto insurance company.
But we may never be here again!
Maybe you can relate. You’re driving along when you see a billboard for the biggest ball of twine, or a presidential birthplace, or a countywide farmers’ market. Stopping for too many unplanned experiences can throw your budget off track. That’s where the adventure activity account (AAA) comes into play.
The AAA (or RV fun fund) is a dedicated pot of money set aside strictly for these delightful detours. We treat ours like a sinking fund. We decide on a monthly amount, automate contributions, and monitor spending. The RV fun fund helps us avoid dipping into our emergency savings or racking up credit card debt.
Why you need it
RV travel comes with its share of predictable costs—fuel, campground fees, and propane bills. However, the best moments are often unplanned. A quick detour to a local festival, an impromptu kayak rental, or that hand-crafted market all demand cash on hand. A separate “fun fund” gives you the freedom to indulge without guilt or financial stress.
Getting set up
• Monthly allocation. Use a budgeting framework to decide how much of your income goes into your AAA or RV fun fund. Experts suggest the 50/30/20 rule—50% for needs, 30% for wants (which includes fun), and 20% for savings. Within that 30% for wants, carve out a line item labeled “RV Activity Fund” so it’s visible every time you review your budget.
• Choose the right account. Keep your RV activity fund separate from everyday and planned spending. Many RVers open a high-yield savings account specifically for travel or fun dollars. You can open a dedicated travel savings account and set up automatic monthly deposits. This not only tracks your progress but also earns interest on idle funds. If you prefer to keep all your money under one roof, consider subaccounts offered by many online banks. Schedule a transfer to your RV activity fund each payday, even if it’s just $25.
Maintaining your fund on the road
• Track spending. Use a simple spreadsheet or budgeting app to record every fun-fund withdrawal—ice cream stops, park entry fees, local brewery tours. If you set up your spreadsheet to track categories like “Local tours and activities” and “Souvenirs,” you always know exactly where your fun dollars went.
• Adjust for seasonality. Unless you are a full-timer, your RV travels may ebb and flow. Review past months’ spending (look back at bank or credit card statements) to adjust your monthly contributions up or down as needed.
• Replenish quickly. After a yummy farmers’ market haul or spontaneous hot-air-balloon ride, restore any overdrawn fun-fund balance. Automate a mini “top-off” transfer or use windfalls—tax refunds, side-gig income, or campsite-hosting tips—to refill the fund without guilt.
Smart ways to use your activity fund
• Leverage passes and discounts. If your RV route takes you through multiple federal lands, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass often pays for itself after two park visits and covers more than 2,000 sites. Always check Recreation.gov for site-specific digital passes, which may offer daily, weekly, or seasonal options at select parks.
• Local deals. Scan local tourism websites or visitor centers for coupon books, “pay-what-you-will” museum days, and community events. Many small towns host free concerts or locally led workshops. These are perfect for stretching your activity fund.
• Memberships and passports. Consider memberships to national, state, or local organizations. A museum or zoo membership might save you money if you visit multiple times. RV club memberships (like Harvest Hosts or Thousand Trails) may include free tours or discounted local excursions. Factor these benefits into your activity-fund planning.
Do you maintain an RV adventure activity account or something similar? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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RVDT2648
Back in the late 50’s-60’s my late wife Joan grew up in Canada and had an envelope system w/each being labeled for it’s purpose. It could only be used for that purpose – except buying new clothes on sale which were a priority of course! When we bought our lst mtrhm in 1988 she handled all travel funds unrelated to operating the mtrhm. Altho I usually had reservations paid in advance. Joan covered food, fun and sightseeing etc. (No envelopes tho). We each had checking accounts and a single savings account. Now, it is better to keep all funds in a single account and draw the interest on a larger balance account. Not sure there will be any Rving in my future at this point.
Thank you for the many suggestions, Gail! 🙂 Perhaps one day, but not this one. Have a great day and safe travels!