You don’t have to break the bank to go on an RV road trip. We’ll break down how you can rent and ride off on a road trip for $500 or less, including:
- What to drive
- Where to stay
- What to do
Let’s get budgeting!
What to Drive
The price of an RV rental depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Type
- Location
- Amenities
To make things easier, Outdoorsy lets you search by all of these factors, among others, like pet-friendliness, ratings, and even price! To find a rig within your price range, simply filter your search. You’ll only be shown RVs in your area that are within that range.
If you want just a one night staycation or quick, close to home vacation, you can find a cute Class C ranging from $150 to $200.
For under $100, you can usually find a small travel trailer or rooftop tent! This means, on a weekend trip, you’ll only end up spending around $200, which is far cheaper than most hotels.
Travel Trailers
If you have a vehicle that can tow a trailer, a popup or small travel trailer, like a teardrop, is an easy and budget-friendly option. Plus, they are the easiest to tow and provide just the right amount of space for both sleep and storage.
Rooftop Tents
If you don’t have a vehicle with the capacity to tow a trailer, don’t fret! You can rent a vehicle with a rooftop tent. Owners will list SUVs, trucks, and vans with attached rooftop tents — the perfect mix for travel and camping.
Where to Stay
The most budget-friendly overnight option is boondocking! If you’re new to the idea, boondocking is free camping in places without amenities like sewer, water, or electric hookups. For a night or weekend stay, this is easy!
You can boondock at:
- Public lands
- RV-friendly businesses
- With friends
BLM lands, Walmarts and Cabelas, and friends’ driveways are all viable options.
You can find free places to stay anywhere. Find a place to boondock on sites like Allstays or Campendium.
What to Do
For a $500 budget, it’s best to stay close to home to keep gas costs low. Some rentals will also charge per mile after a certain point, so keep that in mind. Some of the best low-cost travel options are:
- State park visits
- Staycations
State Parks
State park visits are a great option for a quick weekend trip. You can visit multiple in your area with a state park pass! These passes will get you into your local state parks for a year.
Staycations
You don’t even have to leave your backyard or driveway for a little getaway. If you don’t have the time to make an entire road trip, consider having an RV delivered for a staycation! This leaves more budget for you to spend as you please, maybe splurge for a vintage RV or the Airstream trailer of your dreams.
Get Some Bang for Your Buck
Whether you have $2000 or $500 to spend, Outdoorsy has a rig for you. Check out small trailers and rooftop tent vehicles in your area, and start planning for a great adventure on a budget!
