25 Ways to Save on Gas while Camping
With the current crisis in Europe, the price of gasoline has skyrocketed. Here are some tips on How to Save on Gas While RVing this year.
Let’s face it, the cost of owning an RV can be high. This is not more evident than when the price of oil rises and owners really feel the pinch at the gas pumps.
We asked members of our Illinois camping group if they would be altering their camping plans this summer. For the most part, they are planning to camp as normal. We have added their quotes to the gas-saving tips throughout this article.
Save on Gas in 2025
While these tips on saving at the pumps are geared toward campers, these tips apply to all drivers.
Join a Club
Membership clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club always offer gasoline discounts. Many of these clubs have wide lanes, making it easy to fill a motorhome or tow vehicle.
Get Rewarded
We use UpSide to save on gas. Refer friends and get even more savings. We recently saved 52 cents per gallon, which is a BIG saving considering we have a huge gas tank on our RV.
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Several gas station chains and grocery stores offer reward programs that allow you to earn discounts for your loyalty to spending money at their establishments. Find one you like and save it!
You can also get rewards and discounts with credit cards. Gas cards or gas reward credit cards often offer the most savings.
Camp Closer to Home
Reduce the distances you will travel this summer. Fewer miles means less gas.
Samantha C
The price of gas did make us think a little more about where we wanted to go. We just booked 5 small trips locally. The furthest away is 2 hours. So many amazing places to visit without having to travel very far. We still get to spend quality time with our kids while enjoying the outdoors.
Peggy S
We have been thinking about it. We haven’t planned a lot of long-distance travels with the trailer this year.
Chad W
Due to other factors, we were already planning on more weekend trips closer to home instead of extended getaways.
Use a Gas App
Download an app like GasBuddy or check the gas price on Google Maps. Find a cheaper place and fill up before you run out of gas and have to settle for whatever is available.
Camp in a Tent
Reduce the drag of an RV and pack a tent instead.
Pay with Cash
Many gas stations and truck stops offer a discount for paying with cash. Plan and have cash on hand. Those extra steps to go inside to a cashier will make your wallet happy.
Downsize
Consider switching to a smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicle. Yes, you can camp with a Prius!
Michael G
We didn’t have a long distance trip planned with the camper this year. For our longer trip we will be taking our relatively efficient van.
Take Fewer Vehicles
Many families take several vehicles to the campground. Even if it means you don’t get to the campground as early, waiting until everyone is ready to go and traveling in one vehicle will save you money.
Use Efficient Routes
Google Maps recommends the most fuel-efficient direction to your destination. Avoiding traffic helps cut down idling time.
Caroline G
I am planning to pull my trailer from the Chicago suburbs down to Florida (Disney and camping on the gulf) at end of May. Currently budgeting 2k for gas (which I thought was going to be over, now not sure and worried it could even be more). The cost makes me nervous, but my kids are growing up fast (12 and 15) and I’ve faced some health challenges this past year – so cancelling/rescheduling isn’t something I plan to do. Not for gas costs at least! The rest of our trips this summer will be fairly local.
Reduce Weight to Save on Gas
Do you know how much weight you are hauling? Many campers overload their vehicles and tow trailers, reducing gas mileage and compromising safety. Traveling with empty water and waste tanks is another way to reduce weight.
Driveway Camp
Have you ever camped at home? Backyard or driveway camping can be a lot of fun!
Janet F
We make 2 trips to the upper peninsula each summer. This year we plan to make it one extended trip to save in gas. The rest of our camping season will be close to home this year. We might do lots of driveway camping too.
Get a Seasonal Site
Reduce towing by leaving your RV parked at a long-term spot. Preferably one close to home.
Buy Gas Early in the Week
Did you know that gas is often cheaper earlier in the week? Fill up on Mondays and Tuesdays and save. Every penny counts!
Don’t Idle
Letting your vehicle idle uses up gas. Please wait until you are ready to move before starting it up. Less idling also helps reduce air pollution.
Don’t Cruise on Hills
Cruise control is great, but turn it off when going up hills to prevent your engine from working harder than necessary.
Reduce Heating & A/C Use
Run the heater or air conditioner on low or off on hills or when you really have to accelerate. Growing up, we called our A/C 4×40; 4 windows open at 40mph. Driving with windows open can produce air drag, so keep them closed at higher speeds.
Proper Tire Pressure
Improper tire pressure reduces gas mileage. Ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Maintenance Up to Date
Your car will run most efficiently if the maintenance is up to date. When was your last oil change? What about your cabin and engine filters?
Drive the Speed Limit
Not only does slowing down keep you safer, but it also helps with your gas economy. We follow the speeds posted for trucks.
Proper Fitting Gas Cap
An improperly fitting gas cap can let vapors get out. Make sure yours fits well. You may consider getting a locking gas cap to deter theft.
Skip the Premium
On average, premium gasoline runs 30¢ more than regular. That might not seem like much, but it really adds up over time!
Ease Up on the Pedals
According to the Department of Energy, aggressive driving consumes more fuel. Let up on the accelerator and gas pedal and save on gas!
Boondock
While boondocking does not change gas costs, it eliminates campground fees, leaving more for the gas tank.
Reduce Air Resistance
Roof racks increase air resistance. Please remove them and store the bikes and equipment on racks behind the vehicle.
Reduce Other Costs
If gas is 25% higher this year, reduce other costs by 25%. That may mean less eating out or fewer souvenirs, but you will still have the memories.
Dana J
We personally won’t let gas prices affect us. We budget for our trips anyway, so if cost for gas changes-so does our budget and we plan accordingly. Life is too short to not have adventures. Our children are quickly growing up and the time we have remaining with them at home is dwindling. We choose to spend the extra money to make those memories. Because those memories will last a lifetime.
Just Keep on Camping!
According to AAA, $4 per gallon is how Americans evaluate their driving habits. However, our camping buddies said that the increased prices of gas will not alter their plans, and they will continue to visit their happy place.
Tyler P
I have a plan to go to Wisconsin this summer, sites are booked. It will add $70 to the cost of the trip in fuel, not too much for me to get wound up about. If gas is $5 per gallon I’m still able to get there and back for under $200. The memories that are going to be made are worth more than that.
Eddie C
Nope, it won’t effect us at all. The price hike ain’t going to hurt us in our household. It’s something we love to do so we will continue to do so.
Mary R
Nope, we just got ourcamper last year, so we are looking forward to camping.
As for us, we will continue to camp and travel extensively. We adjusted our June plans and will be traveling much further from home to enjoy the beach with friends. Like Dana said above, time with the kids is limited, and we want to create lasting memories.
