Campground Expenses: June and July

Susanne is your driver for this post.

One of the most common questions people ask RVers is this: How much does it cost to RV, and how do you afford it? Although I don't feel comfortable putting our entire budget on the Internet, I will say this: The cost depends, and we make it work (so far). We are not a wealthy family. Nowhere close to it. Like many families, we work a lot, we worry about money, and we have debts. We chew on our fingernails before payday. Yet we're still doing this. It just means that while on the road, we try (TRY - we don't always succeed!) to be extremely conscientious about spending.

One of the best things about a nomadic lifestyle is that it's flexible: you can save a lot of money simply by being selective about where you park your rig. Some RVers have the funds to stay at fully-outfitted parks that cost hundreds of dollars a month. Other RVers are at the other end of the spectrum: they look for opportunities to boondock (park their rig without connecting to water, electricity, or sewer) at little or no cost.

We're somewhere in the middle. Because we're currently in the hot and steamy southern U.S., we don't want to boondock at this point. On the other hand, we've found ways to reduce spending at campgrounds and RV parks.

Here's a rundown of our camping expenses for the months of June and July (note: in some cases I have not included discounts; I have also not included the Thousand Trails membership fees in the breakdown):

June 1-5: Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns (Mammoth Cave NP, Kentucky) - Full Hookups - The campground was out of our "network" at that time (before we obtained a TT pass for the entire country), so we paid a fee. Cost: $158.40

June 5-16: Thousand Trails Natchez Trace (Hohenwald, Tennessee) - Full Hookups. Pool. Cost: $0

June 16-19: Tom Sawyer's RV Park (West Memphis, AR) - Full Hookups. No pool, but an amazing view of the Mississippi River. Cost: $75 

June 19-20: Shady Pines RV Park (Texarkana, TX) - Full Hookups. Cost: $29

June 20-23: Escapees Rainbows End Park (Livingston, TX) - Full Hookups. Pool. Cost: $63 (with membership discount)

June 23-29: Thousand Trails Lake Conroe (Lake Conroe, TX) - Full Hookups. Pool. Cost: $0

June 29-July 10: Housesitting and chihuahua-sitting in Austin, TX. Honestly, we are SO appreciative of our friends for allowing us to stay at their house while they were on vacation! The opportunity to hang out with a cool chihuahua and some sassy backyard chickens: priceless. Cost: $0 

July 10-15: McKinney Falls State Park (Austin, TX) - Water and Electric Hookups. Lovely trails and natural pools. Cost: $90

July 15-17: San Antonio KOA (San Antonio, TX) - Full Hookups. Pool. Cost: $150, give or take a few cents (Yup.)

July 17-August 1: Thousand Trails Medina Lake (outside of San Antonio, TX) - Full Hookups. Pool. Cost: $0

TOTAL SITE COSTS FOR JUNE AND JULY: $565 (~$283 per month)

What we've learned so far about selecting campsites with money in mind:

• State parks are a great choice, even if they don't have full hook-ups. McKinney Falls SP has a well maintained dump station, and we had no trouble accessing it when we needed to.

• KOA offers well-equipped campgrounds, but for us, they're generally too expensive. We stayed at the KOA in San Antonio because we wanted to wait a few extra days before signing into Medina Lake. KOA was convenient. Maybe it's worth it in a pinch (especially now that we're part of their membership program), but we won't be doing it often.

• Housesitting in early July saved us a bundle. We may look into housesitting again in the future. 

• Thousand Trails is a great deal. Being able to stay in one place for up to two weeks with full hookups and a pool (the pool makes a big difference in the happiness of our child) without paying anything beyond the membership costs is pretty amazing.

• Sometimes, spending a little more money is worth it. That was the case with Tom Sawyer's RV Park. The sites were flat and level, and we were situated right on the banks of the Mississippi River. The unique nature of the campground made it worthwhile for us.

What are your tips for saving money while RVing? 

So You Want To Live In An RV: What Will You Need?

Trent and I have received a few questions lately to the effect of, "We're thinking about RVing full time. What should we bring?" Because space in an RV is so limited, it's important to think critically about what you need/want to haul and what you can/should leave behind (we now realize that even though we worked hard to bring only the necessities, we still brought too much!)

We've compiled a list of products that we purchased, use on a regular basis, and highly recommend to other RVers and would-be RVers. (Note: these links are Amazon affiliate links, meaning that if you purchase the product via the link, Amazon will toss us a few cents in loose change. Many digital nomads are using this as a way to generate a little extra income.) We've also briefly described what we use each product for and why we like it so much.

A disclaimer: We can only speak to what's worked well for our 29 foot Coachmen Freelander. Obviously, certain specific products (such as the RV cover) will not work for every type of rig. With RVs, one size does not fit all.

RV ELECTRONICS:

1. Progressive Industries EMS-PT30C Portable EMS RV Surge Protector - 30 Amp

• What it does: Protects our RV from a range of electrical issues and helps us monitor our amp draw so we know how close we are to our 30 amp limit.
• Why we like it: When selecting a camping site, we check the electric post with the surge protector BEFORE we set up everything else. This device lets us know everything is in working order and within acceptable limits. If not, we can select a new site before setting everything else up.

2. Camco 55501 PowerGrip 25' Cord with 30 AMP Male Standard/30 AMP Female Locking Adapter

• What it does: Works as an extension cord for our RV.
• Why we like it: It allows us to park farther away from the electrical post if we need to find level ground, better shade, or a nice view.

3. Camco 55175 18" PowerGrip Dogbone Electrical Adapter with Handle

• What it does: Allows us to hook our 30 amp RV to a 50 amp outlet.
• Why we like it: If the only site left is 50 amps, we could stay at that site. Also, sometimes the 50 amp outlet is in better condition than the 30 amp outlet on the same electric post. This device gives us a better chance of a good electrical hook-up.

4. Camco 55165 15M/30F 12" PowerGrip Dogbone Electrical Adapter with Handle

• What it does: Allows us to hook up our 30 amp RV to a standard household outlet.
• Why we like it: If we park in someone's driveway for the night, we can still get electricity to the RV.

WATER AND SEWER GEAR:

1. Camco 43051 20' Sidewinder Plastic Sewer Hose Support

• What it does: Keeps the gray and black water moving in the right direction and prevents, well, stagnation...
• Why we like it: Flexible yet sturdy.

2. Camco 40285 RV Green Disposable Dump Glove - 50 Pairs

• What it does: Protects our hands while we deal with the sewage tanks.
• Why we like it: Because nobody wants to touch poop water or contaminate the entire family.

3. Walex TOI-91799 Deodorizer

• What it does: Eliminates unseemly odors that emanate from the black tank.
• Why we like it: Because we'd rather not smell our toilet.

4. Camco 20123 Brass Water Wye Valve

• What it does: Bifurcates a single water outlet.
• Why we like it: With this valve, we can hook up both a freshwater hose and a hose for washing or flushing the tanks.

5. Camco 40043 TastePURE Water Filter with Flexible Hose Protector

• What it does: Helps clean/filter water from city water lines.
• Why we like it: Light, effective, easy to install, easy to store.

6. Camco 39062 Dual Flush Pro Holding Tank Rinser with Gate Valve

• What it does: Makes emptying the gray and black tanks easy and sanitary.
• Why we like it: Permits easy cleaning of the black tank to remove any remaining residue.

7. Camco 22783 TastePURE Drinking Water Hose (5/8"ID x 25') - Lead Free 

• What it does: Serves as designated hose for drinking water.
• Why we like it: A standard hose is not suitable for drinking water, and we like to drink water!

8. Camco 22505 90 Degree Hose Elbow - Lead Free

• What it does: Hooks up to your water intake and connects to the water hose.
• Why we like it: It allows the hose to run straight down and not out and down forcing the hose to bend. This reduces wear and tear on the hose.

9. Camco 39761 RhinoFLEX 15' RV Sewer Hose Kit with Swivel Fittings

• What it does: Hooks up to the sewage tanks (black and gray) and runs to the sewage dump.
• Why we like it: It's easy to connect and disconnect and compresses into a much smaller size for storage.

10. ETL 26781 White Body Spa Oxygenics Shower with 60" Hose 

• What it does: Maximizes water pressure while reducing excess use of water.
• Why we like it: You can press a knob to turn off the water flow while you're soaping up; easy to install.

RV MAINTENANCE:

1. ADCO 2509 Clear RV Windshield Cover

• What it does: Keeps the windshield covered while we're in camp and helps manage indoor air temperature.
• Why we like it: Easy to put on and take off; easy to store; relatively inexpensive.

2. Carrand 93210 Long Chenille Microfiber Wash Mop with 48" Extension Pole

• What it does: Allows you to gently wash your RV without use of a stepladder.
• Why we like it: Effective; inexpensive; eliminates risk of someone falling off a ladder and breaking something.

3. Bug Scrubber RV Car Aircraft Bug Remover

• What it does: Removes all of the bugs that attached themselves to your windshield as you were driving.
• Why we like it: It works! Bug guts are sticky and can be hard to remove.

4. Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax 16 oz.

• What it does: Gently removes the grime from the side of your RV without the need for water.
• Why we like it: It's good for fast, effective spot cleaning in camp - no hoses needed.

5. Aero Cosmetics Waterless Car Wash & Wax 128 oz.

• What it does: Same as above - just in a larger size.
• Why we like it: We use this product fairly often, so we like to carry the larger size with us.

6. Dicor 501LSW1 White Lap Sealant - 10.3 oz. 

• What it does: Easily repairs small rips, tears, and weathered areas on roof of RV.
• Why we like it: Easy to apply; quickly repairs potential leak points in roof.

7. Aero Cosmetics Tire Shine Protectant, 16oz 

• What it does: Protects tires from damaging UV rays.
• Why we like it: Easy to apply.

KITCHEN TOOLS AND APPLIANCES:

1. Camco 43753 Hardwood Stove Topper and Cutting Board

• What it does: Fits over the stove, thereby creating additional counter space for food prep and improving efficiency of the kitchen area.
• Why we like it: Sturdy; doesn't move while the RV is in motion (thanks to grippy material on the base of the board).

2. Melitta Coffee Maker, Porcelain 6 Cup Pour-Over Brewer

• What it does: Provides liquid of the gods to sleepy RVers.
• Why we like it: Easy to use; easy to clean.

3. Instant Pot IP-LUX50 6-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker, 5Qt/900W

• What it does: Cooks everything from beans to rice to veggies to soups and stews to cheesecake - and in the fraction of time required by regular appliances.
• Why we like it: Fast, effective, and easy to clean and store.

4. Magic Bullet Blender, Small

• What it does: Blends single-serving smoothies and shakes.
• Why we like it: Small, easy to store, easy to clean.

IN CAMP:

1. Camco 42805 60" x 78" Handy Mat with Strap

• What it does: Reduces amount of dust and dirt carried into the RV.
• Why we like it: Helps maintain cleanliness of RV interior; inexpensive; colorful; easy to store.

2. Camco 44432 Wheel Chock

• What it does: Helps keep the RV from rolling away while parked. Whew!
• Why we like it: Light and inexpensive.

3. Tri-Lynx 00015 Lynx Levelers, (Pack of 10)

• What it does: Levels out your RV if you're parked on uneven ground.
• Why we like it: Light, easy to use, easy to clean and store.

4. Modkat Litter Box Kit

• What it does: Provides your cat with a relatively attractive, private place to use the facilities.
• Why we like it: It fits nicely in the cab of the RV (between the driver's and passenger's seats); reduces scatter of kitty litter throughout the rig; includes a reusable, sturdy liner.

Some things we have learned

Biggest lessons learned so far:

(1) In certain places in middle Tennessee, Verizon coverage and wireless Internet are basically nonexistent. 

(2) The Instant Pot is like the best thing ever. I will now take it everywhere with me.

(3) It's... kind of weird to wake up in the morning and realize that you don't have a permanent home. Definitely an adjustment.

A few highlights from the past few days:

From June 1 - 5, we stayed at the Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV resort near Mammoth Cave National Park in central Kentucky. We played at the pool, visited the cave, and went for some runs on a beautiful path located right next to the campground:

We'd definitely stay at that park again, and we'd definitely recommend it to others. It's small, and it isn't fancy, but the facilities were clean and there was plenty to do. 

We then headed down to Tennessee, where we're parked for the next several days. The campground is massive and extremely hilly... so much so that my run this morning turned into more of a walk-up-the-hills-try-not-to-fall-down-the hills hike. 

While we're here, we'll be visiting my parents and some of our friends, running, doing yoga (well, I'm trying to practice yoga in the main room of the RV), learning to live with the spotty Internet, and practicing our RV vegan cooking skills.

Yup, we went vegan... Because why make just one major life change when you can make TWO AT ONCE?

Certified

(Susanne is your driver for this post.)

Things are a little crazy right now.

I'm teaching a spring term class - a one-month intensive course on volcanic hazards.

I'm training for my new job.

Trent's working two jobs.

Sam is finishing up third grade and has a seemingly endless parade of homework, meetings, and standardized tests to deal with.

And then there's the whole moving-our-lives-into-a-house-on-wheels aspect of things. We've been busy re-homing our belongings, dealing with paperwork, and cleaning.

As part of our preparation, we've researched numerous organizations and clubs that we think will be beneficial for our RV lifestyle. We now have memberships with Escapees mail service, Thousand Trails RV parks, Good Sam RV Club (for discounts on gas and campsites), and the ASTC Travel Passport Program (for access to science centers all over the country).

I think we're all eager to hit the road. Just one more month before Clark becomes our roving home! I'm glad we've taken so much time to plan and prepare, but at a certain point, you just have to go and do it.

Pictures from Clark's maiden voyage

As Trent described in his last post, we took Clark for a spin last weekend! Our excursion consisted of just one night at the nearby state park, so nothing too challenging - except that it dropped to below 30 degrees Fahrenheit and we didn't know how to work the furnace. Learn by doing!

On the drive over to the campground (I pretty much had to bribe him to get this smile, but it was worth it because HE IS ADORABLE)

Trent hooking up the power. The campground had electric hookups but no water. That's fine, since Clark isn't dewinterized yet. We just used the facilities at the park.

In the RV with the slideout extended. The slideout makes the RV seem positively spacious.

Dinner! I made this at home and then we re-heated it in the microwave in the RV. We didn't try to turn the stove on. Baby steps.

View from the bedroom

Clark looking all handsome

Morning in a very cold RV. We were fine while we were under the covers, but by the time breakfast rolled around we felt like we were living in an icebox. Trent consulted the owner's manual, turned on the propane, and got the furnace fired up. Nothing exploded. Success.

I made coffee in the morning. I can give up most things, but coffee is not one of them. We brought the grounds with us, heated up water in the microwave, and concocted our brew in the press pot.

Lessons learned:

• We picked the right RV for us. Clark is great, with tons of storage space, lots of comfortable seating, and room enough for three people who have already spent the past two years in close quarters.
• You can not know what you're doing and still avoid breaking your house on wheels. Especially if one of you actually cracks open the owner's manual and follows the instructions.
• Climate control is probably going to be a challenge. We're going to do our best to move with the seasons so that we don't have to excessively heat or cool our rig, but weather is hard to predict. We anticipate some uncomfortable days and nights every now and then no matter how well we plan.
• I like the people I live with. That's a good thing.
• This was fun and I want to do it again! Like, now.