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RV Enthusiasts Say Camping is the Cheapest Way to Travel

Originally Published in MotorHome Magazine

Ninety two percent of RV enthusiasts say it’s cheaper to stay in a
campground or RV resort than a hotel or motel, and many derive
additional savings by cooking some or all of their own meals, according
to the latest online survey by the Texas Association of Campground
Owners.

More than half of the survey respondents said they save
anywhere from $20 to $50 a night by staying in a campground or RV
resort, with an additional 25.7 percent of respondents saying they save
$50 to $100 per night. Forty five percent of survey respondents said
they save even more by eating only dinner out, while 32.3 percent cook
all of their own meals.

“Our latest survey indicates that people are still wanting to
get out and enjoy some time off, but I think they are also trying to
stretch their dollar as far as they can, and the camping lifestyle is
giving them the options that they’re looking for in that regard,” said
Brian Schaeffer, executive director of the Texas Association of
Campground Owners.

The April survey, conducted through the Texas Association of Campground Owners,
generated 614 responses involving the cost of RVing, percentage of
meals eaten out and fuel costs, Schaeffer said. Among the survey’s
findings were the following. 

 

92 percent
said staying in a campground or RV resort is cheaper than staying in a motel or hotel by
the following dollar amounts:
 

  • $40 to $50 per night – 32.3 percent
  • $50 to $100 per night – 25.7 percent
  • $20 to $40 per night – 25.7 percent
  • I don’t save any money. I simply camp for the experience – 7.2 percent
  • More than $100 per night – 5.5 percent
  • $10 to $20 per night – 3.6 percent

Most RV enthusiasts save additional
money by cooking at least some of their own meals.
 

  • 45 percent only eat dinner out
  • 32.3 percent cook all of their own meals
  • 15 percent eat out half the time
  • 6.8 percent only eat out for breakfast
  • 1 percent eat out all the time The survey also gathered statistics on how much RV
    enthusiasts spend each day for food, camping fees, entertainment and fuel. The results
    were as follows. 

Food expenses: 

  • $25 to $50 – 48.5 percent
  • Less than $25 – 37.8 percent
  • $50 to $75 – 9 percent
  • $75 to $100 – 2.3 percent
  • $100 or more – 2 percent 

Camping fees: 

  • $20 to $40 – 61.6 percent
  • Less than $20 – 26.7 percent
  • $40 to $60 – 15.6 percent
  • More than $80 – 3.3 percent
  • $60 to $80 – 2.6 percent 

Entertainment and Activities: 

  • Less than $25 – 55.7 percent
  • $25 to $50 – 28.3 percent
  • $50 to $75 – 7.8 percent
  • $75 to $100 – 5.5 percent
  • $100 or more – 2.6 percent

Fuel: 

  • $25 to $50 – 28 percent
  • $50 to $75 – 25.1 percent
  • $75 to $100 – 17.9 percent
  • Less than $25 – 15.3 percent
  • More than $100 – 13.7 percent The survey also collected data on how RVers
    travel:
  • 57.7 percent travel with a spouse or significant other
  • 35.5 percent travel with a spouse or significant other and their children or
    grandchildren
  • 3.6 percent travel alone
  • 3.6 percent travel with friends 

The Texas Association of Campground Owners
markets more than 400 private campgrounds and RV resorts. For help
locating industry sources, statistics and other information about
camping trends in Texas, please contact Brian Schaeffer at (817)
307-0129 or visit them online.

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