Full Cost Breakdown of Our First Month of Full-Time RV Living (June)

Curious what a real month of full-time RV living costs, start to finish? We tracked every dollar of our first month on the road so you can budget smarter. Below is our June expense report, how each category shook out, and what we plan to tweak going forward.

Why We Tracked Our Expenses

We spent June in the RV, then sat down to see where the money actually went. If you’re planning an RV adventure and want honest estimates, this breakdown is for you.

• Campsites and park fees
• Gas and fuel
• Groceries and food
• RV maintenance
• Fun and souvenirs
• Eating out
• Monthly subscriptions
• Miscellaneous one-time buys

Campsites: Our Largest Ongoing Expense

Budget Expectations vs. Reality

We set a $1,000 monthly budget for campsites. Sites with full hookups, sewage, water, and electric often run $50 to $100 per night. Boondocking without hookups can be $10 to $40, based on location.

Using Harvest Hosts for Savings

We relied on Harvest Hosts, which was well worth the subscription. The suggested spend is about $30 per night at the local business you stay with, and some spots even had water or electric.

• Affordable, flexible stays while traveling long distances
• Support for local farms, wineries, golf courses, and more

Get a free month of Harvest Hosts.

Our June Campsite Stays

First Week: Harvest Hosts from Wisconsin to South Dakota

We stayed at more than seven Harvest Hosts locations, roughly $30 per night. This covered our travel days and made moving west simple.

Badlands National Park: Cedar Pass Lodge

We paid $30 to $40 per night, no hookups, but you’re right in the park next to the visitor center. Compared to parks like the Tetons or Yellowstone, often $50 to $60 per night, Badlands was a great value.

Custer State Park Stays

Custer Horse Crazy Campground

Full hookups, laundry, showers, and strong amenities at nearly $60 per night. Perfect for emptying tanks and filling fresh water.

Orr Campground

No hookups, bathrooms available, $24 per night. First-come, first-served spots added flexibility.

Other Stops: Lovell and Lander

• Big Horn Canyon, Lovell: Electric and water hookups, $35 per night, stayed a week with amazing views.
• Lander: One night with full hookups at about $50.

Campsite Total and Insights

Campsites totaled $878.44, under budget. We also had 10 nights with some form of hookups. Remote spots, like the Badlands, helped keep costs down.

Gas and Fuel: The Biggest Surprise

Driving Distance and Patterns

We drove more than 1,300 miles in the RV while towing a car, most of it in the first 10 days. Short travel days stacked up the miles faster than we expected.

Price Variations in Remote Areas

Gas was $3.00 to $3.30 in Wisconsin, then closer to $4.00 near the Badlands. Prices in and around national parks are often higher, so each fill-up ran over $150.

Gas Total and Future Outlook

Gas totaled $1,257.73, over our $1,000 budget due to early heavy travel. July will be lower with fewer RV miles.

Groceries and Food: Remote Area Impacts

Budget and Price Hikes

We budgeted $1,000 for groceries. Small, remote stores added $1 to $2 per item, which adds up on a weekly shop.

One-Time Stock-Ups

We stocked up on protein powder and vitamins that will last multiple months. When possible, we now aim for larger chain stores, which saved $50 to $100 per run.

Grocery Total

Groceries totaled $1,152.54. Badlands runs were about 1.5 times our normal shop.

RV Maintenance: A Low Month

Fluctuating Nature of Costs

Maintenance is the wildcard. June was light, which saved money and stress.

What We Bought

We picked up RV awning straps and dog house clamps. No major repairs needed.

Maintenance Total

A low-maintenance win at $64.26.

Fun Things: Souvenirs and Experiences

Variable Budget Challenges

This category covers souvenirs, gifts, activities, and touristy stops. It will swing month to month based on where we are.

Souvenir Choices

• Stickers
• Postcards
• Occasional shirts or hats

Big Experiences in June

1880s Train Ride in Custer

About $100 for two people. A classic, hours-long experience that felt worth it.

Cowboy Hats in Cody, Wyoming

We spent over $300 for two real hats. We wanted them for rodeos in the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Montana. These were pricier than expected but we love them.

Fun Things Total and Adjustments

This category hit $1,723. We plan to target $350 to $500 in future months, skipping big-ticket items.

Eating Out: Keeping It Minimal

Our Approach to Dining

We like eating out but cook most meals. Our schedule often makes home cooking easier.

Anniversary Celebration

We splurged once at Bluebell Lodge in Custer for our one-year wedding anniversary, with steak, appetizers, and drinks. A special occasion splurge we’re happy with.

Eating Out Total

Kept low overall to stay on budget.

Monthly Subscriptions: Essentials for RV Life

Key Bills Breakdown

This includes insurance, Wi-Fi, and phones. Starlink is the big one at $150 per month, and it lets us work anywhere. If you need reliable internet, consider a Free Month of Starlink.

Subscriptions Total

$447.33 for the month, primarily Starlink plus vehicle and life insurance.

Miscellaneous Purchases: One-Off Essentials

Purpose and Necessity

These were one-time buys that make RV life easier. About half went to our solar battery bank, which we call Mini Jenny. It powers our computers and fans for about half a day, then we charge it at a library. Here’s the exact unit we bought: solar power battery bank.

Other Items

1. Drying racks for dishes and clothes
2. Camping gear
3. Personal care items like hair trimmers
4. Monthly donations

Miscellaneous Total

$936.96. High for June, much lower in July.

Grand Total Expenses for June

Our June total came to $5,660.99. That’s higher than we want. We plan to trim $1,000 to $2,000 per month by skipping one-time buys and keeping fun spending in check.

Money-Saving Tips for RV Living

• Shop at one large grocery store or place orders online for discounts and lower prices.
• Stay with Harvest Hosts for good value at roughly $30 per night, plus you support local businesses.
• Eat out less to save $100 to $200 per month.
• Set a cap for souvenirs and activities and stick to it.

Final Thoughts on RV Costs

June had a few big one-offs, but we’re confident we can bring costs down fast. Got tips we should try, or think we overspent somewhere? Drop a comment. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and our travel blog. Want more monthly reports like this? Let us know, and we’ll keep them coming.