When you’re planning a camping trip, expenses can start to add up quickly and it’s reasonable to wonder how much your tent camping spot will cost.
You can expect to spend around $20-30 each night to tent camp in a public campground in the United States. Private campgrounds are more expensive but can vary greatly. Depending on the location and amenities offered, a tent site in a private campground could cost $40-$70, or even more.
There are a lot of variables that go into pricing a campsite and many ways to save. Here is what you will need to know:
How Much Will My Tent Campsite Cost?
Campsite prices can vary dramatically from free to very pricy- some campgrounds are as expensive as spending a night in a resort. However, most tent campers don’t visit super-expensive campgrounds. For tent sites, you can expect to pay cheaper prices because you aren’t using much electricity or water. Public land campgrounds such as those in National Forests, National Parks, and Bureau of Land Management typically have much cheaper sites, and for many people, are better options for tent camping compared with privately-owned campgrounds. Here are these agencies’ websites for more information.
Location
The location where you’re camping can determine how much your campsite costs. Of course, camping in a popular destination like a well-known national park or tourist area will cost more. Some areas, such as near the beach, Yellowstone, or Gatlinburg, will have very expensive campsites. In other areas (like the middle of Nebraska) where fewer people desire to visit, campgrounds offer inexpensive sites.
Seasonality
Seasonality can have a dramatic effect on the prices of campsites. In many places, campgrounds close during the off-season. In others, they reduce their services and amenities, offering basic sites at discount prices. However, in some areas, there are two or more peak seasons or campgrounds are so popular that they never reduce their rates.
Campground Amenities
Some campgrounds offer so many amenities and services that they feel like resort destinations, but these are not typically the type of campgrounds that attract tent campers. Most resort-type campgrounds cater to RV owners and are expensive. Basic amenities usually don’t affect the price dramatically but bathrooms, showers, running water, and similar services in public campgrounds can increase the cost compared with dry camping sites. This reflects the cost of maintenence and utilities.
Petrified Forest National Park.
What it Costs to Stay in Different Types of Tent Campgrounds
| Type of Campground | Average Cost |
| Private Campgrounds | $40-70 |
| State Parks | $20-40 |
| Membership Programs (after paying membership fees) | $0-20 |
| National Parks | $20-30 |
| Other Public Land | $15-25 |
| Dispersed Camping | Free |
Private Campgrounds
Generally the most expensive options, private campgrounds are very different from public campgrounds. Private campgrounds are typically designed for RV campers and include hook-ups, pools, laundry facilities, and other amenities. Most of these campgrounds aren’t intended for a wilderness camping experience and are often (again, not always) located near or inside towns and cities.
While private campgrounds aren’t usually designed for tent campers, they sometimes have a tent camping section and these spots often cost less than RV sites. If you’re looking for a campground with more amenities, like a hot tub, pool, and activities, consider a private campground. If, however, you’re looking to get into nature and away from people, keep reading.
State Parks
State park campgrounds tend to be less expensive than private campgrounds and pricier than other public land options like national parks and national forests. They are also somewhere between the two in amenities offered- they are often more developed than other public land agencies, with paved sites, full hookups, pools, and laundry rooms available. Some state parks also include activities and tours ranging from ranger talks and guided hikes to glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling excursions, cave tours, and other experiences. In general, the price of state park camping will vary depending on how developed the campground is and how many amenities are offered.
National Parks
National park campgrounds tend to be cheaper than private and state parks. Unfortunately, it’s gotten harder and harder to get reservations in many national parks. During the pandemic, more people began enjoying an outdoor lifestyle, and popular national parks are increasingly getting overcrowded. Many parks are limiting visitors through pass systems. If you want to camp in a national park, look for a less popular location or plan your visit far in advance.
Don’t forget about the national park service sites that aren’t designated as “national parks”. Many of these parks, such as national lakeshores, national monuments, and national historic sites, provide all of the same experiences as the more popular national parks without the crowds. There are some of these sites that are still very popular, such as Gulf Islands National Seashore, so you will still have to do your research.
NPS photo, City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho.
Public Land Campgrounds
Public land campgrounds managed by the federal governement are usually much cheaper than private campgrounds or state parks. These campgrounds generally offer fewer amenities, and some have no hookups and only vault toilets. Others have running water in bathhouses but not at sites. However, some offer hookups and groomed sites, and are more developed than you might expect for the price. In general, you can also expect these campgrounds to offer more of a wilderness experience compared with private and state parks. Public land agencies that often offer camping include:
- The US Forest Service (National Forests and Grasslands)
- Bureau of Land Management
- Army Corps of Engineers
- Bureau of Reclamation
In addition, many states also have state forests, beaches, and grasslands that are managed similarly to the way these agencies manage their lands.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is one name for camping outside of a designated campground, and is usually fee-free. Sometimes there is a fee to access the land itself, but rarely is there’s not usually a camping fee. Usually, dispersed camping is allowed anywhere within the managed land as long as basic rules are followed (such as not camping next to streams or lakes). Occasionally, dispersed camping is limited to specific areas or sites. Dispersed campsites are often found singularly, so if you use these campsites you might not be within view or earshot of any other people. You will also not have any amenities such as toilets or running water- this is true wilderness camping. Learn more about dispersed camping in this post.
The public land agencies that typically offer dispersed camping include the US Forest Service and the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). Some National Parks also offer dispersed, or back-country camping, but these sites are typically far away from roads and are for backpackers to use. If you’re tent camping from a car (or front country camping) you will typically find dispersed campsites in national forest or BLM land.
Hidden Campsite Costs to Consider
When budgeting and planning your camping trip, don’t forget to consider all the costs of your campsite. You might encounter fees and expenses besides the nightly rate and should take these into account.
Park Entrance Fees
Many public parks, such as national and state parks, have entrance fees. Some parks don’t require campers to pay the entrance fee (it’s considered part of the camping fee) but you should be aware that many parks do charge an entrance fee. In these parks, you will have to pay the fee for each day you’re camping. Usually, it’s cheaper to get a 7-day pass or even an annual pass than pay the daily rate.
Reservation Fees
Most campgrounds also have various other fees, such as reservation fees, resort tax, or hotel tax. Some areas charge more than others, especially popular tourist areas. Some private campgrounds charge per person over a certain amount, usually 2 people, which can be a big shock for large families like mine. Public campgrounds don’t do this, so our family usually avoids private campgrounds for this reason.
Firewood and Supplies
Many campgrounds, especially those on public lands, don’t permit you to bring firewood from other areas. This is to prevent the spread of infestations and diseases into the forest. You may have to purchase approved firewood in these areas, which can be more expensive than wood bought from home. You can get the approved firewood from your camp host. Most public land campgrounds also allow you to gather dead and down wood for your campfire.
Activities and Attractions
One of the reasons people go camping is to experience a new area or enjoy adventures they don’t usually get to have, like exploring caves, kayaking, and hiking. Many campgrounds have activities and things to do right in the park, especially destination parks, national parks, and state parks.
For example, we have enjoyed cave tours in Mammoth Caves National Park, gone on dolphin-watching tours in Channel Islands National Park, and gone on snorkeling expeditions in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Florida). Some of these activities are free, but others cost money. If you’re visiting a campground because of its activities, make sure you consider the cost of these excursions when you’re planning your budget.
Budget-Friendly Tent Campsite Tips
If you’re camping on a budget or prefer to save money when possible, there are ways to find campsites that are cheaper or free. My family has always camped as a way to have a great vacation while saving money, and in some cases, we’ve even camped while traveling to a destination to save on hotel expenses. There’s nothing like setting up a tent in the dark after driving for 12 hours! (not recommended, but sometimes you do what you need to do, and these experiences usually end up being great memories!)
Using Public Land
One of the best ways to save money while camping is by using public land. Most public land campgrounds are significantly cheaper than private campgrounds, and they are usually better suited to tent camping, anyway.
Some public land sites, such as those in National Forests, on BLM land, and those administered by the Army Corps of Engineers, are especially cost-effective. The downside of these is that they are often located in out-of-the-way or remote areas, which isn’t ideal if you’re trying to camp near a specific attraction or location.
Off-Peak Season Camping
Camping during the off season can be one way to find cheaper campsites. Many campgrounds reduce their prices during the winter, but there are some disadvantages to this method. Of course, there’s the fact that you, like most of the rest of us, probably don’t want to sleep in a tent in the winter. Plus in colder areas, most campgrounds simply close for the winter instead of offering reduced rates. It isn’t practical for campgrounds to stay open if they aren’t going to have enough campers to make money. And keep in mind that many public campgrounds don’t reduce their rates for the off season. But if you can find a good campground with reduced rates during a time you’re trying to camp, this is a great way to save money!
Campground Memberships and Passes
If you camp frequently, a membership or pass might be a good way to save money on your campsite. Some private campground organizations, such as Thousand Trails, Passport America, and Good Sam, offer discounts or free camping to their members. But remember that most of these memberships are designed with RV campers in mind. While they might be a good deal for some frequent tent campers, or people who do both tent and RV camping, they should be considered carefully before purchasing them. In many cases, tent campers can get better deals elsewhere.
Public land passes are another good way to save money when camping. While the America the Beautiful Pass is one of the best deals around, you should remember that it only provides entrance into parks and recreation areas- it doesn’t provide a discount on the actual camping fees. However, if you’re planning on camping in one of the areas that charges an entrance fee, it can still offer great savings. It costs only $80 and allows free entry into over 2000 federally managed sites!
Some public land passes, including the senior pass and the access pass, will allow you to take 50% off activities like camping in some parks (as long as the activity isn’t offered by a concession). These passes are available to those over the age of 65 or with a permanent disability.
How to Get Free Tent Camping Sites
Do you want to know the best way to save money on your tent campsite? Get a site for free! Yes, there are hundreds of places in the United States where you can camp completely free. Most of these areas are on public land managed by one of two main agencies: The US Forest Service and the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). Finding a place where you can camp for free might be a bit more difficult because they are often not advertised. In addition, most of these areas are in the Western US (although you can find spots in eastern states, as well, they’re just more unusual.)
Conclusion
Tent camping has gotten more expensive in recent years as more and more people are getting outside in nature. But there are still ways you can save money when going camping with your family. And don’t forget, tent camping is almost always cheaper than a conventional vacation!