How Much Do RV Parks Charge in California? (12 Helpful Examples)

Are you heading out on an adventure in California?

Staying the night in an RV park can be a great way to explore the state and all the beautiful scenery it has to offer. Most people just need to know what to budget to make their dream trip into a reality.

How much do RV parks charge in California?

RV parks in California charge anywhere from $30 per night to over $100 depending on the park, the amenities, and the season during which you book your trip. Be sure to look for special rates for week-long and month-long stays as well.

What Are The Cheapest RV Parks in California?

Whether you plan to head out for a single weekend or a month-long excursion, many people do not want all of the frills that come along with pricey RV parks and campgrounds.

They want beautiful spaces where they can unwind without worrying about the price tag.

This means that you need to uncover all of the secret and inexpensive places that you can park your rig throughout this sunshine-soaked state.

For under $75 per night, you can create lasting memories at any of the following RV parks:

• Mountain Gate RV Park in Redding
• Ponderosa RV Resort in Lotus
• Clio’s Rivers Edge RV Park in Clio
• Boulder Creek RV Resort in Lone Pine
• Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton

Of course, countless other RV parks offer similar amenities and rates. California is home to some of the most beautiful terrain, and there are tons of campgrounds that allow you to experience it firsthand. Another inexpensive option for parking your RV is to go through the National Parks Service. California has nine national parks that feature stunning scenery from waterfalls to mountains to mature forests. There is no shortage of things to explore when it comes to these areas. Taking an RV trip is the best way to really make the most of the time you can spend in these parks.

Keep in mind that because national parks are so appealing and low priced, they do tend to fill up fast.

It is recommended that you make your reservation well in advance, particularly if you are going to need a spot for a 35-foot to 40-foot RV. There are very few of these spots available, and you may not get one on a first-come-first-served basis.

If you want to explore the national parks, here are a few to start with:

• Pinnacles National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Redwood National Park

Need to do laundry during your trip? Check out our article: Do RV Parks Have Laundry Facilities?

What Are the Most Expensive RV Parks in California?

Are you someone who is accustomed to a certain degree of luxury? Choosing to stay in an inexpensive RV park is great for someone on a budget. However, there is a lot more that can be offered by some of the luxury resorts along the coast.

Here are some of the most expensive RV parks in California:

• Motorcoach Country Club ($330 for three nights)
• Paradise by the Sea (up to $99 per night)
• Yanks RV Resort (up to $71 per night)
• Anaheim RV Park ($99 on average per night)
• Malibu Beach RV Park (up to $100 per night)

What makes the price so much higher for these parks? Well, take a look at some of the features and amenities found at Motorcoach Country Club, for example. It includes a fitness center with regular yoga classes, tennis courts, a concierge service, two miles of navigable waterways, and three swimming pools.

Other expensive locales like the Malibu Beach RV park offer premium views of the water and the mountains. You are paying to be surrounded by beautiful views. It is similar to taking a cruise and opting for a room with a balcony instead of an inside stateroom.

Don’t have a shower in your RV? Check out our article: Do RV Parks Have Showers? What to Expect (With Examples)

What Do the Most Popular RV Parks in California Cost?

The most popular RV parks in California are those offered by the National Parks Service.

Each park has several campgrounds that are available to potential campers. Some sites are designated for tents only, but many offer flexibility for different sizes of RVs as well.

These campgrounds tend to be on the lower side of things in terms of cost.

To give you a great idea of what some of these popular parks cost, here is a breakdown for some of the national parks in the area:

• Pinnacles National Park – $36 per night
• Redwood National Park – $35 per night
• Sequoia National Park – $22 per night

While you can certainly find more expensive campgrounds, many RV enthusiasts tend to stick with these simple campgrounds that are on the less expensive side of things.

For more information, check out our article about RV Parks and whether or not they are Open Year Round! (General Rules)

Is it Generally Cheaper to Stay in RV Parks Instead of Hotels in California?

If you are planning a trip to California and you plan to stay for more than a day, you may wonder whether it is better to book a hotel or reserve a spot in an RV park. Both options certainly have their perks, but the real question is, which one is more cost-effective?

The answer is pretty simple. While it does depend on which RV park you stay in, many options will be significantly less expensive than a single night spent in a hotel. RV parks charge less than $75 per night, with some offering rates in the $20 to $30 price range.

On the other hand, hotels will cost you an arm and a leg. The average hotel price in California is roughly $186, according to Budget Your Trip.

There are bound to be a few less expensive hotels, but an RV park is still a pretty safe choice for an affordable trip.

Hidden Fees

You must also consider some of the hidden fees that come with staying in a hotel room.

For example, you have to think about what it will cost for you to eat during your trip. Most hotel rooms do not have full kitchens, so you have to go out to eat for major meals. You may be booked in a hotel that offers a breakfast bar, but what about lunch and dinner?

When you stay in an RV, you have a full kitchen at your disposal. You can purchase groceries that will last you for the entire week and never have to leave your vacation destination. In the end, you will end up saving even more money compared to the cost of a hotel.

What Added Costs Should You Look for With RV Parks?

Many people are drawn into RV parks by their low rates but end up surprised when they see the final bill. There are a lot of added costs that can really impact your budget on your next trip. Knowing about them in advance can help you to plan accordingly.

The highest additional cost that you will encounter in an RV park is the price of hookups. A full hookup means that you will have access to clean water, electricity, and sewer.

It can be very convenient to have full hookups, but you will ultimately pay for this luxury.

Do RV Parks Charge for Electricity? Find out more with our article here!

Electricity can be manufactured using a generator during set hours. You can stock up on water before you park the RV, and you should be able to store wastewater up to a certain amount before you need to head out to a dump station. Longer stays may warrant spending the extra money on these hookups.

This is the major area where you will be spending money beyond the site fee. However, there is a long list of other costs you should consider before taking a trip.

These can include:

• Groceries
• Propane for the generator
• Internet
• Cable
• Laundry
• Entertainment

Do RV Parks Allow Older RVs? (Read This Before You Go)

Tips to Save Costs on RV Parks in California

Are you interested in saving a few dollars on your next trip? While many RV parks are already affordable, you might be able to cut back on your expenses even further with the right tricks up your sleeve.

First, you should try to avoid taking trips during the summer as this is the most popular season.

Rates are bound to be highest when everyone is competing for one of the coveted spots in the campground or national park.

People have time off from work and school, so this is a popular time to book a vacation.

However, you can save a good bit of money by scheduling your trip in the shoulder season. This is the time right before and right after the prime traveling season. In this case, you might want to consider traveling during the spring or fall.

The weather may be a bit cooler, but the parks will be less crowded and less expensive.

Another tip is to stay for a longer time. While some places only offer nightly rates, many offer discounts for week-long or month-long stays.

In some cases, you might be able to negotiate an annual rate if you plan to be in the area for an extended period.

Do RV Parks Allow Vans and Van Conversions? Rules & Guidelines HERE!

Final Thoughts

Staying in an RV park in California can be an affordable and fun vacation.

With some of these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to find the best deals and have a great time!

Resources

Malibu Beach RV Park

Anaheim RV Park

Mountain Gate RV Park

Pioneer RV Park

Ramblin Redwoods Campground and RV Park

Mad River Rapids RV Park

Was this article helpful?