Camping Costs

Then Fuel Prices Took Off

Like everyone else, we watched fuel prices climb.

For those of us towing large fifth wheels, diesel prices make a significant difference in the cost of every trip.

Earlier this year, Pat and I traveled to Florida to look at campgrounds for future winter stays. We found several places we liked, but they wanted signed leases months in advance.

Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem.

This time, however, I hesitated.

There was simply no way to know what diesel prices would be eight months later.

We all have financial limits, and while we had planned for normal inflation, we hadn’t planned for fuel prices increasing as rapidly as they did.

The Numbers Add Up Quickly

Our truck averages about 8 miles per gallon while towing our fifth wheel.

That means even a small increase in fuel prices has a noticeable impact.

Using our Yellowstone trip as an example, every 10-cent increase in the price of diesel adds roughly $45 to the cost of the trip.

That doesn’t sound like much.

But when diesel rises by more than a dollar per gallon, the additional cost of a long trip can easily reach several hundred dollars.

Then you add higher campground fees, increased food prices, and the rising cost of everyday necessities.

The total cost of traveling starts adding up quickly.

Everyone’s Situation Is Different

I’ve seen plenty of discussions in RV forums about rising fuel prices.

Some people say they’ll travel no matter what fuel costs.

Others are shortening their trips, staying closer to home, or postponing travel until prices become more manageable.

Neither approach is right or wrong.

Every family has its own budget and its own priorities. What’s affordable for one RVer may not be for another.

Our Approach

For now, we’re keeping our reservations in place while watching fuel prices and our reservation cancellation deadlines.

As those dates approach, we’ll decide whether each trip still fits comfortably within our budget.

Hopefully, we’ll be able to keep all of our plans.

If not, we’ll adjust.

One thing we’ve learned over the years is that the RV lifestyle is all about flexibility.

Sometimes the destination changes.

Sometimes the timing changes.

Sometimes the budget changes.

The important thing is to enjoy the journey, even if it looks a little different than you originally planned.