The average campground cost per night in the US depends mostly on the kind of site. One 2025 industry breakdown put basic water-and-electric RV sites at about $30 to $55 a night, full-hookup sites at private parks at about $55 to $90, and luxury RV resorts at $90 to $150 or more. Tent sites are usually the cheapest paid option, and free dispersed camping costs nothing. Rates also change by season: holiday weekends cost the most, and spring, fall and slow weekends cost the least.
Below is what drives those numbers, how seasonal and dynamic pricing works, and what camping costs at Walnut Hills Family Campground in Durand, Michigan, as a real-world example.
Average campsite cost by site type
| Site type | Typical US range per night | What you usually get |
|---|---|---|
| Dispersed camping / boondocking | $0 to $20 | A place to park or pitch a tent; no hookups |
| Tent site | Usually the lowest-priced paid site | Fire ring, picnic table, shared restrooms; sometimes electric |
| Water and electric RV site | About $30 to $55 | 30 or 50 amp power, water, dump station |
| Full-hookup RV site (private park) | About $55 to $90 | Power, water and sewer at the site |
| Luxury RV resort | About $90 to $150+ | Resort amenities, premium sites |
The RV ranges come from a 2025 national breakdown by Harvest Hosts; location and season move them up or down. Tent prices vary too widely by region to average meaningfully, so check the specific park.
How much does an RV campsite cost?
For RV camping prices, the biggest factors are hookups and location in the park:
- Hookups. Full-hookup sites (with sewer) and 50-amp power cost more than water-and-electric sites. If you have a big rig or a long stay, the sewer connection is usually worth it. Our full hookup guide explains the differences.
- Waterfront and premium spots. Lakefront and riverfront sites carry a premium because more people want them.
- Party size. Most private campgrounds include a set number of people (at our parks, 2 adults and 2 children) and charge per extra person. Ours are $13 per extra adult and $9 per extra child (ages 3 to 17) per night.
- Extras. Bringing your own golf cart, day passes for visitors and water-park wristbands can add to the bill. Our guide to campground fees beyond the site rate lists what to ask about.
Families often mix site prices. At Walnut Hills, a reunion might book a few beachfront sites, which cost a little more, and fill the cheaper circle of sites across the road with everyone else. That way the whole group stays together and each household picks what fits its budget.
Do campground rates change by season?
Yes. Most private campgrounds now use dynamic pricing, the same approach hotels have used for decades. As a campground employee explained it, the system “determines the desirability of certain sites during certain time periods.” Each site has a base rate, and the system adds a premium when demand is high or applies a discount when it’s low. That means:
- Holiday weekends cost the most. Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day draw the most demand. At Walnut Hills, the three Halloween weekends also book far in advance.
- In-demand sites cost more year-round. Full-hookup, lakefront and riverfront sites stay at the top of the range.
- Slow weekends can drop below the base rate. This is the upside for deal-seekers.
Michigan campgrounds also have a short season. Ours run May 1 to October 20, so there’s no cheap winter camping to wait for. The savings come from the edges of the season and the slower weekends inside it.
When is the cheapest time to book a campsite?
At Walnut Hills, the best-value windows are:
- May, before Memorial Day weekend
- The weekend after Memorial Day
- The weekends just before and just after Labor Day
- October, before the park closes
Our team points out that on those dates “you can still enjoy great weather months and all of the activities” at a discounted rate. Midweek stays help too. The Wibit floating water park is free for campers Tuesday through Thursday; the weekend wristband fees only cover the cost of running it, which is what keeps weekdays free. Families who arrive Wednesday or Thursday get more for the same trip.
Why do private campgrounds cost more than state parks?
Public campgrounds are usually the lowest-cost option with power and restrooms. They’re funded and priced differently (camping fees, the Recreation Passport and public capital investment) and generally offer fewer on-site extras. A private campground pays for its amenity stack, staff and utilities through the site rate: water parks, events, renovated bathhouses and the people who keep them running.
Guests choose a private park for the experience: things to do without leaving the campground, quiet hours that mean the kids actually sleep, and a well-kept, respectful, family atmosphere. For a side-by-side look, see private vs public campground pricing and our guide to Michigan state park campground rates.
What does a campsite cost at Walnut Hills?
We don’t list exact nightly prices here because dynamic pricing moves them by date and site. As a guide:
- RV sites start around the high $40s a night on slower dates. Full-hookup 50-amp sites (there are 80), lakefront and river-frontage sites, and holiday weekends cost more.
- Tent sites start in the low $40s. Only 4 of the 18 tent sites have electric.
- Camping cabins (two, each sleeping 4) cost more on weekends than weeknights.
- Seasonal sites run $3,000 to $5,500 for May 1 to October 20, with most sites $3,000 to $4,000. Premium sites tend to go first even though they cost more. Our seasonal vs nightly camping guide explains the math.
Check live prices for your dates on the Walnut Hills rates page. For a lower price point, our sister park, The Oaks Campground in Munith, has water-and-electric sites (50 amp on short-term sites, 30 amp on seasonal) with the biggest lots of either park, seasonal sites from $2,500 to $3,300, and monthly stays at 25% off nightly rates (non-beachfront sites, 30-night minimum). The 25% monthly discount is offered at The Oaks only; Walnut Hills takes monthly stays at its regular nightly rates.
Campground cost FAQ
How much does a campsite cost for a weekend?
Multiply the nightly rate by two nights and add any extra-person or extras fees. Some campgrounds set minimum stays on holiday or event weekends, so check before you plan.
Is it cheaper to camp on weekdays?
Usually, yes. Demand drops Sunday through Thursday, and at Walnut Hills the Wibit is free for campers Tuesday through Thursday, so weekdays are both cheaper and easier.
Do campgrounds offer discounts?
It varies by campground. At our parks, the discounts are monthly stays (The Oaks only) and a group perk: groups that book 25 or more sites get one day of free pavilion rental.
Why did the price change when I checked again?
With dynamic pricing, rates move as sites fill. Booking early for busy weekends, or choosing a slower weekend, usually gets the best price.
