5 Beautiful Places to Camp for Less than $25 Per Night

By Jamie Cattanach
Budget Travel

If you’re looking for a Goldilocks campground – not too rustic, but not too fancy – there are lots of beautiful cheap camping spots you can try!

Generally speaking, when you’re trying to save money on campgrounds you’ll find that public campgrounds are cheaper than private campgrounds. Also, the less expensive the campground, the fewer amenities it will have. Many beautiful cheap camping spots won’t have full hookups, a pool, showers, and other upscale perks that you might find at luxury resort campgrounds.

Here are five excellent places to camp that are inexpensive but won’t require you to go completely off the grid.

1. Edson Creek Campground, Oregon

Portland may get more attention as a popular city, but the Oregon coast is a hard destination to beat. Stunning coastlines, ample hiking opportunities, and agate-hunting await, not to mention world-class wines grown right in the area.

Edson Creek Campground is just 15 minutes from the shoreline, and though it may not have hookups, it does offer amenities like campfire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms, as well as access to potable water.

Click here to see RVshare rentals near Edson Creek, Oregon.

2. Devil’s Elbow Campground, Montana

Ready to have a Montana moment?

With some of the most stunning vistas in the entire country, this northern state is a popular RV destination for good reason. But along with popularity comes higher pricing, and camping here can be downright expensive if you’re not sure where to look.

Well, we suggest you look just east of Helena, where Devil’s Elbow Campground waits to greet you. Situated on a scenic bend in the Missouri River, its gravel sites can accommodate even larger motorhomes and travel trailers. (No electricity is available.)

Click here to see RVshare rentals near Devil’s Elbow, Montana.

3. Goodale Creek Campground, California

Goodale Creek Campground is the best way to experience the stunning beauty of Inyo County at low prices — $5 per night, to be exact. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada mountains as well as ample hiking, biking, climbing, and fishing opportunities without the high prices you’ll find at developed RV campgrounds in the area.

Click here to see RVshare rentals near Goodale Creek Campground, California.

4. Ken’s Lake Campground, Utah

It’s no secret that Moab and its two nearby national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, are some of the most sought-after camping destinations in the country. And although these areas are popular for a reason, that popularity brings expense along with it. Many of the local resorts charge $75 or more for a single night of camping.

But Ken’s Lake Campground lies just 10 miles south of town and offers a perfect home base for exploring the area’s many outdoor opportunities. In fact, if you want to skip the crowded parks altogether, you can take advantage of hiking trails that originate right on the property, or enjoy fishing and boating in and on the local reservoir.

Even large motorhomes are welcome! Loop A sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance but Loop B sites are available only on a first-come, first-served basis. Because this is one of the most popular destinations in the U.S., be sure to arrive early!

Click here to see RVshare rentals near Ken’s Lake Campground, Utah.

5. Wild Rivers Campground, New Mexico

They don’t call New Mexico the “land of enchantment” for nothing. With dramatic views of the Rio Grande gorge, dazzlingly tall mountain peaks, and all the delicious, chile-based cuisine you can imagine, chances are you’ll find this state even more charming than advertised.

Wild Rivers Campground is located in a central area, allowing you to explore the quaint ski town of Taos as well as the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. It’s off the beaten path, so you’ll get silence and incredible starscapes… and best of all, it’s only $7 a night. In addition, if you have an annual National Park Pass you’ll only pay $3.50! 

Click here to see RVshare rentals near Wild Rivers Campground, New Mexico.