RV enthusiasts say camping is the cheapest way to travel
Mon Apr 27, 2009
Source: Texas Association of Campground Owners press relea
CROWLEY, Texas -- Ninety two percent of RV enthusiasts say it's cheaper to stay in a campground or RV resort than a hotel or motel, and many derive additional savings by cooking some or all of their own meals, according to the latest online survey by the Texas Association of Campground Owners.
More than half of the survey respondents said they save anywhere from $20 to $50 a night by staying in a campground or RV resort, with an additional 25.7 percent of respondents saying they save $50 to $100 per night. Forty five percent of survey respondents said they save even more by eating only dinner out, while 32.3 percent cook all of their own meals.
"Our latest survey indicates that people are still wanting to get out and enjoy some time off, but I think they are also trying to stretch their dollar as far as they can, and the camping lifestyle is giving them the options that they're looking for in that regard," said Brian Schaeffer, executive director of the Texas Association of Campground Owners.
The April survey, conducted through www.texascampgrounds.com, generated 614 responses involving the cost of RVing, percentage of meals out and fuel costs, Schaeffer said. Among the survey's findings:
92 percent said staying in a campground or RV resort is cheaper than staying in a motel or hotel by the following dollar amounts:
* $40 to $50 per night = 32.3 percent.
* $50 to $100 per night = 25.7 percent.
* $20 to $40 per night = 25.7 percent.
* I don't save any money. I simply camp for the experience = 7.2 percent
* More than $100 per night = 5.5 percent
* $10 to $20 per night = 3.6 percent.
Most RV enthusiasts save additional money by cooking at least some of their own meals.
* 45 percent only eat dinner out.
* 32.3 percent cook all of their own meals.
* 15 percent eat out half the time.
* 6.8 percent only eat out for breakfast.
* 1 percent eat out all the time.
The survey also gathered statistics on how much RV enthusiasts spend each day for food, camping fees, entertainment and fuel. Here are the results:
Food expenses
* $25 to $50 = 48.5 percent
* Less than $25 = 37.8 percent
* $50 to $75 = 9 percent
* $75 to $100 = 2.3 percent
* $100 or more = 2 percent
Camping fees
* $20 to $40 = 61.6 percent
* Less than $20 = 26.7 percent
* $40 to $60 = 15.6 percent
* More than $80 = 3.3 percent
* $60 to $80 = 2.6 percent
Entertainment and activities
* Less than $25 = 55.7 percent
* $25 to $50 = 28.3 percent
* $50 to $75 = 7.8 percent
* $75 to $100 = 5.5 percent
* $100 or more = 2.6 percent
Fuel
* $25 to $50 = 28 percent
* $50 to $75 = 25.1 percent
* $75 to $100 = 17.9 percent
* Less than $25 = 15.3 percent
* More than $100 = 13.7 percent
The survey also collected data on how RVers travel:
* 57.7 percent travel with a spouse or significant other.
* 35.5 percent travel with a spouse or significant other and their children or grandchildren.
* 3.6 percent travel alone.
* 3.6 percent travel with friends.
The Texas Association of Campground Owners markets more than 400 private campgrounds and RV resorts.
