Insider Perks Reveals Camping Costs Across All U.S. States: A Comprehensive Study
In a groundbreaking study that analyzed over 600,000 camping prices, Insider Perks has unveiled the most comprehensive overview of campground costs across all U.S. states. According to the findings of the 2026 Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Report, the variation in camping prices is staggering, with Delaware ranking as the most expensive state at $109 per night, while North Dakota holds the title for the lowest at just $44—a striking $65 difference. This report, which encompasses data from 2,110 private campgrounds across the contiguous United States, aims to enlighten camping enthusiasts about where they can save the most on outdoor accommodations.
Brian Searl, the Founder and CEO of Insider Perks, underscored the importance of state selection for campers looking to economize, stating, "If you're trying to save money on camping, picking the right state matters more than picking the right weekend, the right season, or the right site type. Nothing else comes close." This insight is vital for campers planning their outings, suggesting that location plays a far more significant role in campground expenses than timing.
The report not only ranked states from most to least expensive but also categorized campgrounds into different accommodation types and provided detailed analyses. The median cost for a tent site is reported at $45, with RV sites costing around $62, and glamping options averaging $145 per night. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, cabins hit a median price of $154.50. Moreover, extras such as oceanfront views can dramatically inflate costs, averaging at $157.66, while sites with full hookups typically cost 57% more than basic dry camping.
Interestingly, the influence of seasonal factors was found to be minimal, with only an 8% variation around $5 between peak camping months and the offseason. Weekend pricing increases are also modest, with an average 2.4% rise for RV sites, adding only about $1.62 to the nightly cost. The Fourth of July holiday weekend carries a slightly higher premium of 4.7%, illustrating that while timing has some impact, it pales in comparison to the importance of state selection.
For outdoor enthusiasts eager to discover hidden gems, the study identified over 600 parks that maintain an impressive average rating of 4.70 stars, with stays averaging about $50 per night. Regions such as Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Tennessee feature a significant concentration of these affordable, high-quality parks.
Across all listed accommodation types, the national median price for campground stays rests at $71.50 per night, with nearly 60% of all camping experiences costing less than $80. This data provides valuable insights for both seasoned campers and new adventurers alike, reinforcing the notion that a well-informed choice of state can lead to substantial savings.
The complete 2026 Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Report offers a wealth of information, including all state rankings, an analysis of monthly prices, day-of-week pricing trends, detailed glamping and cabin breakdowns, and even city-level insights for hotspots like Florida, California, and Texas. For those interested, this detailed report can be downloaded free of charge from the Insider Perks website.
For over a decade, Insider Perks has dedicated itself to serving the outdoor hospitality sector, utilizing AI-driven marketing and competitive intelligence tools for more than 500 campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts across North America. The company also takes pride in publishing original research and managing the largest competitive data platform within the camping industry, solidifying its status as a significant player in the sector's evolution.
As camping continues to grow in popularity, armed with insights from this report, outdoor enthusiasts can navigate their options wisely, ensuring they maximize their experiences while minimizing costs. Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway or an extended outdoor adventure, understanding the cost dynamics of camping is now easier than ever.