2026 Camping Pricing Report: Delaware and New Jersey Among Most Expensive, North Dakota Tops the Cheapest States, All You Need To Know

2026 Camping Pricing Report: Delaware and New Jersey Among Most Expensive, North Dakota Tops the Cheapest States, All You Need To Know

2026 Camping Pricing Report: Delaware and New Jersey Among Most Expensive, North Dakota Tops the Cheapest States, All You Need To Know

Camping enthusiasts who want to save money this season should choose their camping location above everything else because they want to save money. The 2026 Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Report from Insider Perks shows that U.S. states charge different camping rates that exceed the impact of your travel time and the type of campsite and amenities which you choose. The study analyzed over 609,000 price points from 2,110 private campgrounds across the contiguous U.S., making it the largest and most comprehensive analysis of camping costs ever conducted.

The findings show that choosing the right state can save campers more money than any other factor. For example, a standard campsite in Delaware costs $109, while the same type of site in North Dakota costs only $44, a $65 difference that is greater than the total cost of a campsite in a dozen other states.

This $65 gap between the most expensive and least expensive states underscores the need for careful planning when booking a camping trip. For those looking to stretch their budget, the state you choose to camp in can have a far greater impact than the time of year or whether you’re booking an RV site or glamping experience.

States with the Most Expensive Camping

Some states consistently charge high rates for camping. These are the top 10 most expensive states for camping in 2026:

Delaware – $109 per night

New Jersey – $92.50 per night

Maryland – $92 per night

Massachusetts – $87.80 per night

Rhode Island – $87.50 per night

Florida – $81.75 per night

Connecticut – $81.67 per night

California – $77.34 per night

New Hampshire – $74.50 per night

Maine – $72.45 per night

These states are known for their premium camping experiences, often offering high-end amenities and proximity to popular tourist destinations, but they come with a steep price tag.

States with the Least Expensive Camping

On the flip side, there are several states where camping is far more affordable. Here are the top 10 least expensive states for camping:

North Dakota – $44 per night

Nebraska – $44 per night

Kansas – $46 per night

Arkansas – $48 per night

Iowa – $49.50 per night

Missouri – $51.44 per night

Oklahoma – $52.50 per night

South Dakota – $53.25 per night

Louisiana – $53.75 per night

Alabama – $54 per night

These states offer excellent value for campers looking to experience nature without breaking the bank. Many parks in these states have high-quality amenities and good reviews at a fraction of the cost of their coastal or heavily trafficked counterparts.

Key Findings: What Matters Most When Booking Campsites

Interestingly, the study revealed that seasonal fluctuations and weekend premiums don’t make as much of an impact on camping costs as choosing the right state. The national seasonal swing is just 8%, roughly $5 per night between peak and off-peak seasons. Weekend premiums are minimal, with an average of just 2.4% for RV sites.

What does make a bigger difference is the type of site you book. The median prices for different accommodations are as follows:

Tent Sites – $45 per night

RV Sites – $62 per night

Glamping – $145 per night

Cabins – $154.50 per night

Oceanfront Sites – $157.66 per night (a 128% premium)

Full Hookups – 57% more than dry camping

Hidden Gems: Affordable Yet High-Quality Campsites

The study also highlighted hidden gems, parks that offer high-quality camping experiences at affordable prices. These parks, averaging 4.7 stars, can be found in states like Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska, where 62% of parks meet the high standards at just $50 per night. These hidden gems are a great option for campers who want to enjoy the outdoors without paying a premium.

Choosing the Right State Can Save You Money on Camping

The 2026 Outdoor Hospitality Pricing Report shows that state selection is by far the most influential factor when it comes to camping costs in the U.S. While the right dates and amenities can affect your experience, it’s the state you camp in that has the most significant impact on your overall trip cost. For travelers looking to maximize their camping budget, affordable states like North Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas offer excellent value without compromising on the quality of the experience.

Campers who plan their trips to cost-effective states can experience budget-friendly camping, which allows them to discover the most beautiful natural areas of the United States. To learn more about state-specific camping prices, the full report is available for free download at insiderperks.com/pricing-report.

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