Truck Camping

Truck Camping

Recently, we decided to get our reset while staying at a KOA campground. We spent three days there, and the total cost was a little over $200. We know many other straight truck and semi teams with larger sleeper bunks who also use campgrounds for weekend parking or whenever they know they’ll be sitting for more than a day.

In our case, we chose a KOA because the temperatures were expected to be unseasonably hot. Instead of running the generator nonstop to power the air conditioning in the truck, we wanted a place where we could plug into shore power. Not only would that help us stay comfortable, but it would also save fuel and reduce wear and tear on the generator.

We estimate that running the generator for an entire weekend burns roughly one-eighth of a tank of fuel, which comes out to about 38 gallons of diesel. At an average price of $4.67 per gallon, that’s approximately $177 before any fuel discounts. On top of that, extended generator use means more frequent oil changes and additional preventative maintenance costs. When you look at it that way, paying around $200 for a campground weekend starts to make a lot of sense.

Another benefit is that, depending on the campground, you actually get the chance to step away from the truck and enjoy yourself a little. The dogs can enjoy a dog park, and we can take longer walks or participate in other campground activities. After spending so much time on the road, even a small change of scenery can feel refreshing.

Of course, camping several times a month could become expensive. However, it’s worth remembering that campground stays may qualify as a tax write-off under parking expenses. While I can’t give tax advice, I will say that I’ve personally used campground visits as a parking expense.

There are also ways to save money on campsites. We used to belong to a camping membership group that gave us access to campgrounds at about half the normal rate. There were some restrictions depending on the season and location, but overall we did save money.

That said, not every experience was perfect. Many of the campgrounds in the network were smaller, family-owned places that weren’t always located in the best areas. Some lacked amenities, and the clientele could be questionable at times. During our very first stay at one of those campgrounds, the police showed up at the camper parked next to our truck. I somehow slept through the whole thing, but Dave didn’t get much sleep that night. We definitely learned a valuable lesson from that experience. On the other hand, we’ve also stayed at some wonderful campgrounds filled with friendly people and a welcoming atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a way to save on fuel costs and reduce wear and tear on your generator, spending a weekend at a campground may be worth considering. Just make sure you do your homework before choosing where to stay.

Here’s to millions of safe, profitable, and CAMPER-FRIENDLY miles.

Kelly Plumb