Range anxiety? RV parks might be the secret EV charging solution

If you’re planning a cross-country electric vehicle (EV) road trip and worried about “charging deserts” between cities, you’re probably overlooking a hidden network that’s been there all along.

Across the U.S., more than 13,000 RV parks and campgrounds dot the country—and many are the perfect spot to stop and charge your EV on a long road trip. Most RV parks are actually equipped with the same 240-volt outlets that EV users need to charge their cars. That means you’ve got more charging options than you might think.

Although these campgrounds weren’t designed with EVs in mind, their dynamic electrical setups make them surprisingly practical pit stops. Whether a major campground chain or a mom-and-pop site, RV parks can help ease range anxiety for EV drivers eager to venture off the beaten path.

That said, it’s smart to call the parks ahead and check their availability. Campground policies vary: Some campgrounds happily allow EV charging with or without an overnight stay, but a few simply don’t have the power capacity to support it—and others forbid it. A quick phone call can spare you from a long detour.

Aside from being located almost everywhere, RV parks come with unique perks for EV drivers. Unlike the late-night scramble to find a fast charger, you can often reserve your spot days, weeks, or even months in advance. Popular destinations fill up quickly, but once you secure a reservation, you can set out on your trip knowing you have a guaranteed place to plug in.

"What makes RV parks such a smart solution for EV drivers is that their infrastructure mirrors what we recommend for home charging—240-volt Level 2 outlets,” Carmen Robinson, senior vice president of residential solutions for Qmerit, told EnergySage. “Whether you’re in your garage or at a campground, the ability to charge overnight while you rest ensures you start the next day with confidence and range."

With a Level 2 charger, which is what most people use to charge their cars at home, you can count on adding about 20 miles of range for every hour you're plugged in—meaning an overnight stay can easily give you 150+ miles for the next day's adventure. That’s slower than DC fast chargers, but that doesn’t matter while you’re sleeping or relaxing by the campfire: You rest, your car charges, and you’re ready to roll with a full battery in the morning.

In fact, that slower charging pace also benefits your EV’s long-term battery health. Fast charging is great in a pinch, but steady overnight charging is easier on your EV’s battery system.

Finally, RV parks are typically budget-friendly. When you factor in overnight accommodations—whether you're camping, staying in a cabin, or simply sleeping in your vehicle—you’re often paying less than you would for a hotel room and a separate charge stop.

RV park charging isn’t always a perfect solution. The biggest drawback is time—if you’re looking for a quick 20-minute boost, this won’t cut it. You’ll need at least four to six hours to add meaningful range, which makes overnight stays the most practical option.

Another challenge is availability. Not all parks allow EV charging. Some worry about stressing older electrical systems, while others see it as an unfair use of resources truly meant for RVs. Plenty of RV campgrounds are suitable for charging, but it’s something to consider when booking campgrounds.

You need to bring your own charger

One of the most important things to remember? You’ll also need to bring your own equipment. RV parks provide outlets, but you’ll need to pack your own charger and adapter—for most EV drivers that’s usually a NEMA 14-50 adapter. 

The weather may not be on your side

Lastly, consider the weather factor. Unlike covered charging stations, RV park outlets are often exposed. The equipment is designed to handle rain, but plugging in during a downpour or snowstorm can make for a less-than-pleasant experience.

RV parks have been around for decades, but finding the right ones for EV charging no longer requires flipping through guidebooks. Apps like PlugShare let you filter for campgrounds with the types of outlets you need, while reviews from other EV drivers provide valuable details on which sites truly welcome EV charging and what to expect. Traditional RV apps like Allstays can also help you locate campgrounds with 50-amp hookups along your route.

When booking a charging station, you should ask three key questions:

1. Can I charge my EV here?

2. Do you have 50-amp sites available?

3. What’s the cost?

Remember that timing matters, too. RV parks near national parks and other popular destinations tend to sell out months in advance during peak season, so make your reservation early if you’re road-tripping in the summer. Traveling in the off-season usually means more availability and sometimes lower prices.

How much does EV charging at RV parks cost?

Your charging costs will vary. Some campgrounds bundle electricity into the nightly site fee, ranging from $20 to $100 per night, while others add a separate charge for EV use. Extra fees typically run $10 to $20 per night as a flat rate, though some parks charge per kilowatt-hour (kWh) instead.

Charging your EV at an RV park can take a little more planning ahead than plugging in at a dedicated charging station. Here’s what to be aware of:

Test your setup first

Before you leave, double-check your charger at home to confirm it works with the type of outlet you’ll use on the road. Get familiar with any settings that let you adjust charging speed—some campgrounds may ask you to dial it back during peak demand.

Have a backup plan

Even with a reservation, outlets can sometimes be faulty or unavailable. Always arrive with enough charge to reach the next charging option if necessary.

Know your outlets

Most RV power pedestals have three types: a large round 50-amp outlet (the one you want for your Level 2 EV charger), a smaller three-pronged 30-amp outlet, and standard household outlets. Stick with the 50-amp when possible—the 30-amp will charge your EV, but at a much slower pace.

Mind your manners

If the campground asks you to lower the charging speed to protect their system, do it. You’ll still wake up with plenty of range and also help ensure EVs remain welcome at RV parks. Some EV owners will even offer to pay a little extra for the electricity they use—an offer that can help foster good relationships.

RV parks are an underexplored resource that make ambitious EV road trips possible. While they won’t replace the speed of DC fast chargers for quick stops, they stand out as overnight charging outposts in corners of the country where traditional infrastructure hasn’t reached.

As Robinson puts it, "For years, we’ve focused on the convenience of home charging, but RV parks reveal just how versatile that same model can be on the road. By tapping into existing infrastructure, EV drivers can extend their journeys into places where fast chargers haven’t yet reached, without sacrificing the reliability of a full overnight charge."

As more EV drivers venture off the beaten path, campgrounds are evolving. Some are installing dedicated EV charging stations, while others are upgrading their electrical systems to handle the growing demand. This shift benefits everyone: Parks gain a new revenue stream, and drivers gain thousands of additional charging stops across America.

Range anxiety doesn’t have to limit your adventures. With some planning and the right gear, your cross-country EV journey is more than feasible.