A Snapshot of the Current Fuel Landscape
Fuel prices ticked up slightly nationwide this week, with the average cost of regular gasoline now hovering around $2.84 per gallon, up just a couple of cents from the prior week. Even with this modest increase, prices remain comfortably below where they stood at the same point last year, when drivers were paying just over $3.00 per gallon on average.
For campers and RVers, this is encouraging news. Fuel is one of the most consistent and unavoidable travel expenses, and today’s pricing environment is noticeably more favorable than what many travelers experienced during recent peak seasons.
Why Gas Prices Are Staying in Check
Several seasonal and market-driven factors are keeping fuel costs relatively manageable:
- Lower winter travel demand continues to ease pressure on gasoline consumption.
- Winter-blend fuel, which is cheaper to produce, is still widely in use across much of the country.
- Stable refinery output and rising domestic fuel inventories are helping offset short-term price fluctuations.
Recent industry data shows that while gasoline demand has increased modestly week over week, supply has grown even faster. That balance has helped prevent sharper price spikes, even as crude oil prices trend slightly higher.
Meanwhile, crude oil markets remain sensitive to global events. U.S. oil stockpiles have increased but still sit below long-term seasonal averages. International tensions—particularly in oil-producing regions—remain a wildcard that could influence prices later in the year.
What This Means for RVers and Campers
For RV travelers, today’s fuel pricing offers breathing room when planning trips—especially compared to the volatility seen over the past few years. That said, fuel costs can vary dramatically depending on where you travel.
RVers heading out on extended routes or cross-country adventures should still factor in regional price swings, as fuel costs can differ by more than a dollar per gallon from state to state. Smart route planning, fuel stop timing, and regional awareness remain key to staying on budget.
Gas Prices by State: Where RVers Pay the Most—and the Least
Highest Average Gas Prices
Travelers can expect higher fuel costs in the following states:
- Hawaii – approximately $4.40 per gallon
- California – around $4.21
- Washington – roughly $3.79
- Alaska – about $3.47
- Nevada – near $3.35
These regions can significantly impact trip costs, especially for larger motorhomes or tow vehicles with lower fuel efficiency.
Lowest Average Gas Prices
On the flip side, RVers will find some of the most affordable fuel prices in:
- Oklahoma – about $2.32 per gallon
- Texas – roughly $2.42
- Kansas – around $2.42
- Mississippi – near $2.43
- Louisiana – approximately $2.43
Planning longer driving days in lower-cost states can be a smart strategy for offsetting higher prices elsewhere.
EV Charging Costs: What Electric RVers Should Know
For travelers using electric vehicles or hybrid setups, public charging costs remain relatively steady nationwide, averaging $0.38 per kilowatt-hour. However, prices vary widely by state.
- Highest average charging costs: West Virginia at about $0.52 per kWh
- Lowest average charging costs: Kansas at roughly $0.25 per kWh
As electric and hybrid RV options continue to grow, understanding regional charging costs is becoming just as important as tracking gas prices.