Gas prices remain one of the largest travel expenses facing RVers and workampers this summer.
On August 5, 2026, AAA reported a national average of approximately $4.08 per gallon for regular gasoline. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a nearly identical weekly average of $4.079 per gallon for the week ending August 3.
Although prices have stopped climbing as quickly as they did earlier in the summer, they remain substantially higher than one year ago. AAA’s national data shows regular gasoline was approximately $3.14 per gallon at the same point last year.
For workampers who move between seasonal assignments, that difference can add more than $100 to a single relocation.
What a 1,000-Mile RV Move Costs
Consider a truck and travel trailer averaging eight miles per gallon.
A 1,000-mile trip would require approximately 125 gallons of fuel.
At $4.08 per gallon, that move would cost about:
125 gallons × $4.08 = $510
At last year’s approximate average of $3.14 per gallon, the same move would have cost:
125 gallons × $3.14 = $392.50
That is an increase of approximately $117.50 for one 1,000-mile move.
The calculation does not include overnight campsites, tolls, meals, propane, generator use or unexpected detours. A workamper who relocates several times per year could spend hundreds of dollars more than expected if the original budget was based on last year’s fuel prices.
Assignment Length Matters More When Fuel Is Expensive
When travel costs rise, the value of a workamping position depends on more than its hourly wage.
A six-month assignment may be financially stronger than a slightly higher-paying job that requires another long-distance move after only six or eight weeks.
When comparing opportunities, consider:
How far you must travel to reach the job How long the assignment lasts The hourly wage or stipend Whether an RV site is included Whether electricity, water and sewer are included How far the campground is from groceries and services How frequently you will need to drive after arriving Whether both members of a couple are required to work
A remote campground may provide a beautiful full-hookup site but require long weekly trips for groceries, propane, laundry or medical care.
A position closer to town may offer a lower hourly wage while saving money on transportation and everyday errands.
Compare the Entire Compensation Package
Workampers should evaluate the total value of a job rather than focusing only on the advertised pay rate.
For example, a position might include:
A free full-hookup RV site Paid hourly work Discounted propane Free laundry Reduced-price meals Store discounts Recreation benefits An arrival allowance A completion or retention bonus
A position paying slightly less per hour may still offer greater overall value if it includes an RV site, utilities and a longer commitment.
Before accepting a job, ask the employer to explain the compensation and campsite arrangement in writing.
Ask About Travel Assistance
Travel reimbursement is not standard with every workamping job, but it is reasonable to ask whether any assistance is available.
Applicants can ask:
“Does this position include mileage reimbursement, a fuel allowance, an arrival bonus or an end-of-season completion bonus?”
Possible travel benefits may include:
Mileage reimbursement A fixed fuel allowance An arrival bonus A completion bonus A seasonal retention bonus Discounted propane Free laundry Discounted food or campground-store purchases
An employer may not offer these benefits, but asking gives the applicant a clearer understanding of the total compensation.
Reduce Fuel Costs Before and During the Trip
Workampers cannot control national fuel prices, but they can make choices that reduce unnecessary fuel use.
Plan a direct route
Avoid unnecessary backtracking and repeated short moves between destinations. A slightly longer assignment may save more money than moving frequently for small increases in hourly pay.
Compare fuel prices along the route
Gasoline prices can vary considerably by state and region. AAA reported a national average near $4.08 on August 5, but state averages differed widely. Checking prices before entering a more expensive region can help determine where to fill the tank.
Group errands together
Once settled at an assignment, combine grocery shopping, laundry, propane refills and other errands into fewer trips.
Maintain a steady towing speed
Rapid acceleration and excessive highway speed generally increase fuel use, especially while towing a tall travel trailer or fifth wheel.
Safety should always come first. Do not attempt to save time by driving faster or covering more miles than is comfortable.
Keep the RV and tow vehicle maintained
Correct tire pressure, proper wheel alignment, clean air filters and regular engine maintenance may help prevent unnecessary fuel use and reduce the risk of a breakdown during a seasonal move.
Build a Fuel Cushion Into the Budget
Fuel markets can change quickly.
AAA reported on July 30 that the national average remained around $4.09 and warned that elevated crude-oil prices could delay the seasonal relief drivers often experience as summer travel slows.
Workampers should avoid planning a move based on the assumption that fuel will be considerably cheaper by departure day.
A travel budget should include extra money for:
Price increases Detours Generator use Additional campground nights Traffic delays Unexpected repairs Longer routes caused by weather or road closures
Even an extra $100 to $200 can prevent a traveler from arriving at a new assignment already under financial pressure.
High Gas Prices Do Not End the Workamping Lifestyle
Higher fuel prices make travel more expensive, but they do not make workamping impossible.
They make planning more important.
Longer assignments, direct routes, included RV sites and clearly explained compensation packages can help workampers manage fuel costs while continuing to travel.
Before accepting your next position, calculate what it will cost to reach the destination—not only what you will earn after arriving.
A job that looks better on paper may not be the better financial choice once travel distance, campsite value, utilities and assignment length are included.
Workamp smarter, budget carefully and choose positions that support both your travel goals and your finances.
Sources
AAA Fuel Prices reported a national regular-gasoline average of approximately $4.08 on August 5, 2026.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a weekly national regular-gasoline average of $4.079 for the week ending August 3, 2026.
AAA’s July 30 market report said the national average remained near $4.09 and that elevated crude-oil prices could delay normal late-summer price relief.