Most travelers assume campground electricity is included in the site fee, but the metering setup varies significantly depending on the type of park you’re staying at. Private RV parks typically include unlimited electricity in their nightly rates, while many state parks, Corps of Engineers campgrounds, and some municipal parks meter individual sites and charge separately for power usage.
The difference isn’t always obvious when you’re booking. Metered sites usually have a separate electrical meter visible near the pedestal, but some parks use smart pedestals that track usage digitally. When electricity is metered, you’re typically charged per kilowatt-hour at the end of your stay, similar to a home utility bill. Rates can range from reasonable to surprisingly high, especially at federal campgrounds.
This matters more than most people realize because RV electrical usage can add significant cost to a long-term stay. Running your air conditioning, electric water heater, and space heaters simultaneously can easily consume several dollars worth of electricity per day at metered sites. Many experienced campers adjust their power habits at these locations — using propane for heating and water heating instead of electricity, and being more conservative with air conditioning.
Before settling in for an extended stay, it’s worth asking at check-in whether electricity is included or metered. If it’s metered, consider switching some systems to propane operation to control costs, especially during extreme weather when heating or cooling demands are highest.