Want to see some of the most expensive cities in the United States? Bring your tent! Many of the more cost-heavy destinations in America can also be enjoyed via campground, including New York, Washington and even Las Vegas. Read on for details.

During a flood recovery period where we had to live like cyber nomads, my husband and I discovered a national campground chain with locations all over the country. KOA sites feature electricity, water, fire pits, picnic tables and my personal favorite, WiFi. They also have clean showers and toilets at the main facility, along with various other frequent amenities like laundry, pool, hot tub, snack shack, play area, club house, structured family activities and pet parades for the kids. Their main office area has a convenience store set up for incidentals and a mailing service if you need to post something while you’re staying there. We even had pizza delivered one night when it was too wet to cook outside the tent.

While I’m sure there are other great campgrounds available around the country, KOA offers an array of locations suitable for long term touring or trips up and down the coast. At the campground outside of Washington, DC we were just a skip and a jump from the train into the city that offers a straight shot to the national mall and all of the free exhibits at the Smithsonian.

When my good friend and colleague had her book signing party in Manhattan, we camped at the KOA just outside of the city, enjoyed the affordable and ample day parking at the train station and rode in comfort to New York where we met up with her for her event at Starbucks later that afternoon. I noticed there’s one in Vegas as well. All in all an affordable way to go for the budget traveler who needs to stay wired while on the road.

 Related Readings: Going Green on the Road, How to Travel Light and Low Budget and Frugal Transportation in the City.

Photo Credit: Paul Carroll