Why Combining Grand American Touring with Motorcycle Camping Makes Sense

The past few years have been tough on everyone’s wallet. After four years of massive inflation, the cost of everything—from gas to groceries, hotels to restaurant meals—has skyrocketed. Grand American Touring, the quintessential road trip experience for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, has become more expensive than ever.

But there’s good news: combining motorcycle touring with camping offers an affordable, rewarding, and uniquely satisfying way to hit the road without breaking the bank. I call it Ride to Camp Touring.

Ride to Camp Touring isn’t just a throwback to simpler times—it’s an innovative and sustainable solution for modern adventurers.

My moto camping sleeping setup, including Night Cat Camping Cot Tent, Kelty Galactic 30 sleeping bag, Get Out Gear camping blanket, and Klymit camping pillow — Motorcycle camping does not need to be uncomfortable. Pack an efficient camp kitchen and a comfortable sleeping system, and you’ll be all set.

The Rising Costs of Grand American Touring

In 2025, inflation has made traditional motorcycle touring feel out of reach for many riders, including me. Here’s a snapshot of the challenges:

Hotel Rates: The average nightly rate for a hotel room now exceeds $200 in most popular touring destinations. Multiply that by a week or more, and lodging costs quickly overshadow other expenses.
Dining Out: A single meal at a modest restaurant can easily cost $20–$40 per person. Eating three meals daily makes dining out a significant expense on a long trip.
Gas Prices: Fuel costs, while fluctuating, have remained stubbornly high, further stretching travel budgets.

These rising costs force riders to rethink how they approach touring—camping provides a refreshing, cost-effective alternative to hotels and restaurants.

Full hookup campsite just $20 per night. — Peanut and I found this full-hookup state campsite for just $28 per night. It had a picnic table, BBQ grill, water, and power. The bathroom facilities had large showers, and the grounds included a fenced-in dog-run area. You won’t find that at a hotel!

Why Ride to Camp Touring Is the Answer

1. It’s Affordable
Camping slashes lodging costs to a fraction of what hotels charge. With a tent, sleeping bag, and the right gear, you can camp for as little as $10–$40 a night—or even free with dispersed camping on public lands.

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on accommodations, you can invest in quality camping gear that pays for itself after just a few trips.

2. It’s Immersive
Motorcycle camping connects you to the journey in a way that no hotel stay can. Imagine riding all day on scenic backroads, setting up camp under the stars, cooking your meal, and waking up to the sunrise with a fresh cup of coffee.

The simplicity of camping enhances the sense of adventure and gives you a deeper appreciation for the places you visit.

3. It’s Sustainable
As sustainability becomes more important, motorcycle camping is a way to reduce your environmental impact. Cooking meals and camping minimizes waste, energy use, and carbon footprint.

Paired with motorcycles, which are already more fuel-efficient than cars or planes, this approach makes your touring eco-friendly and cost-effective.

4. It’s Healthy
In a world of fast food and convenience, camping encourages healthier habits. By preparing your meals, you control what you eat and can prioritize fresh, nutritious ingredients.

Camping also gets you moving. Whether setting up camp, hiking a nearby trail, or doing stretches after a long ride, camping promotes physical activity often missing in traditional touring.

5. It’s About Self-Reliance
Motorcycle camping embodies the spirit of independence and self-reliance. There’s a deep satisfaction in carrying everything you need on your bike, finding the perfect campsite, and making it your home for a night or two.

6. It’s About Exploration
Rushing through destinations to stay on schedule often means missing the best parts of the journey. With camping, you can slow down. Stay for a couple of days, ride unburdened by your gear, and truly explore the hidden gems, meet new people, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of roads less traveled.

How to Get Started with Ride to Camp Touring

Getting into motorcycle camping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small and work your way up:

Gear Up: Invest in lightweight, compact camping gear for motorcycle travel. Essentials include a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking equipment.
Plan Your Routes: Research campsites, national parks, or public lands where camping is affordable or free.
Pack Smart: Balance your load carefully. Focus on packing only what you truly need, and use top-notch storage solutions.
Practice First: Before setting out on a long trip, try a weekend camping ride close to home to get comfortable with your gear and setup.

Delicious stake, baked potato, and green beans for dinner motorcycle camping. — I made this delicious steak dinner at home, using my camping gear, before trying it at camp. It was healthy and tasty and cost less than $10.

Ride to Camp Touring is a Movement, Not a Compromise

For many riders, combining Grand American Touring with camping isn’t just a way to save money—it’s a way to rediscover the essence of the journey. It’s about slowing down, embracing simplicity, and experiencing the world with fresh eyes.

In a time when inflation continues to pressure traditional travel, Ride to Camp Touring offers freedom, adventure, and affordability—all rolled into one.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of riding into the unknown, setting up camp under the stars, and waking up to the sounds of nature, now is the perfect time to embrace motorcycle camping.

Adventure is waiting. Let’s ride to camp.