Fuel Prices: Trending Up, Down, or Staying Steady

Fuel costs are one of the biggest considerations for RVers. After all, everyone from van lifers to weekend warriors to luxury long-term roadtrippers needs fuel to get to their next destination (and home again). And the last few years have been a bumpy ride when it comes to budgeting for this essential expense. Fortunately, after the previous few wild years, fuel prices have cooled. For now. But they’re far from predictable.

With summer travel in full swing, economists are cautiously optimistic that prices will remain in the mid-$3 range (with the usual expected fluctuations by state). Still, global tensions and supply chain shocks could send costs skyrocketing… or not.

Here are some fuel economy scenarios smart RVers will want to keep an eye on—just in case the road ahead gets rough.

Current U.S. Gas Prices

As of early July, the national average is around $3.21 per gallon, according to AAA data. The good news: that’s about $0.30 lower (or 6 to 6.5%) than this time last year, when fuel averaged $3.50/gallon.

That said, price trends are indicating a slight uptick (+1 to 2.4% week-over-week). This is expected as demand increases with the ramp-up of summer travel.

Summer Fuel Price Forecast

As of early June, the EIP’s short-term energy outlook estimated summer retail gas prices of $3.14/gallon for an annual average of $3.09/gallon, followed by another mild decrease in 2026 to $3.08. Market analysis from AAA and RV-Pro highlights that OPEC+ supply boosts and steady demand are helping keep prices in check.

Potential for Volatility?

On the one hand, U.S. oil production is robust, especially from the Permian Basin in the southwestern part of the U.S., which helps anchor global supply and moderate price spikes. Additionally, OPEC+ has recently announced an increase in output. (Greater global supply pressures crude oil prices.)

On the other hand, there’s still disruption, including tensions in the Middle East, uncertainty with tariffs, sanctions on Russia and Iran, and increasing AI data usage. As of the writing of this news, skies have largely cleared, leading to decreases in costs. However, events such as the U.S.-Iran strikes and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz could spark significant changes in oil prices.

Goldman Sachs, for example, warned that if shipping is disrupted, the price per barrel could hit $90 to $110. This could result in fuel prices up to $4 per gallon. According to ING, a worst-case scenario could send oil prices climbing to $120 per barrel, leading to gas prices pushing close to $5 per gallon and reigniting inflation.

Key Takeaways

According to many economists, we can expect gas prices to stabilize and hold steady around $3.10 to $3.20 per gallon. That’s nearly a buck less than the highs reached in 2022. That said, it’s a good idea to watch for signs of disruption that could change everything. And because fuel is such a significant cost, it’s always a good idea to leverage budgeting apps and track changes to help stretch every mile.

AVERAGE PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN FUEL FROM FEBRUARY TO AUGUST: 10 TO 15%

Hear ye, hear ye!

Fancy a blend of history, whimsy, and community gathering? Aye? The Bristol Renaissance Faire, conveniently located between Chicago and Milwaukee, is a most excellent event. The lively festival celebrates medieval reenactment, costume artistry, jousting knights, artisan markets, and lively stage performances from comedy acts to acrobatics to daredevils, puppeteers, belly dancers, magicians, and more—all together at one carefree event.

For an easy overnight stay, many attendees park at the nearby Richard Bong State Recreation Area (located just under 20 miles away in Kansasville, WI), which offers full hookups and spacious sites. This well-equipped campground accommodates even larger rigs and is a mere 30 minutes from the gates.

There are good options in Illinois as well. Illinois Beach State Park, for example, is a pleasant 12 miles from the faire and offers easy access to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan as well.

Best of all, if you are one of the many RVers who fall in love with these magically wonderful events and the camaraderie and creativity they invite, you can take your RV to the next Ren Fest, which dot the country throughout the summer:

Walhalla Renaissance Faire, South Lake Tahoe, CA, August 16 – 24.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Shakopee, MN, August 16 – September 28.
New York Renaissance Faire, Tuxedo Park, NY, August 16 – October 5.
Maryland Renaissance Festival, Annapolis, MD, August 23 – October 19.
Ohio Renaissance Festival, Waynesville, OH, August 30 – October 26.
Carolina Renaissance Festival, Huntersville, NC, October 4 – November 23.
The Texas Renaissance Festival, Todd Mission, TX, October 11 – November 30.

Plus, because these are weekend-only events, you’ll have plenty of time during the week to explore the rest of the area. Huzzah!

Seeking Serenity? (Us to!) Let’s Talk Peaceful Places

Yes, the open road has so much to offer. And unique destinations can fill you with awe, invite you to explore, or get your heart racing. But when RVing, often, the real magic happens once the engine has cooled and all you hear is the wind in the trees, a fish splashing in the lake, or the soothing crackle of a campfire.

In the Travel & Destinations section of the I 🧡 RVing Community Forum, we’re looking to swap stories about the quietest campgrounds we’ve ever experienced. Those rare spots where nature speaks louder than your neighbors, just the way we like it. I’ll never forget the sound of moose antlers clacking in the distance as two young bulls played near our campsite in the Big Horns… Enchanting!

Have you discovered a peaceful hideaway tucked in the forest you’re willing to share? Perhaps a lakeside retreat where time seems to slow? A national park nook tucked away from the hustle that felt like your own private paradise? Or perhaps just the right combination of the time of year mixed with an off-road campground?