We got back about a month ago from 7 month snowbird trip. We don't do reservations. Most we paid was $37.00 for one night. Most of time free or very little with old fart pass. I think disable pass is same price 50% off camping, but not sure. You said "we have the access pass". If you can use MWR on bases, many Mil Camps are available but some are not worth the $$ to travel out of the way to them. But some are pretty good. Check out the link above for milcamps. Many states also have reduced rates. But be sure to check out them out first because some only give reduced amount to their state residents. Also American Legion and VFW have lots of places.
It's pretty easy to get carried away money wise when you're a newbie getting a RV.
Here is a pretty good link that covers a lot of ground for newbies. Yes, some is outdated. But very good overall. And takes awhile to go thru. But price is right.
http://forums.woodalls.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/264829.cfmAnd you said "Everyone tells me how inexpensively this can be done" Depends on how you do it. You're going to eat regardless, but eat out how often? Some stay a long time at one spot, which equals less fuel. Some don't travel far everyday. You get the idea...there are ways to not spend as much. But haven't seen to many people get into RVing to save money.
And "Can someone give me the basics of getting to point a (NY) to point b (CA) without spending 60 bucks a night?" Ya, head west and stop where it don't cost much. Which is truck stops, Walmarts, rest areas and part in between. Till you get 3 hours from Ca coast then it gets harder in the freebie department.
