This is all about the ratio of travel days to productive or fun days I talk about a bit in my longer comment below. And sure, do the math- if you would be happier in a hotel anyway- and a lot of people would be- then it makes sense to get hotel rooms.
But if you're parking the truck on BLM land for a week at a time, then that's happier and cheaper.
Hell, you could go with a Miata and a camping tent, and just control the ratio of BLM land time vs hotel time.
I think one viable strategy is 5off 2on. EG: Stay in a Hotel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (lower cost than weekends) and then camp on BLM land (or other cheap places) the other 5 days.
But if you're parking the truck on BLM land for a week at a time, then that's happier and cheaper.
Hell, you could go with a Miata and a camping tent, and just control the ratio of BLM land time vs hotel time.
I think one viable strategy is 5off 2on. EG: Stay in a Hotel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (lower cost than weekends) and then camp on BLM land (or other cheap places) the other 5 days.
State parks are 12-$25, while Motel 6 is $40-$60.