When I have an idea for a route, I map it out using a program like Bikely. Then I estimate daily mileage based on terrain. Let's say I decide 60 miles/day is a realistic average. For Day 1, I pick a town 60 miles from the start then go to Google Maps and search "campgrounds near [name of town]". If I don't get any hits, I zoom out. In doing so, I make sure to look for state parks, which are noted on the map but sometimes don't show up as campgrounds. I then check to see if any state parks that do show up allow camping.

I am looking at PA Bike Route V for next spring or summer. I have the paper maps and have mapped it electronically. I have searched for campgrounds near/on the route and have noted their locations on the paper maps.

I used the same approach for last month's tour on the GAP and PA Pike Route S. During that tour, I actually started to keep a record of every penny I spent and what I spent it on, but I lost interest after maybe 3 days. A few things stuck in my mind, like the $40 campsite, the $10 campsite and the free campsite, but any attempt at estimating a daily budget would not be much more than guessing.

My philosphy is that it's my vacation. While I don't go out of my way to spend as much mioney as possible, I am not going to deny myself something I want just to save money. If there is a choice between a crappy city park for free and a private campground for $30, I will opt for the latter. Last spring I shelled out $25 or so to tour a wolf preserve next to a campground where I spent a night. A few years ago the GF and I stayed at a bike camp in MT. The place had a grill and charcoal. The grocery store had salmon steaks. It was July 4th. Couldn't pass up the chance to BBQ. Other people do it on the cheap for one reason or another. I will take advantage of cheap options if available and suitable. During that same tour we stayed at a really nice BLM campground for only $6.

Again, a lot of it is regional. $8 for breakfast out (say a full stack of pancakes, meat, coffee and a tip) is actually reasonable in many parts of the northeast.

Finally, keep in mind that when you are not touring you are spending money on food, so food expenses on tour are not 100% extra costs. And when you are touring you are likely using fewer utilities, like water and electricity, and possibly gasoline, so there are some savings on that side of the balance sheet.