We bought a Salem 285 Bunk house 5th wheel in 2004 so I could camp for a week in Markleeville CA before and after the Death Ride. (I have done both the Hotter and Hell and the Death Ride. I will take the Hotter n Hell!) I pull it with a 2004 Silverado crew cab with a Duramax.
The trailer layout gives me the ability to have friends stay on out of town rides. The bikes are usually hauled on a Thule rack on top of the cab, or occasionally I just put them inside the trailer.
As for costs, after the initial outlay for the truck and trailer, It costs about $120 month for storage, insurance, registration, and maintenance on the trailer.
Camping can cost anywhere from free for parking at some Walmarts, to $80/night at Zephyr Cove in South Lake Tahoe. Most of the time it is between $35-45/night for full hookups. I also take into account the $20-30/day I save by not eating out. If you buy one, pull out your calendar and make plans to use it at least one weekend a month and a week during the summer. Otherwise a hotel room is cheaper.
We do have some great riding areas in the Sierras that a campground is the best option!
Jerry