Summary
Regardless of where it is currently situated, the camp is nothing less than a home for Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang inRed Dead Redemption 2. However, as great as the camp may appear at first, it can always be upgraded to provide Arthur and the gang with various benefits, but some upgrades are more important than others.
While there are some cosmetic upgrades for the camp that players can unlock by providing Pearson with certain pelts, the most useful camp upgrades inRed Dead Redemption 2are accessed from the Ledger behind Dutch’s tent. It should be noted that players must first complete the “Money Lending and Other Sins” quest before the Ledger will become available to them. Upgrades are purchased in the Ledger with money, meaning players must learnhow to make money fast inRDR2. Here are thebest camp upgrades inRDR2.
Updated May 12, 2025 by Joe Grantham:Despite not receiving any significant updates for some time, the magnificence of Red Dead Redemption 2 means the game remains relevant. Whether first-time players have finally gotten around to giving the masterpiece a go or existing players are looking to jump back into the fray, knowing which camp upgrades are best is just one of the many things to find out. Of course, there is no completely correct order in which to upgrade the camp in RDR2, as individual players will prioritize different benefits more than others. For example, some players may not be interested in unlocking fast travel if they prefer to ride everywhere.
1Lodging Tier 2 - First Things First
Upgrade Cost: $220
The First Things First upgrade improves the Lodging to Tier 2 and, more specifically, upgradesgang leader Dutch’sliving quarters. While this might not seem like an important upgrade at first, the fact that it will incentivize camp members to donate to the collective funds means that this is a solid investment and the best first purchase in the long run.
It costs $220 to upgrade to Tier 2 Lodging and subsequently unlocks the ability to upgrade to Tier 3, which many players will want to get their hands on for the fast travel.
2Lodging Tier 3 - Next In Line
Upgrade Cost: $325
Red Dead Redemption 2is one ofthe best-looking games of all time, and so many players might prefer to traverse the Wild West naturally atop their trust steed. Nevertheless, players who prefer to get into the action as soon as possible can unlock fast travel by getting the Next in Line camp upgrade for $325.
To get this camp upgrade for Arthur’s lodging, players will need to already have the previous tier, First Things First. Next in Line also unlocks more grooming supplies for Arthur.
3Provisions Tier 2 - Less Bland
Upgrade Cost: $30
Food is one of the essentials and that is no different for the hungry Van der Linde camp inRed Dead Redemption 2. By upgrading Pearson’s Wagon to Tier 2 of Provisions, the total amount of food available will be increased, and both fresh fruit and basic canned goods will become available, meaning spirits will lift, and the player will not have to travel to town to stock up on food.
Thankfully, this upgrade is one of the cheapest in the game, with players being able to unlock Less Bland for just $30.
4Medicine Tier 2 - Sharpen The Senses
Staying topped up on medicine is one of thetop tips for finding success inRed Dead Redemption 2, and the easiest way to do this is by upgrading Strauss' medicine wagon.
The Sharpen the Senses upgrade to get Medicine Tier 2 only costs $30 and stocks the wagon with Snake Oil and Potent Bitters. Snake Oil refills the Dead Eye meter, and Potent Bitters fully restores Arthur’s stamina and fortifies moderately.
5Ammunition And Arms Tier 2 - Improve Our Offense
Upgrade Cost: $60
Havingthe best weapons inRed Dead Redemption 2is absolutely vital, but staying stocked up on ammo is just as important for keeping these weapons functioning. By upgrading Arthur’s Ammunition and Arms wagon to Tier 2, players will be one step closer to always being ready for action.
The Improve Our Offence upgrade costs $60, and other than increasing the overall armory supplies, repeater ammo and arrows also become available to players.
6Camp Horse Station
Upgrade Cost: $300
The Camp Horse Station upgrade is one of the more expensive camp upgrades, coming in at $300, but the price is more than worth it for those who can afford it. As with any upgrade, players can head over to the back of Dutch’s tent and access the Ledger.
Not only will players gain access to more hitching posts where horses can be kept, but they will also be able to bring over stabled horses and even call back their current main horse to camp. This is an extremely practical upgrade that many players can’t do without.
7Chicken Coop
Upgrade Cost: $175
Chickens might not bethe most fearsome of animals inRed Dead Redemption 2, but their eggs are nonetheless a great source of nutrition for Arthur and the rest of the camp. By unlocking the Chicken Coop camp upgrade for $175 from the Ledger, every camp stew will be packed full of better nutrition, helping players stay alive and full of energy on their adventures.
The improved stews will also give players a Dead Eye boost, allowing them to slow down time and take out enemies with precision more easily. The Chicken Coop is also a nice aesthetic addition to the camp, giving it a more homely feeling.
8Leather Working Tools
Upgrade Cost: $225
Other than upgrades for the camp inRDR2, players can also ask Mr Pearson to upgrade their satchel multiple times, allowing them to carry more items, such as ingredients, tonics, and more. However, for Mr Pearson to be able to craft these satchels, players must first unlock the Leather Working Tools upgrade from the camp ledger.
This upgrade costs $225 but is a worthwhile investment as players don’t have to pay Mr Pearson to craft the upgrades. They will, however, need to provide him with perfect pelts, which means usingthe correct arrowsso as to not cause too much damage when hunting.
9Medicine Tier 3 - Something With Kick
Upgrade Cost: $50
Beyond restocking medical supplies for the camp, Something With Kick is the last upgrade for Strauss' medical wagon. For the fairly reasonable price of $50, players will now have access to tonics and premium liquor from camp.
Tonics, in particular, can be extremely helpful to have for times when combat gets rough, as some of them fully restore the player’s health alongside other benefits such as restoring stamina and Dead Eye. While this camp upgrade isn’t as useful as others on this list, players will still want to make sure they pick it up at some point.
10Camp Boat
Upgrade Cost: $450
Once the gang relocates to Clemens Point, which is situated on a lake during the game’s third chapter, players will have access to a new camp upgrade, the Camp Boat. This boat is also available at the camp’s next location, Shady Belle, and while it is far from essential, having access to a different form of transport is always a good option. For example, if an intended location is on the opposite side of the lake, it will be much faster to row across it, rather than ride around it.
Furthermore, the boat also grants access to great fishing spots, which can either be used to provide the camp with more food or act as a place of leisure, with fishing being one ofRed Dead Redemption 2’smany mini-games. However, with a high cost of $450, this is a camp upgrade that most players will only want to acquire once they have obtained the aforementioned superior upgrades, unless, of course, they just really fancy a relaxing boat trip.
