Chris from Centralia, IL on 2/3/2011 3:48:05 PM:
I have done 200-400 mile trips on the Katy several times and I usually go cheep, camping or staying at the hostel in Tebbets ($5). I am not against spending $100 on a soft bed, but I usually reserve that for when my wife and kids are along.
There seems to be more places to camp on the western half of the trail. But if you do a little reserch and planning, you should be able to do the ride without shelling out much money.