What are the best ways to earn money for camp upgrades?

Earning money for camp upgrades in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for improving the quality of life for your gang and unlocking useful benefits. The camp serves as a central hub for your group, and upgrading it provides perks like fast travel, better provisions, and improved morale. To fund these upgrades, you’ll need to focus on a mix of story missions, side activities, and resourceful money-making strategies.\n\nOne of the most straightforward ways to earn money is by completing story missions. These missions often reward you with significant cash payouts, especially in the early chapters. For example, the mission ''Polite Society, Valentine Style'' in Chapter 2 introduces you to the basics of combat and rewards you with a decent sum. Always prioritize story missions, as they not only advance the plot but also provide the funds needed for camp upgrades.\n\nHunting and selling animal pelts is another reliable method. High-quality pelts, such as those from perfect deer, wolves, or bears, can fetch a good price at butchers or trappers. To maximize profits, aim for perfect pelts by using the right weapon for each animal. For example, use a rifle for large game like deer and a bow with small game arrows for smaller animals like rabbits. The Trapper, located in Saint Denis or other wilderness areas, pays well for rare pelts, which can be used to craft valuable items.\n\nTreasure hunting is a lucrative activity that can yield thousands of dollars. Treasure maps, which can be found or purchased, lead you to hidden caches of gold bars. For instance, the ''Jack Hall Gang Treasure Map'' is available early in the game and can be obtained by looting a treasure hunter near Flatneck Station. Follow the map’s clues to locate the treasure, which often includes gold bars worth $500 each. These bars can be sold at any fence, such as the one in Rhodes or Saint Denis.\n\nRobbing trains and stagecoaches is a high-risk, high-reward method. To rob a train, board it at a station or stop it in a remote area. Use a mask to conceal your identity and avoid high bounties. Focus on looting passengers and safes, but be prepared for a fight with lawmen. Stagecoaches can be ambushed on the road, and their cargo can be sold to fences. Always plan your escape route to minimize the risk of being caught.\n\nFishing is a peaceful yet profitable activity. Legendary fish, such as the Legendary Bluegill found in Lake Don Julio, can be sold for a high price. Regular fish like salmon and trout also sell well at general stores. Equip the right bait for the fish you’re targeting, and consider upgrading your fishing rod at the camp to improve your chances of catching larger fish.\n\nFinally, looting enemies and exploring the world for hidden valuables can add up over time. After gunfights, always search bodies for cash, jewelry, and other items. Explore abandoned cabins, caves, and other points of interest to find lockboxes or chests containing money or valuables. For example, the abandoned town of Limpany near Horseshoe Overlook has a gold bar hidden in the sheriff’s office.\n\nTo maximize your earnings, focus on a combination of these methods. Prioritize story missions for large payouts, supplement your income with hunting and fishing, and explore the world for hidden treasures. Always manage your bounties and avoid unnecessary confrontations to keep your funds intact. With these strategies, you’ll have no trouble funding your camp upgrades and improving your gang’s quality of life.