Planning an RV Park vs. RV Resort: Key Differences for Developers and Investors

Introduction

Developers and investors entering the outdoor hospitality market must understand the critical differences between planning a standard RV park and developing a full-service RV resort. Both offer sites for recreational vehicles, but they diverge in amenities, user expectations, and scale. This guide will explain those distinctions and walk through U.S. zoning requirements, typical site layouts, the development planning process (from feasibility studies to construction), and why RV park and resort projects are attracting significant investor interest today.

RV Park vs. RV Resort: Definitions and Amenities

RV Parks are generally simpler facilities providing the essential needs for RV travelers – a safe place to park with basic utilities and minimal extras. They are often privately owned and cater to overnight or seasonal guests with their own RVs. A typical RV park offers full or partial hookups (water, electricity, sewer) at each site and usually features an office, restrooms with showers, and perhaps a laundry room. The atmosphere is “park-like” or rustic; many RV parks have gravel or paved pads amid natural surroundings and offer more seclusion and privacy between sites than high-density resorts. The focus is on basic comfort and convenience: a clean, level site and proximity to nearby attractions or highways for travelers. RV parks commonly accommodate a range of RV sizes (often including large motorhomes), and roads are maintained (paved or well-graded gravel) for easy access. Amenities beyond the basics tend to be limited – perhaps a small playground or dog-walk area – which keeps operating costs and rates moderate.

RV Resorts, by contrast, are positioned as upscale destinations offering a full array of amenities and recreation. Any RV park can market itself as a “resort,” but generally the term indicates a higher-end park with extensive facilities. RV resorts aim to provide comforts comparable to a vacation resort: you can expect amenities like cable TV and high-speed Wi-Fi, a clubhouse or recreation hall, swimming pools and hot tubs, sports courts (tennis, pickleball, basketball), fitness rooms, and organized activities or entertainment. Many have on-site convenience stores or even restaurants. The RV sites at resorts are typically larger and more developed – often paved pads with patios, landscaping, and ample room for slide-outs and tow vehicles. Some upscale resorts implement gated entry and even restrictions on the type or age of RVs allowed (to maintain a certain aesthetic standard). The overall experience is less “just a place to park” and more of a vacation retreat: guests at RV resorts expect a high level of service, community events, and leisure options outside their RV. These added amenities and services mean RV resort guests usually pay higher nightly or weekly rates than they would at a basic RV park. In short, an RV park delivers the fundamentals for a comfortable stay, whereas an RV resort layers on luxury and entertainment, creating a destination where visitors might linger for weeks.

It’s important to note that the distinction is not strictly regulated – calling a property a “resort” is mostly marketing. However, in practice, resorts tend to be larger in scale and cater to longer stays by vacationers or snowbirds (seasonal long-term visitors), while standard RV parks often serve more transient overnight or short-term guests. Understanding this difference in user expectations is key for planning: a resort development must budget for extensive recreation facilities and high-touch customer service, whereas a simpler RV park can succeed on location and basics.

Zoning Requirements and Land Use Differences

Zoning and land use regulations will shape what you can build, and often these regulations treat RV parks (and resorts) distinctly from other types of developments. In most U.S. jurisdictions, an RV park or campground is a special or conditional land use that may only be allowed in certain zones (such as commercial, recreational, or agricultural zones with a use permit). Early in the planning stage, you must verify that your intended site is zoned appropriately or be prepared to apply for a zoning change/special use permit. Local zoning codes typically define “Recreational Vehicle Park” or “Campground” uses and set specific standards: for example, limits on the number of RV sites per acre (density), minimum setbacks from property lines, maximum building heights for any structures, and requirements for open space or buffering neighbors. Many municipalities require a detailed site plan and a public hearing process before approving a new RV park. It’s wise to engage a land-use attorney or planning consultant to navigate this process and ensure compliance with all local ordinances early on.

One key zoning difference between RV parks (including resorts) and other forms of residential development is the intended length of stay of occupants. RV parks are generally treated as transient lodging facilities (more akin to hotels) rather than permanent residences. Zoning approvals often come with conditions to reinforce this distinction so that an RV park does not become a de-facto mobile home park. For example, some counties cap the length of continuous stay for guests – e.g., Santa Clara County, CA, mandates that at least 65% of RV sites be for short-term occupancy under 30 days, and allows only a small fraction (10% of sites) to be occupied up to a year. Such rules preserve the temporary, recreational nature of RV parks and prevent long-term habitation beyond what zoning intends. Developers should be aware of any local limits on guest stay duration, seasonal closures, or requirements to keep a log of transient guests for compliance. RV resorts, being essentially upscale RV parks, fall under the same zoning categories as RV parks in most cases – there isn’t usually a separate “resort” zoning class. However, a resort-style project with many structures (clubhouses, restaurants, cabins, etc.) might trigger additional zoning considerations (for example, the need for a commercial zoning component for a restaurant, or adherence to building codes for public assembly structures).

Aside from use permissions, permits and regulatory approvals for an RV park/resort will involve multiple agencies. Common requirements include environmental impact assessments (especially if your land has wetlands or is habitat for protected species), health department permits for water supply and sewage disposal, and compliance with fire codes and accessibility (ADA) standards. The development will be reviewed for traffic impacts on public roads; you may need to submit a traffic study and ensure safe ingress/egress design. Getting zoning and permits can be a lengthy process – often 6 to 12 months or more – and should be built into your project timeline. Community opposition is another factor: new campgrounds can face “Not In My Backyard” resistance from neighbors concerned about noise or congestion. To improve your chances, be prepared to proactively address community concerns (through buffer landscaping, noise control rules, etc.) and demonstrate the economic benefits of your RV park to the area. In summary, thorough due diligence on “zoning for RV parks” is a must. Missteps in zoning compliance or permit applications can derail a project, whereas early consultation with local planning officials can clarify requirements and smooth the path to approval.

Site Plan Design and RV Site Layout Considerations

Designing the site layout for an RV park or RV resort is a balancing act between maximizing land use efficiency and delivering a great guest experience. A well-thought-out RV site layout will address the technical needs of large vehicles – turning radii, grade, utility hookups – while also creating an attractive, safe campground environment. Here are key components and how they might differ in a basic RV park versus a resort-style park:

• Site Pads and Hookups: Each RV parking site typically consists of a level pad (often gravel or concrete) and a small yard or picnic area. As a rule of thumb, pads should accommodate even the largest rigs; one guide recommends pads about 20 ft. by 50 ft. with an additional 20 ft. by 20 ft. patio or “camping” area for a picnic table, grill, and fire. In an RV resort, pads are often paved or concrete and may include extras like built-in patios or even gazebos. Every site in a modern park will have at least water and 30/50-amp electrical hookups, and usually sewer connections (“full hookups”). RV resorts sometimes go further, offering cable TV, wired internet, or even private hot tubs at premium sites. In any park layout, the spacing between sites is important for safety and comfort – many jurisdictions mandate at least about 20 feet separation between RV units, but resorts may space sites even wider for privacy. Angling sites (e.g. 60–75 degrees relative to the road) can make backing in easier and ensure that neighbors’ slide-outs or awnings don’t crowd each other. Resorts often use pull-through site designs (long drive-through pads) which are very convenient for big rigs, although they consume more land. Standard RV parks might mix pull-through and back-in sites to maximize capacity.

• Internal Roads and Circulation: The road network within the park must support heavy vehicles safely. Two-way roads in RV parks are generally at least ~20–24 feet wide so that two large RVs can pass each other safely. Many parks utilize one-way loop roads, which allow narrower lanes (since traffic flows one direction) and easier navigation. If one-way loops are used, clear signage and site numbering are critical to guide guests. Turns should be kept broad and gentle – no tight hairpin turns – to accommodate motorhomes that can be 40+ feet long towing a vehicle. Road surface: Paved asphalt or concrete is preferred in high-end resorts for a clean look (and to reduce dust), whereas budget parks may use well-compacted gravel roads. Either way, proper grading and drainage of roads is crucial to prevent potholes and puddles. Pedestrian safety should also be considered; some designs include a 4-6 foot shoulder or separate path as a walkway alongside, especially in resort settings where guests stroll to amenities. Lighting along main roads and at intersections improves safety for nighttime walks and is typically expected in RV resorts (which often have active common areas after dark).

• Common Facilities and Amenities: A basic RV park site plan will include an office or check-in station (often at the entrance), one or more bathhouse buildings with toilets and showers, a trash dumpster area, and possibly a small playground or dog run. These facilities should be strategically placed. For instance, a restroom/shower building central to all sites shortens the walking distance for guests – but you wouldn’t want it too close to RV sites where noise might disturb campers at night. Thoughtful park layout clusters the high-activity amenities in convenient but unobtrusive locations. In an RV resort development, the list of facilities is longer: you might have a clubhouse or community center, a swimming pool, sports courts, laundry rooms, a camp store, and more. These amenities are often placed near the front or center of the resort, sometimes dubbed a “amenity core,” creating a social hub. For example, a resort might position its clubhouse, pool, and playground together, with an adjacent parking area for visitors, so that those facilities form a cohesive recreational zone. Landscaping is another design layer; upscale resorts invest in lush landscaping, ponds or water features, and even decorative elements, whereas smaller RV parks may keep landscaping minimal (grass, some trees) for easier maintenance. Still, even in a basic park, retaining as much natural beauty as possible – shade trees, views, open grass areas – can enhance appeal.

• Traffic Flow and Site Layout Patterns: RV park layouts typically either use a grid/block pattern (common in older campgrounds and desert locations) or a more free-form loop and cul-de-sac pattern. The grid layout maximizes the number of sites per acre but can feel utilitarian. Modern RV resorts often favor a curvilinear layout – roads that gently wind through the property, following the land’s contours. This approach creates more variety in site positioning (some clustered in small cul-de-sacs, some along curves) and allows inserting landscaping buffers for a park-like feel. A curved road lined with trees and RV sites that face a lake or open space, for example, can make the resort feel more like a neighborhood or nature park than a parking lot. Open space preservation is not only aesthetically pleasing but sometimes a requirement; many counties require a certain percentage of the land to remain as open space or natural area. Good layouts designate some areas for non-site use – whether it’s a dog park, a trail, or simply a grassy field for outdoor games – which improves the guest experience and can satisfy any open space zoning requirements.

  
  

In summary, the site planning of an RV park versus an RV resort will include the same fundamental components (sites, roads, utilities, common buildings) but differ in their quantity and quality. A resort’s site plan allocates more space to amenities and often uses lower site density to create a high-end atmosphere, whereas an RV park’s design is usually more utilitarian, focusing on efficient circulation and enough comfort to keep guests happy. Regardless of type, the design should prioritize easy navigation for large vehicles, safety, and adequate infrastructure. Changes to the layout once built are very costly, so owners should iterate and carefully review the site plan (even using RV turning templates or 3D models to simulate usage) before construction. A successful RV park/resort layout is one that meets code requirements and operational needs while also delivering a pleasant experience that encourages return visits.

Development Planning Process: From Feasibility Study to Construction

Planning and developing an RV park or resort is a multi-step process that requires coordination of market analysis, design, and regulatory approval. Below is an overview of the general process, from the earliest concept stages through opening day:

1. Market Feasibility Study and Site Selection: The first step is evaluating the viability of your project. This involves analyzing the market demand (Who are your target campers? What is the tourism or traveler draw in the area? How many competing parks exist nearby?) and the financial projections for the park. A feasibility study will typically assess local RV camping trends, seasonal occupancy expectations, and potential rates you can charge, yielding an estimate of revenue and return on investment. At the same time, you must identify a suitable parcel of land or evaluate a parcel you already own. The ideal site balances market potential and physical feasibility. For example, a property near a popular national park or along a busy interstate will have strong demand, but you also need to ensure the land can be built on (not too steep, no floodplain issues, available utilities, etc.). During site selection, developers often walk the land with engineers to check for constraints like poor soil percolation (which would complicate septic systems) or difficult road access. Only proceed once you have confidence that both the market conditions and the site’s characteristics support your concept.

2. Land Use Approvals and Zoning Permits: With a site in mind, the next step is securing the legal permissions to build the RV park or resort. This means working with the local government on zoning and permits as discussed earlier. You will need to prepare a preliminary site plan showing the layout of RV sites, roads, and buildings to submit with your zoning or special use permit application. The approval process can involve public hearings, planning commission reviews, and environmental assessments. Common tasks in this phase include: conducting traffic studies (to show your park won’t unduly burden local roads), environmental impact reports if required (to address wetlands, endangered species, or historical preservation on site), and community outreach meetings to gather input or support. It’s crucial to factor in time for revisions – local officials might impose conditions or request changes to your plan (like adding more landscape buffering or improving an access road). By the end of this phase, you should obtain a zoning approval or conditional use permit specifying the terms under which you can build (number of sites allowed, open seasons, etc.), as well as any necessary environmental clearances and a green light to move forward. Regulatory compliance at this stage also means ensuring your plans meet state health codes for campgrounds (for sanitation and spacing) and any special state requirements (some states license campgrounds separately from local zoning). Patience and thoroughness here pay off; failing to secure the proper zoning can stop the project in its tracks.

3. Detailed Design and Site Plan Engineering: Once you have the necessary entitlements, the project moves into detailed design. Architects, civil engineers, and other specialists (electrical, plumbing, etc.) will create the construction-ready plans for the park. This includes laying out utility infrastructure in detail – water lines, sewer or septic systems, electrical distribution, stormwater drainage, and any gas or propane systems. For example, an electrical engineer will design the park’s power system to ensure each site’s pedestal can supply 50/30 amp service and that voltage drop is within limits, possibly working with the utility company to add transformers for the load. Civil engineers will design road grades and drainage features like culverts or retention ponds to manage runoff (rainwater management is a big part of campground design to avoid flooding)innowave-studio.com. Structures like the office, bathhouses, or clubhouses are architected and submitted for building permits per local building code. During this phase, you’ll also finalize the amenity designs – positioning of the pool, playground equipment, layouts of interior of the clubhouse, etc. Many developers create 3D renderings or conceptual drawings at this stage to help visualize the final product (and these can be useful for marketing to early investors or lenders as well). By the end of this stage, you will have a full set of construction documents and typically a more accurate cost estimate. Also, final permits will be pulled for construction (grading permits, building permits, electrical/plumbing permits, etc., as required by your jurisdiction).

4. Financing and Budgeting: Funding the development is a critical element that usually happens in parallel with design and permitting. The capital needed for an RV park or resort can vary widely based on size and amenity level – from a few hundred thousand dollars for a small, simple park to tens of millions for a large luxury RV resort. Investors often use a combination of financing sources: bank loans or SBA loans, which are common for campground projects (the SBA 7(a) program, for instance, can offer long-term loans for RV park construction)mmcginvest.com; or partnerships and private equity if the project is large. Some projects qualify for USDA rural development loans or grants if they are in eligible rural areas mmcginvest.com. As the developer, you’ll need a solid business plan and pro forma financials to secure financing – showing anticipated costs to build, projected income, and the expected return. One advantage in pitching an RV park investment is the relatively high yield: RV parks historically can achieve higher cap rates (annual net operating income divided by cost) than many other real estate asset types. Cap rates around 9–10% have been cited for stabilized RV parks, versus perhaps 4–6% for apartment buildings, reflecting the strong cash flow potential (as well as slightly higher perceived risk)innowave-studio.com. This means a well-run RV park can generate attractive returns for lenders and investors. However, be sure to also budget for contingencies – construction of parks often encounters cost overruns due to weather delays, utility hookup surprises, or permit-related changes. Securing adequate funding (with a buffer for contingencies) and planning your construction draw schedule is essential before breaking ground.

5. Construction and Infrastructure Development: With design complete and funding in place, the project moves to construction. This involves clearing and grading the land per the site plan, installing all underground utilities, laying roads, pouring concrete pads, building any structures, and finally finishing with landscaping. Construction of an RV park is typically less vertical (building-intensive) and more horizontal (land development) in nature. Key milestones include: bringing in utilities (connecting to city water/sewer or drilling wells and building a septic system, setting up the electrical grid on-site, etc.), road construction (which might use heavy compaction and asphalt laying equipment), and building common facilities. Many developers phase the construction – for instance, focusing first on completing a section of RV sites and one bathhouse so that part of the park could potentially open while the rest is under construction (this depends on local approval). Quality control is important: each RV pad must be properly leveled and compacted to avoid future settling, and utilities must be tested (e.g. water lines pressure-tested, electrical pedestals inspected) before use. During this phase, you’ll also be obtaining final inspections from authorities to sign off that everything was built to code (electrical inspections, plumbing, health department inspection of sanitation, etc.). For an RV resort, the construction timeline may be longer because of the extra amenities – building a pool, for example, involves its own permitting and inspection process. Weather can also impact the schedule heavily, since a lot of the work is outdoors earthmoving. In general, a small RV park might be constructed in a matter of months, whereas a large resort could take a year or longer from groundbreaking to completion.

6. Pre-Opening and Operations Setup: As construction wraps up, the focus shifts to preparing for opening the park. This includes hiring and training staff (park managers, front desk clerks, maintenance crews), setting up reservation systems and marketing, and physically outfitting the park with all the necessary equipment. You’ll need to purchase and place site hardware like picnic tables, fire rings, and signage (site number signs, directional signs, rules signs). Also, final touches like stocking the camp store, furnishing the clubhouse, and testing your booking software and website are done here. Many new RV parks do a “soft opening” – allowing a limited number of guests or an invite-only group (sometimes local RV club members) to stay as a trial run – before the grand opening. This can help work out any kinks in utility systems or procedures. Once confident in operations, you can officially open to the public and ramp up your marketing efforts. From here on, it’s all about operating the park efficiently and keeping guests happy, but those topics move beyond the planning phase into ongoing management.

   
   

Throughout this entire development process, project management is key. Overseeing contractors, staying on budget, and keeping the community and investors informed all contribute to a smoother development experience. Flexibility and problem-solving are required at every step – for example, if your soil tests reveal poor percolation, you may need to redesign the wastewater system on the fly. Or if the city mandates an expensive turn-lane addition for your entrance during permitting, you’ll need to adjust the budget and timeline. However, careful planning and expert guidance (e.g. using experienced campground designers, engaging consultants like KOA or others who specialize in RV park design) can preempt many issues. The good news is that, despite the upfront challenges, once your RV park or resort is built and open, you have a durable asset that can generate income for decades with relatively low maintenance compared to other real estate (there are no interiors of rental units to constantly refurbish, since guests bring their own “rooms”). In the next section, we’ll explore why these projects are garnering so much interest from investors right now.

Why RV Parks and RV Resorts Are Attractive Investments

Both RV parks and RV resorts have become increasingly appealing investment options in recent years, thanks to strong demand drivers and solid financial performance. Here are some of the key reasons developers and investors are bullish on this sector:

• Booming Market Demand: RV travel and camping are experiencing sustained popularity in the U.S. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced many new travelers to RVing, and even as traditional travel resumes, the interest in road trips and outdoor vacations remains high. Industry data shows RV sales hit record levels in recent years and are stabilizing at historically high volumes, meaning a growing base of RV owners seeking places to stay innowave-studio.com. Many regions are reporting RV park occupancy rates that routinely hit capacity in peak seasons, with some parks full months in advance innowave-studio.com. Importantly, the demographic profile of campers has broadened – it’s not just retirees and snowbirds. Over 65% of RV owners are now under age 55, including millennials and Gen Z adventurers, as well as remote workers traveling while working. This influx of younger campers and “work-from-RV” travelers boosts shoulder-season and off-season occupancy (e.g. more people living in RVs for extended periods or taking cross-country trips year-round). In short, demand is high and still growing, which is a favorable tailwind for any new RV park or resort project.

• Limited Supply & Room for New Development: Despite the demand, the supply of RV parks has grown very slowly – only around 1% per year in the U.S., partly due to zoning hurdles and land costs innowave-studio.com. The country has roughly 15,000–16,000 RV parks, and many of those are decades old and not up to modern standards innowave-studio.com. This supply-demand mismatch creates opportunities for well-planned new parks or upgraded resort-style properties to capture the unmet demand. In many attractive areas (e.g. near national parks or along popular travel corridors), it can be hard for RV travelers to find a spot in peak season. A new campground in a prime location can ramp up occupancy quickly. Additionally, aging parks owned by “mom-and-pop” operators present chances for investors to acquire and improve facilities to increase revenue (a strategy often called value-add investing). The rise of upscale RV resort development is partly a response to this gap – travelers are seeking more amenities, and in many markets, existing parks haven’t modernized, so new resorts can charge premium rates by delivering a better experience innowave-studio.com.

• Strong, Recurring Cash Flow: RV parks combine real estate and hospitality in a way that can produce steady recurring income. Once built, a campground generates revenue from site rentals, typically paid in advance or upfront by guests (nightly fees, weekly fees, or seasonal leases). This creates a consistent cash flow stream that is less volatile than many other businesses. In fact, RV parks are known to have stable, recession-resistant income – people may downsize expensive vacations during economic downturns but still go camping as an affordable getaway, and retirees in RVs continue to travel. As one source notes, RV parks provide extremely consistent revenue from site rentals and ancillary fees, not being as subject to market whims or economic cycles as some investments. Moreover, the mix of short-term and long-term guests can smooth income. For example, monthly or seasonal renters (common in Sunbelt RV resorts over winter) provide a base of guaranteed income, while overnight travelers during summer contribute higher nightly rates – together this yields year-round utilization. High occupancy and advanced reservations also mean cash flow predictability. All of this is attractive to investors looking for yield. Indeed, the capitalization rates on successful RV parks often range in the high single digits, reflecting better returns than many traditional real estate assets innowave-studio.com.

• Low Operating Costs Relative to Other Real Estate: Running an RV park tends to have lower overhead than other lodging businesses. There are no furnished hotel rooms to clean daily, no costly building interiors to constantly renovate – the guests bring their accommodations with them. Operational expenses mostly cover utilities, maintenance of the grounds and facilities, and payroll for a small staff. With good design choices (like durable materials and efficient layouts), maintenance can be quite manageable. Landscaping and infrastructure upkeep are ongoing tasks, but compared to an apartment complex or hotel, an RV park’s structures are simpler. This lean cost structure means a larger share of the rental income converts to net operating income. As one industry guide highlights, RV parks have “remarkably low overhead and maintenance costs” relative to other real estate investments, and those savings go straight to the bottom line. The margins can be healthy, especially at resorts where ancillary revenue (store sales, propane, etc.) pads the income. Additionally, many RV parks defer some utility costs to guests (for instance, metering electricity for long-term stays or coin-operating laundry and showers), further controlling expenses.

• High ROI Potential and Flexible Growth: The combination of solid demand, good cash flow, and relatively lower costs means well-run RV parks can achieve excellent returns on investment. Initial development costs per site are often lower than building housing or hotel rooms (since you’re mainly building pads and utilities, not enclosed structures for every unit). This lower capital intensity can yield a faster payback period once the park is operating at capacity. For example, upscale RV resorts might require significant upfront investment in pools and clubhouses, but they can also charge $60–$100 per night or more, commanding resort-level revenues with still minimal housekeeping costs. Investors are also drawn to the value-add opportunities in this space. You can continuously improve an RV park – add more sites if land allows, introduce new amenities (splash pad, dog wash, upgraded Wi-Fi) to justify higher rates, or develop ancillary income streams (equipment rentals, on-site food trucks, events). The business is highly scalable: if demand is outpacing supply, expansion is often just a matter of utilizing additional acreage or reconfiguring layouts, as opposed to having to acquire entirely new properties. This flexibility, along with the ability to adjust pricing seasonally or offer premium-priced experiences (such as glamping tents or cabin rentals within the park), gives owners multiple levers to grow revenue and asset value over time.

• Favorable Trends and Niche Opportunities: Beyond the general growth in RV travel, there are trends that make this a creative space to be in. The concept of “work from anywhere” has led some professionals to become full-time or semi-full-time RVers, increasing demand for long-term stays with reliable internet (some parks are adding co-working spaces or private offices to attract this demographic)innowave-studio.com. Meanwhile, the retirement of Baby Boomers continues, and many are choosing RV travel as a lifestyle, fueling demand for months-long seasonal rentals in warm climates. On the flip side, younger travelers often seek unique, experience-driven stays – this has brought crossover concepts like incorporating glamping or tiny home rentals into RV resorts. Developers can capitalize on niches: for instance, creating an RV resort with a winery or agritourism element, or a luxury motorcoach resort where sites come with private casitas and are sold as deeded lots (a model in parts of Florida and Arizona). The diversity of the sector means investors can choose a strategy that fits their goals, whether it’s a quiet rural campground with basic charm or a high-amenity vacation playground. Lastly, consolidation in the industry by larger players (REITs and national campground franchises) has made exit strategies attractive – a well-performing RV park can often be sold at a premium to such operators looking to expand their portfolios.

  
  

In conclusion, RV parks and resorts present an enticing profile: growing demand, limited new supply, solid cash flows, and the ability to start with modest investment relative to other real estate projects. They allow developers to tap into America’s enduring love of the road and outdoors. By understanding the differences in planning a simple RV park versus a full-fledged RV resort, investors can align their project with their target market and regulatory environment. Whether one pursues a no-frills campground or an upscale RV resort development, careful planning and execution – from zoning and site layout to amenity offerings – will position the project for success in this booming sector of the travel industry. With the right location and amenities, an RV park or resort can become a profitable, long-term asset that delights travelers and delivers strong returns for its owners

Sources

1. RV Industry Association (RVIA) – Market data and RV ownership trends

2. KOA North American Camping Report – Annual report on camping and RV travel trends

3. ARVC (National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds) – Planning, zoning, and development resources

4. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – RV park financing programs (7a, 504 loans)

5. California Title 25 – RV Park Regulations – Example of detailed state-level zoning and layout standards

6. USDA Forest Service – Campground Master Planning Guide – Layout and infrastructure planning principles

7. CBRE – Outdoor Hospitality Market Report – Investment insights and financial performance of RV parks/resorts

2 Star Manufactured Housing/Mobile Home Park