How Many RVs Can You Have Per Acre? (a Guide For Your RV Park) | Justdownsize (2024)

In today’s article, we will answer the following question: How many RVs can you have per acre? We will then guide you in the process of opening your RV Park and give you a few essential tips on the management of this kind of business.

How many RVs can you have per acre?

In the US, you must have a maximum of 15 RVs per acre, but the number varies across states. Nonetheless, the number of RVs per acre is usually between 10 to 15 RVs.

You can see some examples below of RV Park’s use of spaces:

Name of RV ParkNumber of RVs spacesNumber of RVs per acre
Lakeside RV Park157 RV spaces on 35.3 acres4.45 RVs per acre
Pahrump Station RV Park (Best Western)162 RV spaces on 12.43 acres13.03 RVs per acre
Nevada Treasure RV Resort202 RV spaces on 16.6 acres12.17 RVs per acre
Preferred RV Resort284 RV spaces on 22.1 acres12.85 RVs per acre

Besides complying with the maximum number of RVs per acre, you must also know that the minimum RV park size is five net acres and the minimum required area per RV is 900 square feet.

Thinking of creating and managing an RV park?

An RV park is an interesting alternative for those who wish to escape large concentrations and do not want to resign themselves to compulsory camping.

Offering a private service area can be the opportunity for additional income for a large category of the population: farmers, craftsmen, retirees, and more generally anyone sympathetic to the world of motorhomes.

The only conditions are: to have the land that can accommodate at least one vehicle and to be available … This is what we will see in detail.

Administrative procedures for opening an RV Park

First, it is necessary to check in the town hall if they do not prohibit the establishment of an area. The regulations for the creation of a service area by an individual can be likened to that of a rural or farm camping site, which limits the number of crews and parking spaces to six.

You must ask the mayor’s authorization and submit a plan with the connection details (water, electricity, sewerage).

For campsite managers, they can create a service area without special authorization. This must be located at the entrance to their land and provided that the number of pitches does not exceed 10% of all pitches on the land. Each location on the ground must be stabilized and have a minimum surface area of ​​35m². The duration of parking is limited to one night, renewable if necessary.

Technical recommendations for opening an RV Park

Before embarking on the creation of a private service area intended to accommodate motorhomes, it is essential to know the technical constraints related to this project:

  • Clean water supply: You need a clean, potable water supply. This is delivered by means of a standard or quarter-turn tap to which the user can connect his hose. The space between the tap and the ground (or a water receiver) must allow the operation of a jerry can type container (20 to 30 litres) intended for users wishing to fill a portable tank.

The clean water supply point must not be used for any other purpose: vehicle washing, dishes, laundry, toilet cassette rinsing, etc. Under no circ*mstances should a flexible connector be left in place that could be soiled in any way (dust, sludge, excrement, etc.).

  • Wastewater and WC emptying: You need a connection to the main sewer connected to a purification system. Chemical toilets should never be emptied into a septic tank. If you cannot provide this service, make it explicit to visitors before they park. Find out about the surrounding emptying possibilities and, if necessary, inform your visitors.

The wastewater must be emptied into a suitable receptacle or in a concrete area with an outlet. This area must be large enough for the motorhome to position its drain valve. The platform should be wide enough, as the valves can be located on the left or right of the vehicle.

If the drainage pipes are not connected to a wastewater treatment plant, it is compulsory to build a sealed pit intended to receive only the black water from the chemical toilets. This will then be emptied regularly by a professional company.

  • Waste management: Provide a bin with a lid to protect it from animals, which will be emptied regularly.
  • Electrical connections: Electrical connections must be made from a secure distribution box with standard protection against overvoltages and leakage currents (differential circuit breaker). The connection terminal must be sheltered from the elements. Modern construction site bollards are a good example of security equipment.

The services offered at an RV Park

You have to think in advance of the various services that you can offer and that would be interesting arguments to attract visitors.

  • Internet access: It may be a home computer left on hand. It can be freely accessible or at fixed times. The ideal is to provide WiFi access. You can program your access to filter the ports used and prohibit abusive uses (illegal downloads ..;).
  • The picnic area: Indicate whether you provide a barbecue area. This must be kept away from vehicles and more generally from any equipment that could catch fire.
  • Access to the swimming pool: Access to the swimming pool is really an interesting service, especially in very hot weather. This must be equipped with safety alarms (risk of accidents with unsupervised children).
  • Washing machine: Indicate whether you allow visitors to do laundry troubleshooting. No need to provide professional equipment.
  • Tumble dryer: On bad days, this is the essential equipment for drying laundry.
  • Bike loan (s): It may be of interest to visitors who have not taken theirs and wish to visit the region without using their vehicle. Inform your visitors about points of interest. To do this, obtain a set of information brochures from the local tourist information office.

The bottom line

Creating and managing a private service area cannot be improvised. You must know the rules and comply with the law in your state. If you are thinking about creating a private service area because you are financially cornered and it is your last resort, forget it. A service area is not profitable as the sole source of income.

There will be days without a visitor. There will be some dissatisfaction. But in the end, it will certainly be a moral enrichment and the satisfaction of having been able to render a real service.

Please feel free to share your thoughts or tips on creating an RV Park. Or, why not, share your best experience in an RV Park with our other readers. We are curious too!

FAQ on How many RVs can you have per acre?

What is the average size of an RV lot?

The average size of an RV lot is usually nine feet wide by 18 feet long (the full size of a truck).

Are RV lots a good investment?

RV lots are a good long term investment. That is, you have to have patience and do not invest your last resources in this land. In time, it will pay off!

What size RV can park anywhere?

12-inch length RVs can park almost anywhere in the United States. This is almost the ideal length of a motorhome.

References

How Many RVs Can You Have Per Acre? (a Guide For Your RV Park) | Justdownsize (2024)

FAQs

How many RVs can fit on an acre? ›

A general rule of thumb is to have 10 sites per acre. Some municipalities will limit the number of sites between 10-15. Many permit requirements give minimum measurements of how wide and how long each site should be. When you decide how many sites to create, think about larger motorhomes and fifth wheels.

How many RVs can you have per acre in Florida? ›

(b) The density shall not exceed 25 recreational vehicle units per acre of gross site. (c) Each tent space shall contain a minimum of 500 square feet. (d) Each recreational vehicle space shall be clearly identified. Rulemaking Authority 381.0011(13), 513.05 FS.

What is the profit margin for RV parks? ›

How Much Do Owners and Investors Make? Your campground business can have an ROI of 10% to 20% or 25% to 30% as per the factors mentioned above. Residential real estate, for instance, will yield an ROI of 10% and stocks 7%.

How wide is a typical RV site? ›

Be sure to position your RV toward the exit, so you don't have to do any tricky turns when departing the lot. If you know you'll have to park in a lot that doesn't have open space, it helps to know that the standard parking space is 9 feet wide by 18 feet long. That's about the size of a full-size SUV or truck.

What is the max RV length for most RV parks? ›

Approximately 98% of national park campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 19 feet long. You still have a good selection if your RV is smaller than 25 feet more than 90% of parks permit that length. The number of available campsites drops if your RV is 29 to 32 feet long since about 80% of parks will let you in.

How many trailers can fit on 4 acres? ›

Estimates typically vary from 34-40 trailers per acre with no truck cab, assuming the acre is useful in shape, meaning closer to a square than a rectangle.

Are RV lots a good investment? ›

RV lots can be a good investment, but it depends on the location, how long you plan to keep it, and if you can rent it out. If you're only planning to use it for a month or two yearly and you can't rent it out when you're not using it, it's going to be challenging to recoup the costs of the lot.

Can you buy land and park an RV on it in Florida? ›

Yes, you can buy land and live in an RV. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing so. First, you will need to find a location that has access to water and sewer hookups. Additionally, you will need to make sure the land is zoned for camping or RV living.

Can you buy land and then live on it with an RV? ›

Let's get right into it: Is it legal to live in an RV on land you own? The short answer is: Yes, as long as you live in the right place. The primary factor to consider is your jurisdiction's zoning codes. Most cities have rules that require all places of residence (RVs included) to follow the same ordinances.

What is the best business structure for an RV park? ›

If you're looking to start a small RV Park business, a Sole Proprietorship is your best option. It requires less paperwork and registration fees. It also makes business operations more simplified. However, a limited liability business structure would be more appropriate if you're looking to branch out to other states.

What makes a successful RV park? ›

Add Popular Amenities

A swimming pool, outdoor theatre, and a fitness center are luxury facilities that create higher demand. Some non-financial perks could be incorporated when looking to invest in an RV park. Campfire cooking and hiking tours would create memorable bonding activities for visitors.

Are RV parks recession proof? ›

RV parks are often considered a recession-proof asset class due to their low operational costs, steady rental income, and tax benefits.

What size RV is too big for national parks? ›

Almost 98% of National Park campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 19 feet long. You will still have a large number of options if your RV is up to 25 feet since more than 90% of parks permit that length. On average, national parks will allow RVs with a maximum length of 27 feet.

What is the length limit for RVs in Yellowstone National Park? ›

In Yellowstone National Park there are no height or length restrictions inside the park; however, large RV sites are limited and can be hard to find. A good rule of thumb is you should be 40 feet or less, but Yellowstone National Park does have space for your big rig that is larger than 40 feet.

How wide should a campsite be? ›

The typical tent camping site is approximately 12-ft by 30-ft in size for vehicular parking with a 20-ft by 20-ft camp pad to the side but can be smaller if needed. This provides sufficient area for a vehicle, a tent, a table, and a grill and/or fire pit.

What size RV is best for state parks? ›

First, if you are in the market for an RV or trailer and know you want to spend most of your time traveling to state parks, look for one that is 35 feet or less.

What is the perfect RV length? ›

In general, anything up to 35 feet is ideal, but there are exceptions. For example, Banff National Park campgrounds limit RV length to 50 feet, while it's 25 feet in Death Valley National Park.

How big is the acre? ›

Officially, it is 43,560 square feet, and a football field is 48,000 square feet. Our standard acre isn't the same worldwide. Irish and Scottish acres are bigger than those in the US.

How many houses can you put on 5 acres? ›

However, the median size of a family house is 2,261 square feet or 0.05 acres. So, on a 5-acre parcel, you could fit 96 homes.

How many acres is the average truck stop? ›

But in the last several years, the industry has so transformed itself that many of the state-of-art facilities do not even bill themselves as truck stops anymore: Sitting on 10 to 30 acres of land, they call themselves travel plazas, traveler's stops, stopping centers and auto/truckstops.

Is an RV park passive income? ›

While RV park ownership can provide a passive income if outsourced to a management company or a capable on-site manager, it is not a completely passive investment.

Is RV living cheaper than owning a house? ›

Living in an RV can be cheaper than traditional home ownership because RVs require less space and utility usage, resulting in lower costs for heating, cooling, and maintenance. Additionally, RV living encourages a simpler and more minimalist lifestyle that can lead to fewer expenses related to possessions.

Is it financially smart to live in an RV? ›

It is financially smart to live in an RV. Living in an RV means living a lot smaller with a lot less stuff. You have less room for everything – clothes, toys, tools and more saving you a lot of money. Along with less space, you save on utilities and home-improvement projects if you own your home.

What is the tax on RV parks in Florida? ›

What is Taxable? Six (6) percent sales tax must be paid on all recreational vehicles (RVs) sold and/or delivered in Florida, unless specifically exempted by law. Many counties also impose a local discretionary sales surtax, which applies to the first $5,000 of the sales price.

Is Boondocking legal in Florida? ›

Boondocking, or camping on public lands without amenities, is legal in Florida in certain areas. While Florida does not have any BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands, there are other options for boondocking, such as national forests, wildlife management areas, and water management districts.

Can you park an RV in your driveway in Florida? ›

In general, you are allowed to park your RV on private property, such as your driveway, side yard, and rear yard, as long as it is legally allowed by local laws and regulations. However, it's usually illegal to park an RV on public streets overnight or for more extended periods. This includes residential streets.

Can an RV be claimed as a home? ›

Declaring your main home

Your main home is the one where you ordinarily live most of the year. This can be a boat or RV even if it doesn't have a permanent location. As long as it contains the required facilities, you can claim it as your main home on your taxes.

What state is best for full time RVers? ›

Texas. Texas has a number of RV parks and campgrounds, and it is known for its diverse landscape and range of recreational opportunities. No personal income tax makes it a popular state to establish residency for RVers. All vehicles need to be inspected yearly if Texas residents.

What is the longest RV allowed on the road? ›

CALIFORNIA
  • Maximum RV width 102 in.
  • Maximum motorhome length 40 ft.(45 ft. on some highways)
  • Maximum trailer length 40 ft.
  • Maximum RV height 14 ft.
  • Maximum combined length for two-vehicle combination, 65 ft.

Who is the target market for RV parks? ›

Millennials are a major target market for RV companies. According to the 2017 North American Camping Survey from KOA, a private campground company, millennials make up 38 percent of campers, but 31 percent of the general population.

How do I market my RV park? ›

12 Campground Marketing Ideas
  1. Update your website. ...
  2. Build your email lists. ...
  3. Engage in influencer marketing. ...
  4. Add a blog to your site. ...
  5. Tell your story. ...
  6. Partner with RV dealerships and camping outfitters. ...
  7. Think local. ...
  8. Host various events for diverse groups.
Dec 22, 2022

Where is the best place to build an RV park? ›

Look for a spot on your land where an RV can easily get in and out of from the access road. The spot should be fairly level so the RV isn't leaning to the side. If there are trees on the access road or on the site, make sure to trim any low-hanging branches so the RV can clear the space.

Why are RV parks so crowded? ›

With more RVs hitting the roads and campgrounds unable to add sites as quickly, it's a simple game of supply and demand. The demand for campsites has skyrocketed, but the supply of quality campsites hasn't shifted much. So many more people are looking to camp, especially during the prime summer months.

Why are RVs in high demand? ›

More RVs were being sold than were being produced and 2020-2021 became a strong “seller's market” for RV dealers. This allowed dealers to sell RVs at the MSRP prices and maximize profits. Despite the higher prices, the demand remained strong throughout the height of the COVID pandemic.

Is the RV industry slowing down 2023? ›

Summary. The RV Industry is expected to see a big drop in RV sales in 2023. Margins also peaked in 2022 and will likely come down this year. Variable interest rate debt rounds out CWH's risks.

Is the RV craze over? ›

The year 2021 was a record year for RV sales. And the start of 2022 followed in its footsteps. However, as the year wore on, we saw the RVing and RV life popularity drop off and sale decreased. Looking ahead to 2023, many people are uncertain about the future.

Is the RV industry slowing down? ›

After an unprecedented spike in the past few years, shipments of recreational vehicles are down over 50% headed into the summer. At the height of the pandemic, campers and trailers were flying off the lot at Tim's RV in Erving, Massachusetts, said owner Tim Christenson.

What is considered a large RV? ›

What Is the Biggest RV Size? Generally speaking, Class A RVs are the largest RVs on the road, though there are also very large Super C RVs and fifth wheels that top out between 40 and 45 feet that are most definitely “big rigs”! Our Newmar Mountain Aire Class A Diesel Pusher is 43′ long and is considered a big rig RV.

What is the best size travel trailer? ›

Again, there is no perfect size RV based on family size. However, somewhere between 26 and 30 feet is an ideal size travel trailer for couples without children. These trailers are small enough for national parks, but also have enough space inside for work and play.

Can an RV be 10 feet wide? ›

Typically, RVs are built between 96 and 102 inches wide. These numbers translate to eight and eight and a half feet, respectively. As a rule, no RV is wider than 8.5 feet because of federal road regulations.

How much is an RV spot in Yellowstone? ›

How much will it cost to camp in Yellowstone? Campsites cost as little as at $20 per night, per site. Most campgrounds with more amenities such as flush toilets and nearby laundry facilities range from $30 to $40 per night.

What is the easiest RV route into Yellowstone? ›

If you're arriving from the north, you'll travel on I-90, which connects to Yellowstone via U.S. Route 89 in Gardiner, Montana. This is the easiest entrance route for RV driving.

What is the largest RV allowed in state parks? ›

What's the maximum RV size for state and national parks? The maximum recommended size RV for national parks is 29 feet with this number holding true for most state parks as well. The reason for this is that many state and national parks will not allow campers that are longer than 30 feet.

How many RV can fit on an acre? ›

A general rule of thumb is to have 10 sites per acre. Some municipalities will limit the number of sites between 10-15. Many permit requirements give minimum measurements of how wide and how long each site should be. When you decide how many sites to create, think about larger motorhomes and fifth wheels.

What size RV do most campgrounds take? ›

Approximately 98% of national park campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 19 feet long. You still have a good selection if your RV is smaller than 25 feet more than 90% of parks permit that length. The number of available campsites drops if your RV is 29 to 32 feet long since about 80% of parks will let you in.

How big are most RV campsites? ›

Know the Size of Campsites and Book Pull-Through Spots

Pads range from 10 to 12 feet in width and vary in length from 20 to 45 feet. If you can book your spot ahead of time, do it. If you can't, try to get there early so you can get the best available spot.

Is running a campground profitable? ›

Investing in real estate by owning a campground can create a steady profit as long as business owners know what to avoid and where to focus their energy. The camping industry saw a 2.7% growth in revenue from 2014 to 2019.

How big is a typical campsite? ›

Standard Campsite – 20' x 30' Standard Long Campsite – 20' x 40' Standard Electrical Campsite – 20' x 30'

How many shipping containers can fit in an acre? ›

An acre has roughly 43,560 sqft of space. If each unit is 10x20 they would cover 200sqft so in order to find out how many units you could fit on an acre, you would need to divide 43,560/200=217 is the number of units you could fit on 1 acre of property.

Is living in an RV cheaper then a house? ›

Living in an RV can be cheaper than traditional home ownership because RVs require less space and utility usage, resulting in lower costs for heating, cooling, and maintenance. Additionally, RV living encourages a simpler and more minimalist lifestyle that can lead to fewer expenses related to possessions.

What is fair market value of a RV? ›

Fair-market value for recreational vehicles is halfway between wholesale and retail. Retail is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for new RVs, and average book retail price for used RVs. The fair-market value serves as a benchmark when calculating how much you should pay, or sell an RV for.

What is the 28 day rule? ›

The '28 Day Rule' allows a landowner to use land for tented camping only without having to get formal planning permission for 28 days in a calendar year.

Are RV parks recession-proof? ›

RV parks are often considered a recession-proof asset class due to their low operational costs, steady rental income, and tax benefits.

Do campgrounds do well in a recession? ›

The camping and outdoor recreation industries have historically proven to fall into a recession-proof category. Compared to traditional forms of entertainment or travel, camping and outdoor activities are lower-cost options and offer individuals a sense of normalcy during tough times.

What is the campsite rule? ›

The "campsite rule" includes things like leaving the younger or less experienced partner with no STDs, no unwanted pregnancies, and not overburdening them with emotional and sexual baggage.

What is the best size RV for state parks? ›

First, if you are in the market for an RV or trailer and know you want to spend most of your time traveling to state parks, look for one that is 35 feet or less.

Do I need permission for a shipping container? ›

In general, if you are planning to use a shipping container as a permanent structure, such as a home or office, you will likely need planning permission. However, if you are using the container temporarily for storage or as a site office, you may not need planning permission.

How many cars can you fit in 1 acre? ›

each acre of land contains 43,560 square feet, a simple mathematical computation shows if each parking space requires 180 square feet, 1 acre of land would accommodate 242 parking spaces. Of course, this assumes no turning lanes and each parking space is right next to each other.

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