There are a lot of reasons why you may be considering investing in an RV park. Recreational vehicles offer the best of both worlds for people who want to go camping without necessarily “roughing it”, which means that there is potentially a wider clientele base for RV parks than there is for campgrounds. Additionally, those considering whether or not to invest in an RV park may be interested in the seasonal income that these parks provide. RV parks allow investors to make most of their money during high seasons like spring and summer, while at the same time often allowing for more income than a campground because those who travel by RV can really travel all year round, as opposed to traditional campers.
But it’s not enough to simply invest in real estate with the hopes of making it into an RV park. Investors need to consider exactly what appeals to RV enthusiasts, and what will convince them to stay at one RV park as opposed to all of the others. The industry does have competition, and this competition should be a part of the conversation whenever an investor is considering whether or not an RV park is the right investment move for them. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the things that RV enthusiasts look for in RV parks.
1. Kid-Friendliness
One thing that RV enthusiasts often have in mind when seeking the right park is whether or not it’s kid-friendly. This is true for not only RV parks but campgrounds in general. In fact, a Kampgrounds of America study revealed that about 20% of all campers considered the kid-friendliness of a campground an important factor they considered.
Now, not all campgrounds are going to be right for children. This isn’t necessarily because of the clientele attending the campgrounds, but because of the features of the campground themselves. If a campground features large bodies of water that would be easy for children to access, the campground may not be ideal for children to visit. Additionally, campgrounds that are in more rugged terrain may not be best for kids. As those using RVs to camp often do bring kids along with them on their trips, RV parks should usually be more kid-friendly.
2. The Terrain
Speaking of rugged terrain, is that really the best option for an RV park? Most of the time, the answer is going to be “no”. Investors in RV parks should be dubious of the parks include a lot of hills and or mountainous terrain, as it can be quite difficult for RV drivers to park safely in these types of conditions.
Additionally, if an RV park is in an area that is too wet, RVs can actually become stuck in the parks. While a river is a lovely aspect of any RV Parks, if that river overflows during the rainy season and makes the ground too wet, this can spell disaster for campers.
3. Attractions
A lot of RV parks are not necessarily located as remotely as some more traditional campgrounds are. This is because a lot of people traveling by RV plan out their entire vacations around the RV parks they stop at. Part of the trip may involve the great outdoors, but part of it also might surround visiting local attractions.
This is why a lot of RV parks are not that far away from theme parks. Lots of RV enthusiasts actually are able to save money by camping out at RV parks and traveling to their favorite attractions rather than staying in traditional hotels. Consider investing in RV parks close to historic sites or fun attractions in order to increase your potential income.
4. Natural Beauty
Although attractions can add to an RV park’s appeal, natural beauty certainly matters as well. Make sure that your RV park is in a scenic location, where travelers can take beautiful photos and enjoy the great outdoors before returning to the creature comforts of their RVs.
There is a lot of money to be made, potentially, through RV parks. But before a profit can be turned, investors should choose wisely. Remember that these types of properties need to appeal to a wide audience, just like traditional real estate.