We can definitely say that RV parks are no longer being used just for retirees or weekend adventures anymore. RV parks are coming up to capacity for not only a vacation,but for the younger full-time RVer as a place to call home. It’s not a new idea as it started in the 60’s however, it’s on a whole new level now, people!
The rise in cost for RV parks and campgrounds is due to location, amenities, upkeep, length of your stay and opportunity. The popularity for campers from 2019 to 2020 was 5 times higher. Households identifying as RVers went up 1.7 million in 2020.
Per the KOA Report
Why Did Camping Get So Popular Recently?
The biggest change and the reason for the rise in camping (believe it or not) came from Covid-19 which caused many travel restrictions, housing and employment loss, remote work, and homeschooling. All logical reasons for changing a lifestyle.
If remote work and homeschooling became a new normal during these times, why not take advantage of it and travel?.
RV life has also been exposed frequently on social media, showing travel freedoms, family, and new experiences. Glamouring up the idea of tiny living, getting out to see the country and being close to family. I get it, it looks dreamy, but then the reality of everybody else having the same idea makes it harder to find places to go. Maybe the suggestion would be finding a place to park it, before you buy it.
RV Rental Companies using services to either rent or rent out your travel trailers, has become a great way to earn extra income and adds to the amount of RV’s that are generally parked a portion of the year to being used more often. These rentals can be parked full time in RV spots for people to use and therefore take up some territory that used to be flexible.
Work Travel. At some point when a person needs to travel for work often, hotels get old fast. Finding a comfortable place to stay without having to live out of a suitcase, make all of your meals in a microwave. Consider purchasing a home away from home with an RV. Workers are moving into RV parks to stay for a few months at a time.
*All of these RV dwellers are in competition with one another for a parking place and the waiting list can take months to get a reservation. Plan all of your trips in advance get a clear route and where you can prepare to stop.
The expense of an RV v.s Home
RVs and Travel Trailers are less expensive than a home with a smaller payment. It’s less expensive to own an RV than trying to find a home in a rising market. Some RV’s are really pricey but, you have options to trade in or upgrade in a year or so. If you tried RV life and you no longer want it, you can sell and go back to buying a home. Other perks to living in an RV is that you can move if you like, you can stay in places for a week or two and move on. Neighbors are never a problem (for long).
RV Park Costs
Whenever there is a trend on the rise like the surge in RVers there is a strain on campgrounds to accommodate all of the guests. There are certain amenities people really need and somewhat expect. A clubhouse, laundry facilities, wi-fi, pools, and more. Property upkeep becomes more of a challenge in typically ‘off-season’ times and more so in the summer. More guests means more employees as well as trash services, maintenance, electricity, water, etc…
How To Camp with Discounts!
Using helpful programs can help you save money with time by participating in camping memberships. Gather reward points or just get a great deal using a membership.
KOA Value Card– At a glance offered discounts
- Low cost $$ membership enrollment
- 10% Daily regular rates
- Free night stay on KOA reward weekends
- Reward points redeemable for free nights
- Offers and discounts from partners
Passport America – At a glance offered discounts
- Multiple membership options with a varying price range
- 1,200+ campgrounds
- Discount camping club for 50% in savings
- Trip routing tool
Good Sam– At a glance offered discounts
- Membership $$ low cost for the year
- 10% discounts for camping
- Discounts on fuel & Propane
- Free Shipping & Dump service at specific RV dealers
- Additional offers – Rental services for your RV, Insurance, Roadside assistance
Thousand Trails-At a glance offered discounts
- Low cost $$$ yearly membership, paid upfront or monthly payment option. Includes one zone with options to add more zones.
- No nightly costs with membership
- Camping Location on website
Happy Camper RV Club– At a glance offered discounts
- Advertises up to 50% off campgrounds and RV parks
- Online Camping Guide
- Long term camping discounts list
Resort Parks International – At a glance offered discounts
- $10 per night at affiliated campgrounds with a membership
- Discounts on other campground affiliates
- List of all affiliates and locations on the website
- The United States and Canada
Boondocking as an Option
The good thing about RVing is that you are only limited by your resources. Boondocking is an inexpensive way to live ‘off-grid’ and use a generator for your electricity or solar panels. Newer camping models have the option for solar plug-ins. Fill your water tanks and gauge when you will run out and how quickly your black tank fills before you need to get more. Camping this way saves on lot rent and can be purchased as a pass for national parks or go where there is nothing needed to stay overnight.
Boondocking Host Companies
This is beyond amazing for boondockers, you can travel and camp on host homes and property!. Boondocking doesn’t always seem super safe, but when you book a reservation and map out your destination you and the hosts will know that you are there. While they won’t take responsibility for you or your belongings you are parked in a safe place.
Boondockers Welcome Website
By only paying $50 per year for the booking service. The only thing you need to have is your own RV, Truck Camper, Travel trailer that can carry it’s own sustainability for your trailer. The hosts are locals inviting boondockers a place to stay over night, there may be an agreement to stay longer between the camper and the host. You may be asked to pay a fee to the host if they offer services like water and sewage, but I’d call that a bonus!.
Harvest Hosts Website
With a $99 yearly rate for regular stays or $139 for golf stays.
This company is offering camping at wineries, breweries and farms with unlimited overnight stays at over 3100+ locations, including 400+ golf courses across North America
Summary:
When considering RVing fulltime, camping a few nights or just passing by the expense of a stay could seem like a lot. The comparison of an RV stay is normally between a hotel and the campground, never to be considered as a permanent parking place
Some places are prepared for fulltime stay while others are strictly business, baby. As a vacation destination they based their values off of the savings from a traditional hotel. $50 per night doesn’t seem that bad unless you stay 30 days on that rate and it becomes $1,500 per month.
Call ahead to look for reservations and rates, budget your stay and search for long term discounts.
Boondocking is a great non-traditional camping option, you won’t always need to go through a service there are other places that it is totally acceptable to do so.
We hope you fund value in our content and as always, we hope to see you on the road!
Good luck and and safe travels!
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