A Modern Look at What RV Park Guests Actually Want

RV park guests are remarkably consistent in what they value, regardless of rig size, length of stay, or travel budget. If you are evaluating an RV park to buy, or thinking about improving one you already own, understanding these priorities helps separate durable properties from marginal ones.

A Modern Look at What RV Park Guests Actually Want

  1. Amenities That Support Daily Living
    Guests are not looking for luxury resorts as much as functional comforts. A well-maintained pool, reliable laundry facilities, and shared outdoor gathering areas consistently rank at the top. These features support longer stays and repeat visits.

  2. Privacy Without Isolation
    RV travelers want the feeling of being away from crowds without being difficult to reach. Parks with visual buffers, landscaping, and thoughtful site layout feel quieter, even when located near major roads. The perception of space matters more than acreage.

  3. Access to Nearby Attractions
    Parks tied to local experiences outperform overnight stopovers. Proximity to parks, lakes, national landmarks, festivals, or town centers adds real value and supports higher nightly rates and longer average stays.

  4. Mature Trees and Natural Shade
    Established trees remain one of the strongest visual and emotional draws. Shade reduces heat, improves comfort, and creates a sense of permanence that newer parks struggle to replicate quickly.

  5. Easy-In, Easy-Out Sites
    Pull-through sites reduce stress and appeal to larger rigs and older travelers. Properties that minimize backing and tight maneuvering consistently receive better guest feedback.

  6. Basic Utility Support
    Functional infrastructure still matters. Dump stations and on-site propane sales provide convenience and encourage travelers to choose your park over nearby alternatives, especially for short stays.

  7. On-Site Convenience Store
    A small store carrying essentials such as snacks, toiletries, ice, and basic supplies adds both revenue and goodwill. Guests value not having to leave the property for forgotten items.

  8. Cleanliness Across the Property
    Clean bathrooms, tidy grounds, and well-maintained common areas signal competent ownership. Guests associate cleanliness directly with safety, professionalism, and management quality.

  9. Consistent, Visible Management
    An approachable manager who is present, responsive, and respectful leaves a lasting impression. Guests remember how they were treated long after they forget the specifics of the site.

  10. A Welcoming Atmosphere
    The most overlooked factor is tone. Friendly communication, clear rules, and a willingness to help often outweigh physical shortcomings. Attitude costs little and pays back daily.

How Investors Should Use This List

These factors work best as an evaluation framework rather than a checklist. Very few parks deliver everything perfectly. The strongest properties either already meet most of these expectations or can realistically improve them without heavy capital spending.

For owners and buyers alike, the lesson is simple: many of the highest-impact improvements come from thoughtful layout, basic upkeep, and how guests are treated, not from expensive upgrades.

Frank Rolfe has been an active investor in RV parks for nearly two decades. As a result of his large collection of RV and mobile home parks, he has amassed a virtual reference book of knowledge on what makes for a successful RV park investment, as well as the potential pitfalls that destroy many investors.