There's a clear path to buying the right RV park, and it hasn't changed much in decades. What has changed are the tools, financing options, and competition. Here's a current breakdown of what smart buyers are doing in 2025 to find, evaluate, and close on parks that perform.
1. Know Your Boundaries Before You Start
Before you even open a listings site, be clear on your purchase criteria.
- What's your total budget and expected down payment? (Banks typically require 20%, so multiply your down by 5 to get your ceiling.)
- Are you willing to be hands-on, or do you need a park that's ready for third-party management?
- What returns are you aiming for?
- Are you open to seasonal parks or only year-round ones?
Clarity up front helps you avoid chasing poor fits and wasting time on deals that won't close.
2. Fill the Funnel with Deals — Constantly
The best RV park buyers cast a wide net. Don't just wait for brokers to call you — be proactive.
- Check online marketplaces like RVParkStore, LoopNet, and Crexi
- Build relationships with brokers who specialize in RV parks (many good deals never hit public listings)
- Send direct mail to park owners in areas you're targeting
- Cold-call owners, especially those with older listings or dated websites
The more leads you evaluate, the better chance you'll spot a winner.
3. Move Fast On Anything Promising
If you find a property that meets your basic criteria, don't hesitate to get it under contract. Time is not your friend when it comes to hot listings. Once you tie up a park, you typically have a due diligence period where you can walk away without penalty. That window gives you the freedom to inspect without the risk of losing the deal.
4. Take Due Diligence Seriously
Good investors verify. Great investors dig.
- Are the occupancy numbers real?
- Is the infrastructure (septic, electric, water) reliable and up to code?
- Are there any surprise capital expenditures on the horizon?
- Is the local market stable, and is demand increasing or falling?
Don't just trust the seller's story. Your ability to validate the deal can be the difference between long-term success and expensive regret.
5. Line Up the Right Loan
RV parks now qualify for a wide range of loans — and lenders are much more open to this asset class than they were a decade ago. In 2025, you can secure:
- Conventional bank loans
- SBA 7(a) or 504 loans
- CMBS (conduit) financing
- Seller financing, in some cases
Rates will vary, but many buyers see competitive terms similar to those offered on office or retail properties.
6. Manage Smart from Day One
Once you close, the real work begins. Many RV parks underperform not because of bad locations — but because of bad management. Learn the fundamentals of:
- Online marketing and reputation management
- Guest check-in and reservation systems
- Site maintenance and infrastructure scheduling
- Clear rule enforcement and communication
These operational skills often determine whether a park earns a 10% return or limps along at breakeven.
Closing Thoughts
Buying an RV park isn't just about finding a good deal. It's about consistently following a process — from filtering leads to doing the work after the sale. While the core strategy hasn't changed much over the years, today's tools, loans, and buyer expectations mean you have more ways than ever to make smart decisions. Done right, it's still one of the most accessible and profitable real estate paths out there.