The RV park industry is shifting gears. After a pandemic-fueled boom that brought an influx of new campers and investors, the space is settling into a more stable, sustainable rhythm. That might not sound flashy, but for smart investors, this is where the real opportunity lies. As travel habits evolve and RV culture matures, there’s room to grow, innovate, and build long-term value in a sector that’s anything but a passing trend.
What You’ll Find in This Article:
- Market Still Moving Forward: The RV park world isn’t exploding like it did in 2021, but steady demand, tight supply, and consistent RV ownership mean growth is very much alive.
- Upscale Amenities = Better Returns: Travelers want more than gravel pads and electric hookups. Parks that lean into comfort. think strong Wi-Fi, quality restrooms, fire pits, and maybe even a pool, are pulling ahead.
- Sweet Spot for Investors: The most action (and returns) are happening in parks priced between $1 million and $10 million. Flexible financing options and solid occupancy make this range especially appealing.
Where the Market Stands in 2025
Before jumping into strategy, let’s take a look at the foundation. Understanding where the RV park and campground market currently stands is essential for spotting opportunities.
Numbers You Should Know
According to data, the RV and campground industry in the U.S. brought in about $10.7 billion in 2023. By 2028, that number’s expected to reach $11.4 billion, not massive leaps, but healthy growth. RV sales are also steady, with roughly 350,000 new units projected for 2025, up about 5% from recent years. From 2020 to 2025, the sector grew at an impressive 8.3% annually.
Supply Can’t Keep Up
There’s a clear trend: more people are RVing, but not nearly enough new parks are popping up. That’s creating opportunity. High occupancy rates, especially near national parks and lesser-known outdoor hotspots, give current park owners pricing power, and potential buyers a strong business case. RV park demand is outpacing supply, creating high-demand investment opportunities across the U.S.
A More Predictable Landscape
After the rollercoaster ride of 2020–2022, the industry is leveling out. That’s good news. Less volatility means fewer surprises and more space for planning, upgrading, and investing wisely. For real estate investors looking for steady returns, RV park investing is a growing asset class.
The Big Shifts Redefining RV Park Investments
From tech upgrades to glamping trends, RV parks are evolving fast. Here are the major forces shaping the next wave of investment opportunities.
Comfort Is King: Upscale Experiences on the Rise
Today’s campers aren’t just looking for a parking spot, they want an experience. That could mean upgraded bathhouses, resort-style pools, on-site cafés, or curated hiking adventures. Glamping, in particular, is exploding. U.S. glamping revenue is expected to more than double, from $561 million in 2023 to $1.3 billion by 2029.
Plugged In: The Tech Behind Modern Campgrounds
If you’re not using campground software yet, you’re behind. Tools like RoverPass are taking the hassle out of bookings, payments, pricing, and communication.
Melisa Chang, RoverPass’s Marketing Director, adds: “Campers are planning their getaways on Instagram and finalizing reservations on mobile. If your process is clunky, you’re losing bookings.”
Looking ahead, AI-powered tools are starting to personalize guest experiences, recommend add-ons, and optimize rates without human intervention. These tools can help maximize net operating income and create new revenue streams for RV park operators.
RoverPass supports integration with a variety of third-party campground service providers, such as property management systems, payment gateways, and accounting software. These integrations help simplify and centralize campground operations. A full list is available on the RoverPass integrations page.
Remote Work = Longer Stays
The line between work and travel keeps blurring. More people are hitting the road with laptops in tow, and they’re staying longer, especially if the park has reliable Wi-Fi and a peaceful place to focus. Parks that cater to these guests with extended-stay options, co-working areas, or even simple covered patios are tapping into a growing market.
Green Gets You Ahead
Campers care about sustainability. Solar panels, rainwater collection, composting toilets, and low-energy lighting aren’t just good for the planet, they’re good for business. More eco-conscious travelers are seeking out parks that align with their values. These green improvements not only reduce costs but can attract incentives, key considerations for investors
Money Matters: What Investors Should Expect
Let’s talk about returns. From cap rates to creative financing, here’s what smart investors should keep in mind heading into 2025.
ROI That Outpaces Traditional Real Estate
RV parks tend to deliver strong returns, anywhere from 10% to 20%, depending on size, location, and management style. The more you offer (think tech, cleanliness, service), the more guests are willing to pay. Compared to other types of commercial real estate, RV parks are often lower risk with high returns.
Financing: Getting Creative in 2025
Bank loans are still in play, but creative deal-making is gaining traction. Think seller financing, lease-to-own models, or private capital partnerships. Especially in the $1–10 million space, these setups are giving buyers more flexibility to close deals.
Smarter Pricing, Better Revenue
Dynamic pricing isn’t just for hotels anymore. Modern campgrounds adjust their rates based on demand, season, and what the competition’s doing. The right tools make this easy and often boost profits without dropping occupancy.
Where to Look: Markets Worth Watching
Location still matters, but some markets offer better ROI than others. Here’s what to keep an eye on.
Underbuilt Areas with High Potential
While Florida and California may be oversaturated, places like Arkansas, Montana, and parts of the Midwest are wide open. Think near hiking trails, national forests, or even up-and-coming rural towns with good road access. These areas offer valuable insights for rv park investing and mobile home park conversions.
Markets to Approach with Caution
Popular doesn’t always mean profitable. In high-traffic states, competition is fierce and land is pricey. Parks in these areas can still perform, but only with standout service or unique value. Smart marketing strategy is essential.
Mind the Seasons
Parks in warm-weather states benefit from year-round revenue. Others in colder climates need to get creative in the off-season, maybe through winter rentals, events, or selling gear and food onsite. Diversifying recreational facilities can boost cash flow.
Keeping Your Investment Future-Ready
Consumer preferences are evolving fast. Here’s how to keep your RV park relevant and profitable into the 2030s.
New Generations, New Expectations
Millennials and Gen Z now make up a big chunk of RV owners, and their priorities are different. They want fast Wi-Fi, mobile-friendly booking, and sustainability baked into the experience. As of 2025, over 11.2 million U.S. households own an RV, and many younger owners are hitting the road more frequently and for longer periods.
Experiences Over Locations
The destination doesn’t matter as much as the experience. Parks that offer yoga, guided hikes, live music, or local food trucks are getting more repeat business than those that just offer space. Today’s traveler wants to feel something, not just see something.
Diversity Builds Durability
A smart rv park operator doesn’t rely on overnight stays alone. Adding retail (like general stores), rentals (kayaks, bikes), or even hosting weddings and local events can pad revenue and protect against travel slumps.
Creative financing is on the rise, seller carrybacks, off-market deals, and joint ventures are all helping buyers get in.
The RV park industry might be calming down from its pandemic-era frenzy, but that’s not a bad thing. For those who understand what today’s camper wants and how to deliver it, the next five years are packed with potential. Whether you’re buying your first park or expanding a portfolio, now’s the time to explore rv park investment trends and invest in experiences, flexibility, and future-proof strategies that will keep your campground thriving through 2030 and beyond.
Ready to future-proof your RV park? Start simplifying operations, boosting revenue, and upgrading guest experiences with RoverPass today.
FAQs: What RV Park Investors Are Asking
What’s a strong ROI in this space?
Returns typically land between 10%–20%, with well-run parks performing even better.
Is now a good time to invest in RV parks?
Yes. The market’s matured just enough to be stable, but it’s still young enough to offer big opportunities.
How much land do I need for a decent park?
Anywhere from 10 to 30 acres works well, depending on your setup and amenities.
Are RV parks recession-resistant?
They hold up better than hotels or resorts. Lower nightly rates and the flexibility of RV travel make them appealing during tighter times.
What kind of profit margins can I expect?
Margins often range from 30% to 50%, depending on your operating costs and how you diversify your revenue.
Is the RV industry still growing?
Yes. While not exploding like during COVID, it’s growing steadily, and more young people are joining the lifestyle.
What’s the 10-year rule I keep hearing about?
It refers to holding an investment for at least 10 years to maximize capital gains and tax advantages.
