What Is a Park Model RV and How Is It Different?

• Park model RVs look like tiny houses, but they are built to RV standards and can be moved.
• They are designed for longer stays in one place, not for frequent road trips.
• Park models often feel more like small cottages than standard RVs inside.
• Regulations, financing, and where you can put them are different from both regular RVs and houses.

A park model RV is a small, movable home that usually sits in an RV park or private lot. It looks like a tiny house, but it follows RV rules, not house rules. You cannot easily travel the highways with it every weekend, but you can relocate it if needed. If you want a place to stay for a few months or every summer, and you want real comfort, a park model may fit. Still, you have to know how they stand apart from other RVs or even mobile homes, since the differences affect your experience, your budget, and even your dream of where to park it.

What Is a Park Model RV?

A park model RV, sometimes called a PMRV, is a type of recreational vehicle that sits somewhere between a travel trailer and a small cottage. Think of it like a compact house on wheels that is made to be moved, but not moved frequently. The official definition in the United States comes from the RV Industry Association and HUD regulations: a park model RV is up to 400 square feet in living space and is built on a single chassis.

Park models come fully built from the factory. Unlike some tiny homes that are built from scratch or converted from cargo trailers, a park model RV is constructed to the ANSI A119.5 park model code instead of residential building code. The most common park model RVs have metal frames, wood interiors, and residential-style windows and doors. Many have a peaked roof and a front porch.

Park model RVs are not the same as mobile homes or manufactured homes , the rules, sizes, and the way you register them are different.

What Makes a Park Model RV Different?

You might have seen a park model and thought, “That’s just a large RV,” or, “Wait, is that a tiny house?” I have. Here are the main things to look for:

• They are up to 400 square feet inside. Anything bigger, and it is no longer legally an RV but a manufactured home.
• They are built to a different code. Park models follow RV rules instead of building code rules.
• They usually have a single chassis and wheels. Some have the wheels hidden when set up.
• They do not come with holding tanks and are meant for hookup to water, sewer, and electricity at a site.
• You do not drive or tow them much. The size and shape are not made for cross-country highway use, but you move them with a heavy-duty truck if needed.

Park models sometimes confuse people because they blend some of the best features of RVs and cabins. Inside, you often find full-sized kitchens, bathrooms with real showers, and living areas that honestly feel more like a studio apartment than an RV.

If you want the comfort of a small home but aren’t interested in a foundation and mortgage, a park model lets you dip into that lifestyle without the long-term commitment.

How Does a Park Model RV Compare to Other RVs?

Not everyone agrees if park models are “true RVs.” In practical terms, they are RVs by law, but in day-to-day life, they are not like a motorhome or travel trailer.

Park model RVs tend to stay put. Travel trailers and motorhomes are made to move often. If you want to go to new places most weekends, you will find a park model clumsy. If you want a home base that feels solid all season, park models make sense.

Why Do Some People Choose Park Model RVs?

The attraction is not just about price, although park models can cost less than buying a cottage or building even a basic cabin. Here are some reasons owners give:

• The inside feels more permanent, with real furniture and household appliances.
• Porches, lofts, and tall ceilings make the space feel less cramped.
• You can park it in a vacation spot or a relative’s land, and leave it there for months.
• Little to no site construction is needed , sometimes blocking, skirting, and hookups are all it takes to set up.

One owner told me he bought a park model for his retirement summers because he did not want to deal with constant repairs. The park model let him have a “base camp” without the full maintenance of a house.

If you are tired of cramped trailers or motorhomes, a park model’s ceiling height and large windows bring real livability, even for full-timers.

How Are Park Model RVs Built?

Most park model RVs use the same materials as regular RVs, but for one thing: they have more “home-like” features. Expect vinyl siding, peaked shingle roofs, and sometimes even residential doors and appliances.

• Metal or wood frame construction
• Thermal insulation, though not as thick as a house
• Plumbing and wiring set up for full hookups
• One main room or open living area
• Full kitchen (sometimes with apartment-sized appliances)
• Separation between bedroom and living area in many models
• Porch or deck (optional, usually built on site)

If you have seen “tiny home” shows, the interiors look similar. Some even have fireplaces, large kitchen islands, or washer-dryer setups. Be careful , not every park model has these extras, and if you want to live in one full-time, you need to be realistic about your needs.

Are Park Model RVs the Same as Tiny Homes?

Not exactly. Tiny homes are trendy, and the lines can get blurry, but there are big distinctions.

• Tiny homes can be built to any code (or no code) and are usually much heavier and more insulated.
• Tiny homes often sit on trailers, but some are built on permanent foundations.
• Financing and insurance for tiny homes can be difficult and very different from RV options.
• Park models use RV standards and are registered as vehicles or trailers, not houses.

The biggest appeal of park models over many tiny homes? You can usually place a park model in an RV park, while tiny homes often do not meet the rules for parking unless the community allows them.

You might think of a park model as a “plug-and-play” cabin for campgrounds or vacation communities, while a tiny home is often a custom project with its own headaches.

Where Can You Put a Park Model RV?

Park model RVs are made for long stays in RV parks, campgrounds, or private land. But you can’t just drop one anywhere. Zoning and local rules shape your options:

• Many RV parks offer dedicated pads for park model units (usually at higher monthly rates).
• Some private campgrounds or resorts sell or rent sites for park models long-term.
• Putting one on private land may trigger local building codes, utility requirements, or even outright bans.
• Neighborhoods with homeowners associations often will not allow these units.

Some places, especially in retirement communities or snowbird cities, have parks full of these. Others will not even let you park a park model for a single night. It is worth letting local officials know what you plan before you buy , I have heard of people stuck with a unit they could not legally set up.

Can You Live Full-Time in a Park Model RV?

Some people do. Full-time living in a park model is common in certain states and in some specifically zoned communities. There are snags that most people run into:

• Parks may limit how long you can stay on site per year (often 180 days is the max in one spot).
• Insulation and heating may not match a four-season home, making winters tough unless you are in mild climates.
• Mail delivery, legal residency, and property taxes can get complicated.
• Some local governments see park models as “temporary” by law, so they do not allow permanent residency.

If you want to live full-time aside from vacations, check all the rules. And if you plan to register the RV as your address, make sure your state allows it. It is not as simple as just moving in and calling it home.

Financing, Registration, and Insurance

Getting a loan for a park model RV isn’t always clear-cut. Some banks treat them like RVs, while others lump them in with manufactured or mobile homes. You might get the best rate through a credit union or a specialty lender who understands the product.

• Many lenders require 10%-20% down payment.
• Loan terms can be shorter than a house mortgage.
• Interest rates may be higher than traditional home loans.
• Title and registration often use DMV or DOT, not your county’s real estate office.

Insurance is usually offered through RV insurance programs. Coverage costs more if you live year-round, but it can be more affordable than mobile home insurance. Be ready: some insurers do not want to cover park models placed on private property instead of a campground.

Who Should (and Should Not) Buy a Park Model RV?

Park models are not for everyone. It can look tempting, but the practical issues matter.

When I spoke to someone at a popular Midwestern RV park, she told me many buyers expect a park model to offer “the best of both worlds” but are surprised when zoning or limited RV park seasons make it harder. That’s why it’s smart to talk to current owners , or even try renting a park model for a month , before buying your own.

Final Points: Comfort, Flexibility, and What to Watch Out For

If you want a home for summer, or a warm escape in winter, it is hard to match a park model for price and comfort. Some buyers say it is the “right size” , not an apartment, not a tent. Still, you need to be realistic. Park models are not meant to be moved easily, even if they sit on wheels. Site fees add up, and not every campground will allow new park models in.

• Water, sewer, and electricity hookups are essential. You cannot boondock like you can in a travel trailer.
• Most park models cannot be simply towed behind a pickup the way a camper can , you need professional movers, permits, and extra planning.
• Weatherproofing is sometimes underwhelming. If you plan to use a park model in a cold region, make sure to find one with upgraded insulation or a heated skirt.
• Consider resale value. Park models can lose value faster than traditional homes or even some RVs.

A park model RV is not a loophole for cheap land or year-round affordable living anywhere , it is a way to have a comfortable second home (or main home in the right spot) if you know the limits.

To sum up, park model RVs offer a real alternative for those who want more than a camper and less than a cabin, with the right expectations. They do well as seasonal getaways, guest houses, or retirement retreats. But for weekend warriors or people wanting a full-time, fixed home with no red tape, they are rarely a perfect answer. If you are thinking of buying, study your local rules, talk to existing owners, and don’t assume everything works the way it does with a house.