What Is an RV Park and How Does It Work?

• RV parks are specialized places that allow people to stay overnight or longer in recreational vehicles, usually for a fee.
• Most RV parks provide basic utilities: water, electricity, and a place to empty waste tanks (called a dump station or sewer hookup).
• Some RV parks offer extras like showers, laundry rooms, Wi-Fi, and playgrounds. The range of amenities is wide.
• You usually pay for your spot per night, week, or month, sometimes you can reserve ahead, sometimes it is first-come, first-served.

If you are trying to figure out what an RV park is, here is the short answer. An RV park is a property where people with campers, trailers, or motorhomes can park, connect to water and power, and sleep in their vehicles for a night, a season, or even longer. RV parks range from bare-bones campgrounds to places that feel like small neighborhoods. They usually cost money, but sometimes free or almost free ones exist if you look hard enough. What matters most is that they provide a basic place for RV travelers to stop, rest, and recharge. Some are run down, some are so nice it feels like you are at a resort. Most are in the middle somewhere.

What Is an RV Park?

An RV park is a place where you can park your recreational vehicle, whether a camper van, a trailer, or a big motorhome, and spend the night. It is not quite like a campground, not exactly a motel, but somewhere in between. The core idea is simple. People in RVs need a flat spot to park, space to relax, and hookups for water, electricity, and sewage. That is what an RV park offers. Some are small family-run operations, others are large chains that have locations all over the country. Some focus on long-term residents, some only want short-term vacationers.

You can find RV parks out in the countryside, near lakes and mountains, or barely outside big cities. Some are attached to state parks, others are completely private businesses. Many people seem surprised that there is such a range. RV parks may feel rustic, urban, beachy, forested, or even just like a big parking lot. The variety is bigger than most first-timers expect.

RV parks give RV owners an alternative to hotels or trying to camp off-grid. The rules and prices can change a lot just based on location and ownership.

Who Uses RV Parks?

Mostly, people who travel or vacation in recreational vehicles (RVs). But the definition is wider than it sounds.

• Vacationing families or couples
• Retirees living in RVs full-time
• Seasonal workers or traveling professionals
• People who want to try tiny home or nomadic living
• Temporary housing for people between homes (this is more common than you might expect)

Many RV parks also welcome camper vans, trailers, fifth-wheels, bus conversions, and even the occasional tent if the park allows. While most guests are just passing through, there are RV parks where guests stay for months or even years. Sometimes the lines blur between a campground, RV park, and mobile home park, but the main feature is the short- or medium-term stay in a wheeled living unit.

What Do RV Parks Offer?

Before you book, you might wonder, what does an RV park actually offer? At a minimum, you will get a safe spot to park, but most provide more.

The more you pay, the nicer your options tend to get. Some parks feel simple and even rundown, with basic bathrooms and not much else. Others offer clubhouses, dog parks, hot tubs, or organized activities. Frankly, not everyone needs or wants the extras. Some travelers just want a quiet place to sleep. Others like a resort vibe. I think you have to decide for yourself which matters most.

Think about your travel style. If you prefer quiet, look for smaller parks. If you need entertainment or you have kids, look for extra amenities.

How Do Reservations Work?

This is where it can get a bit more complicated. Some RV parks are first-come, first-served. Others require reservations ahead of time, sometimes months in advance, especially in busy vacation zones. The process is a lot like reserving a hotel room.

• Check their website or call (not all parks use online systems)
• Find an open site that fits your vehicle size
• Pay the booking deposit, often by card
• Arrive during open hours, check in, and go to your numbered spot

It is wise to know your RV’s length, whether you need 30 or 50 amp power, and if you want to be close to bathrooms, the dog area, or far away from noise. Some sites are pull-through (drive in and out easily), others are back-in (requires reversing skills). The cost depends on:

• Location (beach, mountain, city, rural, near theme parks, etc.)
• Season/holidays (prices spike in peak travel times)
• Quality of the park and amenities included
• Site type (basic, full hookup, premium)
• Length of stay (longer stays might get you a discount)

Many RV parks charge extra for extra people, pets, or special features. Always read the rules before you book. I have been surprised in the past when a “pet-friendly” park tacked fees on during check-in or when I saw a separate line for charging for Wi-Fi that had bad reviews.

Types of RV Parks

It is not just one flavor, RV parks come in several types. Here are a few of the most common:

• Destination Parks: These are full of amenities and often act as vacation resorts for families or retirees. Activities are common and sometimes there is on-site dining or golf.
• Transit Parks: Designed for overnights, usually near highways. Not fancy, but easy in-and-out if you are just passing through.
• Residential Parks: For people staying months or even years. Older RVs, permanent patios, fences, and long-term neighbors.
• Campground-Style Parks: Near nature; basic but can be scenic. Often no sewer hookups, but with more focus on good views and campfires.
• Specialty Parks: For 55+ crowds, for people with pets, those who want privacy, or even those who want to be near festivals.

Not all parks fit neatly into one category. Sometimes you find a vacation park that is also quiet and great for work-from-the-road types. I think the variety is part of the appeal, and part of the headache, if you like clear categories.

It is smart to read reviews and see recent photos for any park you are considering. Their own website photos are often outdated or too flattering.

RV Park Rules and Etiquette

Most RV parks have rules that keep things peaceful and organized. Not everyone reads them before booking, but it makes life easier if you do. Some typical rules include:

• Quiet hours (often 10pm to 8am)
• Pet policies (leash requirements, breed restrictions, clean-up)
• No open fires or only in fire pits
• No extra vehicles allowed except those registered
• Speed limits on the property (usually 5-10 mph)
• Limits on how many people can stay per site
• No washing RVs or vehicles except in certain areas

Some parks are very strict, others feel more relaxed. Long-term parks usually have the most detailed rules (especially on things like keeping your space tidy or how “permanent” your setup can be). My advice: follow the rules even if they seem overkill at first, at least until you get a feel for the place. I have seen people thrown out for breaking quiet hours or sneaking in pets.

What Does It Cost?

Prices for RV parks change a lot depending on location, amenities, and timing. Here is a rough idea, updated for 2025:

That said, you will see outliers, especially in high-demand tourist destinations or major cities. Always double-check current prices, some parks add fees, others drop rates for people who stay a week or longer. If traveling with kids or pets, budget for extra charges just in case.

Look at total cost, not just the base price. Added fees for Wi-Fi, pets, more people, or dumping waste can really add up.

Are RV Parks the Same as Campgrounds?

Not exactly. Every RV park allows RVs, but not every campground allows big vehicles or offers full hookups. Some campgrounds are only for tents or small trailers. Here is a quick breakdown:

• RV Parks: Usually built for motorhomes, trailers, or campervans. Most sites level, with hookups for water, electricity, maybe sewer. Sometimes located in or near towns.
• Campgrounds: These can be rustic or primitive, sometimes in parks or forests, might lack hookups, often have smaller or crowded sites. Better for tents or small campers.
• RV Resorts: These are the priciest, loaded with features, golf, pools, concierge, etc. Some require your RV to be newer or of a certain class.

Some people seem to use these terms interchangeably, which I think leads to confusion. If you know your needs (do you want hookups? Hot showers? A view?) you will have an easier time picking the right kind of place.

Tips for First-Time RV Park Guests

If you are new to this, a little preparation goes a long way. Learning by trial and error is part of the adventure, but here are a few things I wish someone had told me, honestly:

• Do not assume all parks are open year-round. Northern parks often close in winter.
• Bring long hoses and extension cords. Some utility connections are weirdly placed.
• Double-check park reviews on more than one site. Some “hidden gem” places are only hidden because they have issues.
• If you need strong Wi-Fi for work, call ahead and ask current guests; listings are not always truthful.
• Arrive before dark, if possible. Parking is much easier by day, especially in crowded layouts.
• Introduce yourself to nearby campers. Makes everything more pleasant, sometimes you get great travel tips.
• Be flexible. Sometimes your reserved site gets swapped or the power breaks briefly. Travel is rarely perfect.

I think RV travel can be both relaxing and stressful, but knowing what to expect from RV parks can lower the stress part. Most people you meet are friendly and want a peaceful stay, just like you.

How to Choose the Right RV Park for You

This comes down to what you want out of the trip. Make yourself a quick list of what you care about most. Is it price? Peace and quiet? Kid activities? Proximity to nature? Or maybe strong cell service because you work remotely?

• Check online maps and satellite views for park layout and surroundings
• Look at real guest photos, not just official ones
• Read reviews, but discount the most extreme comments, good or bad
• Call the park if you have specific requests (say, a shady spot or being far from the dog run)
• Trust your gut, the impression from the first phone call or email often reflects the reality of the place

Not every trip needs a high-end resort. Sometimes the most memorable stops are not the fanciest, but the easiest and friendliest. And you might find you care less about extras and more about peace and quiet, after your first few stays.

RV Park vs. RV Resort vs. Campground vs. Mobile Home Park

People new to RV travel often get lost in the labels. It is not just marketing. Here is a simple comparison:

What to Expect at Check-In and Check-Out

This can feel awkward the first few times, but it is mostly routine:

• Arrive during office hours if you can. Some parks close gates after dark or have a self-check-in process.
• Show ID, fill out some basic paperwork. If you reserved online your spot might be pre-assigned.
• If new to RVing, tell the staff, many will help you find or back into your site.
• Collect any map, codes for restrooms or Wi-Fi details.
• At check-out, tidy your site, unhook utilities, and let the office know you are leaving (sometimes just a wave or returning a card).

Some RV parks want a final walk-through to check the site. Refunds for early check-out are rare. If you are staying long-term, you will probably get regular billing, like rent for an apartment.

A friendly attitude makes check-in smoother. I have had small issues, wrong site, broken hookup, solved fast just by being polite and honest with the staff.

Final Tips for Using RV Parks

• If you like quiet, avoid parks with lots of organized activities, pool parties, or big vacation crowds. Those might not fit your style.
• If you travel with pets, check not just “pet-friendly” rules but also breed/size restrictions and leash rules. Some are very strict, others are not.
• If you are on a tight budget, look for public parks, city/county campgrounds, or lesser-known parks instead of “resorts.”
• Sometimes staying a week or month is cheaper per night than paying nightly rates. Ask about deals.
• Trust your instincts. If a park feels unsanitary, noisy, or unsafe, move on. There are plenty of other options.

There is no one perfect RV park for everyone, and sometimes your preferences will change over time. What matters most is that the park fits your needs, whether that means peace and quiet, easy hookups, a place for kids to run, or just friendly neighbors. If you keep your expectations realistic and remain open to surprises, you will usually find the right place for your trip.