RV Park Feasibility Study: U.S. Market Outlook 2025–2030 and Key Considerations

RV Park, California

Introduction: Investors, developers, and lenders evaluating the U.S. RV park market face a dynamic landscape shaped by robust RV consumer demand, evolving travel trends, and constrained supply. This comprehensive industry report provides a data-driven outlook for 2025–2030, analyzing RV sales projections, new RV park development, and occupancy trends. It also delivers a forward-looking supply vs. demand analysis pinpointing geographic hotspots, potential overbuilt vs. underserved regions, and long-term drivers like remote work and housing costs that impact RV park usage. Finally, we outline the key components of an RV park feasibility study. The goal is to equip stakeholders with a fact-based roadmap for assessing RV park opportunities in the coming years.

Macroeconomic Outlook (2025–2030): RV Sales, Park Development & Occupancy Trends

RV Sales Trends and Projections: The U.S. RV industry is entering 2025 on a stabilizing growth trajectory after the volatile pandemic-era boom. RV wholesale shipments in 2024 totaled about 333,700 units, up ~7% from the prior year. For 2025, industry forecasts predict a modest increase to roughly 350,000 RVs sold (midpoint projection), which would be ~5% growth. This marks a return to more sustainable volumes in the mid-300,000s range after the record surge of 2021. Interest rates remain a headwind for big-ticket RV purchases, but manufacturers and dealers see “green shoots” in continued consumer enthusiasm for RV.. Looking further out toward 2030, analysts expect steady but moderate growth in RV demand, supported by favorable demographics and sustained interest in outdoor travel. The RV market’s long-term fundamentals appear positive – as interest rates eventually ease, pent-up demand from younger buyers may accelerate. Overall, the industry’s outlook calls for mid-single-digit annual growth in RV unit sales through the decade, barring major economic shifts. This implies U.S. RV shipments could hover in the 350,000–400,000 units per year range by the late 2020s, aligning with recovering consumer confidence and a larger base of outdoor enthusiasts.

RV Park Supply and New Development: The United States today has an extensive but capacity-constrained network of RV parks and campgrounds. There are roughly 15,000–16,000 RV parks nationally, a figure that has grown only gradually. New RV park development has been limited in recent years – many existing parks are decades old and the pipeline of new parks remains small due to barriers like zoning, high land costs, and lengthy permitting. Industry surveys show that only about 5% of park operators plan to open a new park in the coming yea, and the typical expansion is modest (adding ~8 sites on median). This restrained supply growth is in stark contrast to rising demand, effectively creating a supply gap in many regions. Even as private and public operators add campsites where they can, development hasn’t kept pace with the surge of campers. For example, Florida – a major RV destination state – leads in new construction, adding ~3,600 RV sites from 2022 to 2024 across several new resorts and expansions. Yet nationally, such projects are the exception. Most parks remain “mom-and-pop” operations (≈78% independent ownership) and many face hurdles to expansion. The net result is that new RV park supply is growing only modestly (~1% annually), indicating that through 2030 the market will largely rely on existing parks and incremental expansions to accommodate rising RV travel demand.

Occupancy Rates and Demand Trends: RV park occupancy levels have trended upward over the past decade, reflecting the influx of campers and RV owners. A typical RV park operates at an average 60–70% occupancy annually, with utilization spiking to near 100% capacity in peak summer seasons at popular destination. During the pandemic travel shift, many campgrounds were completely booked for extended periods – 2021 saw record-high occupancies as Americans embraced domestic road tripsn. Occupancy dipped slightly in 2023 as travel patterns normalized post-pandemic, but remained elevated relative to pre-2020 norms Early indicators show a strong rebound into 2024: for instance, major campground operators like KOA reported a surge in advance reservations, and a majority of campers (56%) still had difficulty finding available campsites in 2024 due to full bookings. Industry analysts widely anticipate robust occupancy through 2030, given that demand still exceeds available sites in many markets. Future demand drivers underpinning this outlook include the growing population of RV owners, increased popularity of camping among younger generations, and the persistence of remote work and domestic travel preferences (detailed in the next section). Barring a major economic downturn, RV park occupancy is expected to remain healthy and possibly tighten further in peak seasons, supporting strong nightly rates and income for park operators. Even shoulder seasons are strengthening – for example, many Sunbelt parks now enjoy high winter occupancies from migrating “snowbirds” and remote workers, extending the traditional camping season. Overall, the macro trend is a high-demand, limited-supply environment which bodes well for occupancy and pricing power at U.S. RV parks through 2025–2030.

Key Demand Drivers: Several structural factors are fueling the long-term growth in RV park usage:

• Demographic Expansion of RVers: RVing is no longer just for retirees – over 65% of RV owners are now under age 55 Millennials and Gen Z are a fast-growing segment of campers, energized by pandemic-era lifestyle shifts. In 2022, one-third of new campers were millennials as younger travelers turned to camping and “van life” in large numbers. This influx of younger enthusiasts expands the customer base and reduces seasonality, as families and working-age travelers take more frequent weekend trips and off-peak vacations than previous generations. The broadening of RV demographics has made overall demand more resilient and less cyclical.

  
  

• Remote Work and “Work-from-RV” Lifestyle: The rise of remote work has enabled a trend of professionals taking their jobs on the road. Many “digital nomads” now work from their RVs or campers, turning campgrounds into semi-residential bases with Wi-Fi and office setups. This has lengthened average stays and boosted mid-week occupancy, as remote workers can remain at parks for weeks or months beyond a traditional weekend trip. RV parks that cater to this segment (reliable broadband, quiet work areas) are capturing incremental demand and smoothing out occupancy valleys. The work-from-anywhere culture is expected to persist, meaning remote work will continue to drive RV park usage in all seasons.

  
  

• Domestic Travel & Outdoor Recreation Trends: Even as international travel resumes, many Americans continue to favor domestic road trips and outdoor vacations. RV travel is seen as a safer, flexible, and cost-effective alternative to flying or hotels, especially after COVID-19. Surveys showed 61% of Americans planned an RV trip in 2023, up from 48% in 2022 – a remarkable jump indicating that the camping boom has staying power. High fuel prices or inflation have not deterred this segment significantly; in fact, during economic uncertainty, people often “trade down” to RV vacations instead of canceling travel altogether, given RV trips can be 25–60% cheaper than other options. This positions RV parks as relatively recession-resilient within the hospitality sector, as budget-conscious travelers still opt for campgrounds over expensive resorts in lean times. America’s sustained passion for camping and the great outdoors – with over 81 million people camping in 2024 – ensures a strong demand baseline for RV parks going forward.

  
  

• Housing Affordability and Alternative Living: Skyrocketing housing costs in many regions have led some individuals and families to embrace RVs and campgrounds as an affordable living alternative. A subset of RV park users now includes long-term or full-time residents – not only retirees, but also younger remote workers and others priced out of local housing. Some parks report a steady cohort of monthly tenants who treat the campground as their primary residence (though many parks have policies to limit length of stay). The related trend of tiny homes and minimalist living also channels people into park model RVs or similar setups. While not all RV parks cater to long-term residency, the demand for affordable, flexible housing options suggests that occupancy from full-timers will remain a factor, especially in areas with expensive real estate. This provides parks with a stable year-round income stream (monthly rents), though it raises considerations about zoning (transient campground vs. residential use) that developers must manage.

In summary, the macro outlook for the RV park sector through 2025–2030 is one of healthy growth in demand against a backdrop of tight supply. RV sales are projected to rise modestly, adding to the millions of RVs already on the road. New park development will lag demand, keeping occupancies high and enabling operators to capitalize on strong pricing. Demographic and cultural trends – from youthful campers to remote work and economic pragmatism – all point toward sustained utilization of RV parks. Investors and lenders can therefore expect the RV park industry to enjoy solid fundamentals in the coming years, with opportunities to develop or expand parks in high-demand markets and to upgrade facilities to serve the evolving needs of campers.

Forward-Looking Supply & Demand Analysis: Geographic Hotspots, Market Saturation, and Travel Trends

While the national outlook is positive, conditions vary widely by region, and a forward-looking analysis reveals an uneven distribution of RV park supply and demand across the United States. This section highlights geographic hotspots of growth, contrasts potentially overbuilt markets versus underserved areas, and examines how long-term trends in travel, work, and housing affordability are shaping regional dynamics in the RV park industry.

Geographic Hotspots and Growth Markets: Certain regions are emerging as hotspots for RV park development and demand. The Sunbelt states – notably Florida, Texas, and Arizona – stand out for their strong RV tourism appeal and relatively developer-friendly environments. Florida in particular has seen a boom in upscale RV resorts to meet surging demand from vacationers and winter snowbirds. Between 2022 and 2024, Florida added at least 3,596 new RV campsites across eight newly built resorts and numerous park expansions – the largest net increase of any statevisit. Developers are targeting Florida’s popular corridors (from the Panhandle beaches to the Keys), drawn by the state’s mild climate and year-round camper traffic. Similarly, parts of Texas have attracted new park projects around Hill Country lakes and major travel routes, and Arizona continues to expand parks around Phoenix/Yuma to serve winter visitors. These high-growth areas benefit from built-in demand drivers (e.g., national parks, beaches, retiree influx) and often lenient zoning and enthusiastic local tourism boards, making it easier to construct new RV facilitiesn. The Southeast and Mountain West also feature pockets of opportunity: for instance, the Carolinas and Tennessee have growing RV tourism, and mountain states like Colorado and Utah see heavy summer RV traffic (though new development there is constrained by terrain and regulations). Overall, Sunbelt and vacation destination states are poised for continued growth, with developers focusing on prime locations where they can achieve high occupancy and premium rates.

Overbuilt vs. Underserved Markets: Despite generally tight supply, there is a possibility of localized overbuilding in a few areas, even as many other markets remain underserved. Overbuilding tends to occur where low land costs and permissive zoning spark a flurry of private RV park projects without a commensurate increase in demand. For example, a hypothetical region with cheap rural land might see multiple investors simultaneously develop new parks; such a boom in campground construction could saturate the local market, forcing operators to cut rates to attract a finite pool of campers. Industry experts caution that if one area suddenly adds several hundred RV sites in a short period, occupancy and ROI at each park may suffer until demand catches up. However, these cases are the exception so far. In practice, most high-demand regions have natural or regulatory barriers that keep new supply modest, preventing true oversupply. For instance, coastal destinations and national park gateway communities often face strict environmental regulations or land scarcity that limit new campground development, so existing parks in those areas enjoy persistent waitlists. On the whole, the U.S. RV park sector today is characterized far more by undersupply than overbuild. Many markets are underserved, meaning camper demand exceeds available sites, sometimes dramatically. One indicator: in recent surveys, over half of U.S. campers (56.1%) reported difficulty finding a campsite in 2024 because campgrounds were fully booked. This “campsite crunch” was especially acute in popular national parks and peak-season weeks. Another example: California – a state with enormous camping demand – has added relatively few new RV parks in recent years due to complex permitting. California’s stringent planning and environmental rules (treating RV parks similar to mobile home communities) make it one of the toughest states to develop new parks, resulting in a static supply. As a result, many California RV parks operate at high occupancy with months-long booking lead times, effectively an underserved market where demand outstrips supply. In contrast, states like Florida (with more open development policies) are rapidly adding capacity, though even there demand has kept pace so far. In summary, investors should evaluate local supply-demand balance carefully: most U.S. regions have room for additional quality RV sites, but a few pockets could see intensified competition if too many similar parks open at once.

Regional Impact of Travel and Work Trends: The long-term trends of increased domestic travel, remote work, and housing costs are playing out unevenly across geographies, influencing which RV park markets will thrive:

• Domestic Travel Patterns: With Americans continuing to favor driving vacations, regions with iconic road trip routes and outdoor attractions are benefiting. Interstate highway corridors have become lucrative locales for RV parks capturing one-night stopovers from cross-country travelers. Parks strategically located along I-10 in the South or I-40/I-90 across the country, for example, report strong transient traffic. Meanwhile, areas reliant on international tourism (e.g. some big cities) have seen less direct RV growth compared to domestic leisure destinations like national parks, which are booming. Notably, rural areas near popular parks(Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, etc.) often have demand far exceeding campground capacity – these are prime opportunities for development if land and approvals can be secured. As domestic tourism remains high through 2030, regions that offer natural beauty, national/state parks, and drivable vacation loops should see sustained RV camper influx.

• Remote Work and Mobility: Remote work is enabling certain regions to attract longer-term RV visitors. Areas that combine recreation with decent infrastructure – for instance, places in the Mountain West or Pacific Northwest that offer nature plus reliable internet – are seeing more “workcation” campers. Some RV parks in attractive small towns (from Oregon to Vermont) have effectively become seasonal coworking hubs, with professionals setting up for weeks. That said, connectivity remains key: regions lacking broadband or cell coverage will miss out on this segment. Sunbelt regions (e.g. parts of Florida, Arizona) are especially popular for remote workers in winter months, boosting those markets’ off-peak occupanc. We also see remote work enabling continuous travel – rather than staying in one place, many remote-working RVers roam from region to region, following good weather and Wi-Fi. This creates a floating demand that can fill parks nationwide year-round, but particularly benefits regions with mild climates and modern amenities. In effect, remote work has nationalized some of the RV park demand, smoothing seasonal and regional disparities for parks that cater to this trend.

• Housing Affordability and Migration: The housing crunch has led some people to relocate to areas where they can live cheaply in an RV, which in turn impacts regional park usage. For example, oil field regions in West Texas/North Dakota or boomtowns with expensive housing have seen workers living out of RVs and filling local RV parks. Coastal metro areas with extreme rents (California, Northeast) have also driven some residents to seek long-term RV living in nearby rural areas. This means suburban and exurban RV parks near expensive cities might find a niche serving semi-permanent residents. Conversely, regions with plentiful affordable housing see less of this phenomenon. Sunbelt states with both high housing costs and a tradition of mobile home living (like parts of Florida or Nevada) could continue to see RV parks partially serve as affordable housing communities. However, this dynamic can be double-edged: communities sometimes resist new RV parks if they perceive them as residential “trailer parks” rather than tourist facilities. Thus, the impact of housing trends on RV park demand is highly local – in some markets it boosts year-round occupancy, while in others it may face regulatory pushback. Overall, the national trend of pricey housing is likely to sustain a baseline demand from full-time RV dwellers, benefiting parks in regions open to accommodating them.

Looking ahead, the interplay of these trends suggests a strong outlook across most regions, with varying strategic considerations. High-demand vacation regions (often under-supplied) present compelling investment opportunities, as do certain interstate corridor locations capturing growing RV traffic. Developers should remain cautious of any signs of oversupply in localized clusters and be mindful of regulatory climates (stringent in some Western and Northeastern states, more welcoming in parts of the South/Midwest). By aligning projects in the right geography – ideally, areas with high natural demand, limited competition, and supportive zoning – investors can position themselves to ride the broader growth wave in RV travel. The long-term trends of outdoor recreation popularity, remote work flexibility, and domestic mobility are expected to continue lifting RV park usage nationwide, reinforcing the positive supply-demand imbalance that favors existing and new well-positioned parks.

Key Components of an RV Park Feasibility Study

When pursuing a new RV park project or acquisition, conducting a rigorous RV park feasibility study is essential. A feasibility study evaluates whether a proposed RV park can succeed financially and operationally in its specific context. It encompasses multiple analytical components – from market analysis to design, cost budgeting, and risk assessment. Below are the key components of an RV park feasibility study, each addressing a critical aspect of project viability:

1. Site Selection and Location Analysis: “Location is paramount” in the success of an RV park. A feasibility study begins with evaluating the proposed site’s geographic and market attributes. Analysts consider proximity to demand generators – is the location near major attractions (national parks, beaches, theme parks) or along a busy travel corridor that guarantees a flow of RV tourists? Locations in desirable vacation destinations or mild climates (e.g. Florida, Arizona) offer built-in year-round demand, whereas a remote, economically depressed area may struggle unless it offers a unique draw Local demographic and tourism trends are reviewed: areas with growing visitor numbers or inbound migration (booming Sunbelt regions) signal strong future demand, while regions with declining travel interest raise red flags. This analysis also covers practical site criteria – adequate acreage (for example, 10–30+ acres depending on target site count), appropriate topography and drainage, and attractive surroundings (scenic value can be a competitive advantage). Essentially, the study aims to confirm that the site can attract sufficient RV traffic by virtue of its location. If the site lacks obvious demand drivers, the feasibility study must justify how it will draw campers (through a special destination feature or marketing), or else recommend reconsidering the location.

2. Market and Competitive Landscape Assessment: A thorough market analysis is conducted to quantify demand and gauge the competition. This involves defining the park’s likely catchment area (often a radius of 30–50 miles for destination parks, less for overnight stopovers) and researching existing campgrounds within that area. The study inventories how many other RV parks and campsites are nearby, their quality, and their occupancy levels and rates. A region with few RV parks relative to a large camper population is a favorable sign – it indicates a market gap the new park can fill Conversely, an area already saturated with similar RV resorts would be risky, potentially leading to price competition or slow absorption of new sites. Competitive analysis also examines the amenities and target segments of nearby parks: for instance, if all competitors are rustic public campgrounds, a new park might succeed by offering a higher-end private resort experience. Or if competitors cater mainly to short-term tourists, the new park could differentiate by offering monthly stays or unique amenities (water parks, glamping tents, etc.). The feasibility study should include a SWOT analysis of the competition and market – identifying opportunities (e.g. unmet demand for long pull-through RV sites or lack of year-round parks in a snowbird region) and threats (e.g. a large new campground planned nearby). Demand modeling is typically part of this section, where analysts estimate the number of potential camper-nights in the market using data on RV owner households, tourist visits, and historical campground occupancy. Tools like KOA camper surveys, state park visitation stats, and RV registration data can inform these estimates. Ultimately, the market study yields projections for how many site-nights the park could realistically capture per year, given the competitive context.

3. Demand Modeling and Occupancy Forecasting: Based on the market analysis, the feasibility study will project the park’s occupancy and usage rates over time. This involves creating a pro forma demand model that factors in seasonality, ramp-up period, and the mix of customer segments (short-term travelers vs. seasonal or long-term renters). Planners often use benchmarks from comparable parks: for example, if similar parks in the region average 65% annual occupancy, the new park might target a stable occupancy in that range once established. The model will typically include monthly occupancy forecasts, reflecting peak season (often near 100% on weekends/holidays in popular areas) and off-peak lows (which could be 20–30% in shoulder months for seasonal markets). It also accounts for a ramp-up curve – a new RV park might open at, say, 30–40% occupancy in its first year as it builds awareness, then climb to steady-state occupancy by year 3 or 4. Demand drivers identified earlier (e.g. a new industrial project bringing transient workers, or growing camper tourism trends) are incorporated into these forecasts. For instance, if remote work is rising in the area, the study might assume higher mid-week occupancy than historical norms. The output is a detailed occupancy and revenue forecast, often scenario-based (base case, upside, downside). This feeds directly into financial modeling, as occupancy multiplied by rates will determine the park’s revenue. Feasibility studies will stress-test these assumptions – e.g. what if peak season demand is 10% lower than expected? – to ensure the project can remain solvent under various conditions. By rigorously forecasting demand, the study helps investors gauge whether the park can achieve the utilization needed for profitability.

4. Development Cost Estimates and ROI Analysis: A core feasibility component is analyzing the capital costs to develop (or expand) the RV park and the expected financial returns on that investment. Development cost estimates include land acquisition, construction of sites and roads, utility installation, buildings (bathhouses, office/store, recreation facilities), landscaping, and permitting fees. Many feasibility studies use a per-site cost metric for preliminary budgeting. Recent industry benchmarks show that RV parks can cost on the order of $15,000 to $50,000+ per site to develop or acquire, depending on land value and amenities. Simpler rural campgrounds might be at the low end ( ~$15k per site), whereas upscale resorts with pools and clubhouses can exceed $50k per site. For example, a modern 100-site resort could easily entail $5 million+ in development costs. These cost estimates are weighed against the projected revenue and earnings. Using the occupancy and rate forecasts, the study models the park’s annual revenue (from site rentals plus ancillary income like store sales) and operating expenses (staff, maintenance, utilities, insurance, etc.). Typically, operating expenses run about 50–70% of revenue for RV parks, leaving EBITDA profit margins in the mid-teens on average. From these projections, key return metrics are calculated: Net Operating Income (NOI), cash flow, Return on Investment (ROI), and/or Internal Rate of Return (IRR) over a given holding period. The feasibility study will often compare the project’s anticipated cap rate or ROI to industry norms – for instance, if total development cost is $10 million and first-year NOI is $1 million, that’s a 10% cap rate, which is attractive given industry cap rates commonly range ~7–12%. Many investors target value-add improvements to drive ROI – e.g. adding premium cabins or raising rates can increase NOI and thus the park’s value. The study may include a sensitivity analysis showing how ROI changes with different occupancy or cost assumptions. This financial diligence answers the crucial question: Will the project generate sufficient returns to justify the investment risk? If the numbers don’t pencil out (for example, if expected ROI is below the investor’s hurdle rate), the project might be re-scoped or abandoned at the feasibility stage, saving the investor from a likely failure. Conversely, a solid ROI analysis with double-digit yields (not uncommon for well-run RV parks) can help secure financing and investor buy-in.

5. Regulatory and Permitting Considerations: An RV park feasibility study must address the regulatory environment and permitting feasibility of the project. This includes examining zoning laws – is the site’s zoning designation compatible with a campground/RV park, or would a rezoning or special use permit be required? Zoning can be a make-or-break factor; in some jurisdictions, campgrounds are outright permitted, while in others they face restrictive codes (for instance, being treated like mobile home parks). The study should outline the approval process and timeline: securing necessary permits for a new RV park often involves multiple agencies (planning commission, health department for septic systems, environmental regulators, etc.) and can take many months or even years in stringent states. Early-stage feasibility will flag any obvious regulatory hurdles such as floodplain or environmental protected areas on site that could derail approvals. Environmental regulations are a key consideration – the project may need environmental impact assessments, especially if it’s a large park affecting wetlands, wildlife, or waterways. Requirements for stormwater management, wastewater disposal (septic or sewer connections), and protected habitats must be met, and their costs/timeframes included in the plan. The feasibility study also assesses utility accessfrom a regulatory standpoint: if municipal water/sewer and power are not readily available, it discusses permits for wells, septic systems, or utility extensions and the viability of those solutions. Community and political factors fall under this umbrella too. Public sentiment (NIMBYism) can influence permit success – local residents may oppose a new RV park due to concerns about traffic or stigma, which can complicate hearings. A good feasibility study will note the local attitude and any similar projects’ reception, suggesting mitigation strategies (e.g. buffering, community benefit messaging) if needed. Additionally, the study should compare state/regional climates: it may be much easier to permit a campground in a pro-tourism state like South Dakota than in a heavily regulated state like Californian. Understanding these regulatory nuances is critical – the study essentially asks “Can we actually build and operate this park legally, and what will it take to get approvals?” It will outline a roadmap for permitting and include those costs in the budget. If the regulatory risk is deemed too high (for example, if rezoning is uncertain or community opposition is fierce), the project might not be feasible regardless of market demand.

6. Infrastructure and Utilities Analysis: RV parks have unique infrastructure needs, and a feasibility study must analyze whether the site can accommodate them (or what investment is needed to do so). A primary focus is on utilities – electric power, water supply, and wastewater disposal. Modern RVs often require 50-amp electrical service at each site and draw significant power (especially in summer with multiple A/C units), so the study checks whether the local grid can support the park’s load. It may involve consulting with the electric utility to see if new transformers or three-phase power lines are needed for the site. For water, if city water is not available, the feasibility study examines options for well drilling and storage tanks, ensuring adequate pressure and volume for hundreds of guests (and considering fire safety requirements for hydrants). Sewer/septic capacity is another critical factor – a common feasibility pitfall is underestimating the cost and complexity of sewage treatment. The study would evaluate connecting to municipal sewer (if feasible) vs. building on-site septic systems or a package wastewater plant, including required permits from health authoritiesa. Many rural RV parks use large septic fields, which require suitable soils and acreage; the feasibility team might conduct percolation tests as part of site due diligence. Additionally, road access and internal roads are assessed – the site needs to handle large RVs entering/exiting safely from public roads, so any required improvements (turn lanes, grading, paving of internal roads) are factored in. The presence of any needed infrastructure upgrades (for example, bridging a creek to access part of the land, or extending broadband internet lines to the property) will be identified and costed. Feasibility analysis also looks at expansion potential of infrastructure: if the park might expand from 100 to 150 sites in the future, can the water, electric, and septic systems scale up, or should they be built larger initially? It’s cheaper to lay sufficient utility capacity upfront than to retrofit later. Finally, the study reviews the site’s physical suitability: is the land generally buildable or full of steep slopes, rock outcrops, or flood-prone areas? It will outline any major site work needed (grading, tree removal, flood mitigation). By comprehensively analyzing infrastructure and utility needs, the feasibility study ensures there are no “fatal flaws” in the site’s physical or technical capacity to host an RV park. If, for instance, it’s discovered that connecting power or water would be prohibitively expensive, the project’s feasibility could be in jeopardy. Conversely, a site with existing utilities and minimal prep work needed will score highly on feasibility.

   
   

In conducting an RV park feasibility study, it is vital to integrate all the above components into a cohesive evaluation. As one industry summary noted, due diligence for an RV park should cover market feasibility, property conditions, regulatory checks, and operational planning. Engaging experts – from campground design consultants to environmental engineers and local land use attorneys – is often recommended to validate assumptions in each area. The end product of the feasibility analysis is typically a go/no-go recommendation or a refinement of the business plan: it tells investors whether the project makes sense as envisioned, and if so, under what conditions or modifications. By systematically studying site factors, market demand, costs, and risks, a feasibility study provides a professional, analytical foundation for successful RV park development.

Conclusion

The U.S. RV park market heading into 2025–2030 presents a compelling story of strong demand outpacing limited supply, set against transformative lifestyle trends. RV ownership and camping interest are at all-time highs, driven by younger demographics and the enduring appeal of outdoor travel. Yet the inventory of RV park sites has expanded only modestly, creating opportunities for new development and upgrades – especially in high-demand regions – while also rewarding existing owners with high occupancies and pricing power. For investors and lenders, this landscape offers attractive yields (often higher cap rates than many real estate classes) but also requires careful analysis and execution. Success in this sector hinges on picking the right location, understanding local market dynamics, and navigating the operational complexity of what is both a real estate asset and a hospitality business.

This report has provided a macro outlook with data-driven projections on RV sales and park development, as well as a forward-looking analysis of regional supply and demand trends such as geographic hotspots and the impacts of remote work and housing costs. The findings suggest that while some markets could see increased competition, the overall outlook is for continued growth in RV park utilization and generally favorable conditions for well-planned projects. By following the feasibility study framework outlined – covering site selection, market analysis, demand forecasting, financial modeling, regulatory due diligence, and infrastructure planning – stakeholders can rigorously vet potential RV park investments.

In closing, the U.S. RV park industry appears poised for sustained expansion through 2030, fueled by America’s love of camping and mobility. There will be challenges to navigate – from zoning hurdles to evolving customer expectations – but the core demand drivers remain intact. For those willing to do the homework and execute thoughtfully, RV parks represent a niche within the travel and real estate sector that can deliver both meaningful community value (serving the growing outdoor recreation market) and attractive financial returns. As always, the key is feasibility and foresight: aligning each project with the right market, scale, and amenities to thrive in the exciting years ahead for the RV park industry.

June 4, 2025 by a collective of authors at MMCG Invest, LLC, a RV park feasibility study consultants

Sources:

Recent industry data, forecasts, and analyses were referenced in this report to ensure accuracy and currency.

RV Industry Association (RVIA) for RV sales and shipment forecats

the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) and private industry surveys for RV park supply, occupancy, and expansion statistics from MMCG database,

The Dyrt’s 2024–2025 Camping Reports for camping participation and capacity