If you have been dreaming of traveling the country, maybe it's time to get yourself an RV. RVing offers you flexibility, ease of mobility, and a more affordable way to visit your favorite cities.
But, can you live in an RV park?
Yes! According to a 2018 article in the Washington Post, 1 million Americans live in their RVs. And with the increase in remote workers, that number would have doubled.
Living in an RV all year round
Although some RVers live off the grid, many live in RV parks all year round. There are a few different ways to go about RV park living. Keep reading to discover which is right for you!
Long-term RV parks offer weekly, monthly, or seasonal camping rates. These rates are significantly cheaper than daily and usually cover electrical bills, internet, and amenities. Many RV parks offer long-term stays with a mix of stationary and on-the-move residents. However, not all RV parks offer long-term stays, but not all offer them.
Due to weather conditions, not all RV parks are open all year round. These are called Seasonal RV parks. For example, some RV parks in Nothern America only open from the middle of spring to early autumn. However, RV parks in warm-weather states may be open all year round.
Some RV parks that are open all year round are;
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Florida’s Orange Blossom KOA: This is a popular campground among people who visit Disneyland but want to avoid the high cost of hotels and resorts around the area.
- New Mexico’s Silver City: Located near Gila National Forest, this park is well known for its historical attractions, unique shopping experiences, and eco-tourism.
- Arkansas Wanderlust Park: Located near Eureka Springs, this park is a perfect option for RVers looking for a quiet way to relax during four-season travel.
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‘Texas’ Hidden Valley RV Park: Located a few minutes outside San Antonio, this family-friendly RV park offers historic attractions and wilderness to explore.
- Utah’s Zion River Resort: They offer weeklong and multi-week RV camping experiences for people who want to take their time exploring everything the Zion River National Park has to offer. It also has a reputation for being very family-friendly and pet-friendly.
Things to consider when choosing RV parks
When deciding which RV park to stay for a night, the weekend, a month, or even a year, there are several things to consider.
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Internet service: Many people require reliable wireless Internet while at an RV park. A weak internet signal can make your stay unenjoyable.
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Community: Find RV parks that fit your personal and social preferences. If you enjoy social gatherings, go to parks that organize social events. If you have kids, you may consider parks that are kids-friendly.
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If you are unsure about a park, find out what customers say about it. Use sites like RV Park Reviews, Campendium, AllStays, Tripadvisor, and Yelp. They provide user reviews, a list of amenities, and other information about the park.
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Affordability: What are you willing to pay for RV camping? Based on the amenities provided, you should compare the cost of camping in each campground in the area. By doing so, you can choose the one that offers the most for the lowest price.
- Amenities: If you are going to be living in your RV full time, then you will want to seek out an RV campsite that offers basic amenities like; electricity, gym, mail forwarding service, outdoor play area, entertainment, and water, internet, and laundry facilities.
Apps/Websites to help you find RV parks in the US
With the increasing popularity of RV travel, several websites specifically cater to the needs of RV travelers.
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The RV Trip Planner by freeroam: With this App, you can discover places to camp.
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Go RVing: This site gives you all the information about RVing. It includes features for finding RV parks and places to explore.
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Campendium: It’s a free website where you input a location in the United States and surf through a map interface to find RV parks and seasonal information.
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Findrvparks.com: This site has a database with over 15,000 RV parks. Many entries include photos and customer reviews.
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Outdoorsy: They carry the moniker of being “The Ultimate Guide For Finding The BEST Spots To Park Your RV.” With this App, you can plan your entire road trip, from RV rentals to campsites throughout North America.
- AllStays: This site has a database of over 60,000 RV parks and campgrounds. It also features gas stations, rest areas, and RV dealers. They even include route planning tools with low clearance notices for large RVs like Class A motorhomes.
RV living is a perfect way to explore the country. It also gives you an escape from the nosey neighbors and expensive home rentals. There are many RV parks and campsites in the USA with different amenities. If you do your research right, you will find RV parks with good amenities and a community that suit your personal and social preferences. Have fun exploring these parks!
I really liked this article, for a novice nomad there is just a plan – where to start, what to look for when choosing an RV park. Five criteria and five sites with descriptions of different RV parks are given. And the article even has already selected five interesting RV parks that meet these criteria. It’s a good idea to live in an RV park, choose not a daily rate, but a monthly or even seasonal rate. This will allow you to save a lot of time and get time to fully enjoy the beauties of the surrounding places.
I’m not a nomad yet and I don’t have my own RV. But this topic draws me into its networks and one day I will realize my dream. At this stage, the experience of other people and useful resources are very important to me, so I am very grateful to you that the articles in your blog are always informative and they have something to think about or ask about, you are doing such an important job. I just love this blog!
As someone who has lived the nomadic lifestyle, I have to say that the idea of becoming a nomad from the comfort of an RV park is quite appealing. While I do love the freedom and adventure of true nomadism, there are certainly times when a comfortable, familiar place to park for the night would be a welcome respite. The tips and advice outlined in this article seem spot-on and helpful, especially for those just starting out on their nomadic journey. However, I do feel that it’s important to mention that RV park life is not for everyone, and some may find that the amenities and comforts of park living take away from the sense of adventure that draws many to nomadism in the first place. Overall, I think this article provides valuable information for anyone considering this particular path, but as with anything, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that aligns with your personal values and goals.
As someone who has been on the road for several years now, I can attest that the nomadic lifestyle can be incredibly fulfilling. However, I do take issue with the idea of becoming a “nomad from the comfort of the RV park.” While RVs can provide a certain level of comfort, the true essence of nomadism is about breaking out of your comfort zone, embracing new experiences, and living a more minimalist lifestyle. By limiting yourself to RV parks, you are missing out on the diverse and unique experiences that come with truly being a nomad. Don’t get me wrong, RV travel has its own set of benefits, but it’s important to understand the difference between that and true nomadism.