RV Resorts: Market Size, Growth Drivers, & the Park-Model Advantage
RV resorts are the upscale edge of outdoor hospitality. In 2025, RV resorts are counted within the estimated 16,419 U.S. commercial campgrounds and RV parks, up from 16,058 the previous year (IBISWorld, 2025). Major operators alone account for hundreds of resort-grade destinations. This market expansion is driven by a new wave of travelers who are seeking high-end, hotel-level amenities, making strategic upgrades an essential move to capture this premium demand.
What is an RV Resort, and what Distinguishes them from a Standard RV Park?
An RV resort delivers the upscale side of camping in prime, often scenic locations. It often features spacious, well-lit sites with full hookups, paved patios, and privacy landscaping, plus hotel-style perks – pools and hot tubs, fitness centers, courts, clubhouses, on-site laundry, and even spa services. All these support premium ADRs and higher ancillary spend, precisely the features guests say justify their travel budgets in 2024–2025 (KOA, 2025).
America's Evolving Road Trip: Market Dynamics and the Rise of the RV Resort
The RV and campground sector in the United States is a significant and dynamic industry. These firms collectively employ around 24,200 workers and generate an estimated $8.5 billion in annual revenue. While the number of RVs in use slightly dipped from a post-pandemic high, approximately 10 million U.S. households utilized an RV in 2024, signaling a stable and substantial consumer base (Vertical IQ, 2025).
This sector is marked by both robust historical growth and a positive outlook for the future. For instance, the campground and RV park industry has seen a revenue increase at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.3% over the past five years, reaching $10.7 billion, with a notable 4.4% boost in 2023 alone. Looking forward, revenue is projected to trend upwards at a more stable CAGR of 1.4%, reaching $11.4 billion over the next five years (Sage Outdoor Advisory, 2024).
More Campsites for Americans
An unprecedented number of Americans are embracing the RV lifestyle, creating a pronounced need for quality campgrounds and resorts that can support this burgeoning demand. This is evidenced by the fact that demand continues to outpace supply, and developers are actively working to bridge this gap, with 5,716 new campsites documented to be in development across North America between 2024 and early 2026 (RV Business, 2025). This period of intense growth and modernization creates a significant opportunity for investors.
The New RV Traveler: Demographics Driving Growth
The demographics of RV travelers are shifting. Historically popular among senior citizens, the industry is now attracting a younger, more active clientele. Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly participating in camping and RVing, with a third of new campers in 2022 being millennials (Sage Outdoor Advisory, 2024).
“Lifestyle Integration” Driving Up Demand for Accommodations
The younger cohorts making up a growing share of new RV purchases is driven by the widespread adoption of remote work and has transformed the RV from a traditional weekend escape into a viable long-term living solution for many. This “lifestyle integration” is driving new demands for accommodations.
Unlike traditional campers seeking a basic site, these new clients, who often have higher disposable income, are looking for experiences that support their mobile existence. They expect premium connectivity for work and entertainment, in fact, a survey of RV owners revealing that 98% believe campgrounds need to be updated with amenities such as longer and wider sites, additional hookups, and increased broadband coverage. This desire for a seamless, connected, and comfortable experience is the primary factor driving the premium pricing and investment in RV resorts (Roverpass, 2025).
Core Amenities Guests Expect at RV Resorts
Premium amenities to consider adding include:
- Premium Sites: Full hookups (50/30A electric, water, sewer), spacious pads/patios, privacy landscaping, night lighting.
- Leisure & Wellness: Heated pools/hot tubs, pickleball/tennis, fitness centers, trails/dog parks, spa/massage or wellness programming.
- Social Infrastructure: Upscale clubhouses, lounges, game rooms, coworking/Wi-Fi spaces.
- Guest Services: Laundry, package lockers, concierge/activity desk, rental fleets (golf carts, bikes, kayaks), on-site F&B.
Why invest? Rising ADRs for outdoor stays and solid occupancy for full-hookup and park-model inventory show guests will pay for quality and linger when amenities match expectations (OHI, 2023).
Prepare Your Property for RV-Resort Success
1) Site & Entitlement Readiness
Zoning for resort-grade use; verify flood/wildfire exposure and formalize EAPs. Build a utility backbone sized for resort loads: water/wastewater capacity, 50/30A electrical with EV readiness, and fiber/Wi-Fi mesh for work-from-anywhere guests.
2) Masterplan the Guest Experience
Tier your site mix; design signature common areas (pool/hot tub complexes, pickleball courts), pet-first spaces, and event programming—amenities correlated with higher spend in KOA’s consumer data (KOA, 2025).
3) Revenue & Pricing Systems
Use dynamic pricing by season/LOS; build memberships/loyalty; bundle experiences (golf, marina, tours); diversify channels while prioritizing direct bookings.
4) Operations, Safety & Compliance
Maintain written emergency plans (flood, wind, wildfire), staff training, alerting systems, and accessible egress. These are table stakes for risk reduction and guest trust.
Park-Model Cabins & Cottages: A Fast, Profitable Upgrade
Park models are a profitable amenity for RV resorts. Operators deploy them in three main ways:
- For-sale inventory for future residents;
- Short-term guest lodging for residents’ visitors (when hosting in an RV is cramped);
- Showcase units that give prospective residents a luxury, on-property overnight before leasing or buying. Vacavia emphasizes that this mix both adds revenue and improves conversion for long-term space sales/leases (Vacavia Cottages & Cabins).
The Vacavia Advantage
Built to ANSI A119.5, with customizable floor plans (including ADA-friendly options) and resort-appropriate palettes – perfect for upscale neighborhoods within your property.
How this helps now
- Speed-to-revenue: Add keys quickly to meet peak demand.
- Yield lift: Premium ADRs on furnished cabins/cottages.
- Guest capture: Keep non-RV travelers on-property to boost ancillary spending.
*Check out Vacavia’s $250k-for-10-cottages/cabins. Want numbers? Do a sample ROI computation here.
Conclusion: The Upscale Edge
With 16,000+ U.S. parks and strong camper/digital nomad spending momentum, resort-grade amenities plus park-model lodging are the proven path to higher rates, fewer turn-aways, and a more defensible, high-margin brand. Dial in infrastructure, safety, and the right unit mix – and you’ll be positioned to win the next peak season and beyond.
References:
IBISWorld. (2025). Campgrounds & RV Parks in the US – Number of Businesses (2006–2031). https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/number-of-businesses/campgrounds-rv-parks/1667/
Kampgrounds of America (KOA). (2025). KOA Report Reveals Strong Growth in Camping Industry, Emphasizing Affordability and Evolving Traveler Trends. https://www.koapressroom.com/press/2025-camping-outdoor-hospitality-report/
Vertical IQ. (2025). RV Parks and Campgrounds. https://verticaliq.com/product/rv-parks-and-campgrounds/
Sage Outdoor Advisory. (2024). RV Resort Industry Overview 2024. https://sageoutdooradvisory.com/blog/rv-resort-industry-overview-2024/
Roverpass. (2025). What You Need to Know About RV Income and Expenses. https://www.roverpass.com/blog/rv-income-and-expenses/
Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI). (2023). 2024 Outdoor Hospitality Industry Outlook Report. https://ohi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/OHI-2024-Industry-Outlook-Report-3.pdf