RV parks have started to become the preferred destination for staying in or near nature and tourist attractions. Visit any National Park or major tourist destination and there is likely an RV park not far away. Many traditional campgrounds are now supporting RVs and trailers more than tent camping because it is more lucrative business-wise.
So why? RVs and camping trailers have existed for decades, but their popularity appears to be growing more in the 21st century than ever before. Various aspects of our society and culture are likely contributing. Here are a few possible reasons why RV parks have become so popular.
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#1: Affordable Housing Crisis
The average rent for an apartment in the United States is $1,702. However, in many big cities like New York or Los Angeles, it may be impossible to find an apartment under $2,000 a month. With the average income sitting just above $31,000 per year, it is understandable how many begin to look for alternative living options.
RVs can range in cost, but for roughly the same amount of money as a year or two of rent, and lower monthly payments, it is possible to buy an RV at a more affordable rate than renting an apartment. Camping trailers can come out to even less.
From there, renting a space at RV parks Angleton, TX is usually a quarter of the price of rent per month, if not even less. Therefore, this new mode of living has become popular among young people and even retirees. Also, with remote work becoming more of a possibility for many professionals, an RV grants them the freedom to work from nearly anywhere. RV experience should be affordable.
#2: Increased Popularity In “Van Life”
On social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, it is nearly impossible to avoid van life influencers. Often consisting of young couples or young professionals, they travel the United States in their van or RV. With many DIY solutions that provide additional safety, privacy, and inventive storage solutions combined with picturesque drives across the country, it is understandable how these influencers rack up thousands and millions of followers.
Van living has even become somewhat romanticized due to the appeal of being able to travel, spend summer vacation, winter vacation, work from home, and save money. This nomadic lifestyle is especially appealing to the newest generation of adults. Therefore, this is likely a large reason why RV parks are becoming more popular than campgrounds. The same trend is being observed in why there is a huge rise in renting a car for vacation.
#3: More Comfortable & Better Amenities
When traditional tent camping, the amenities are generally limited. While most campgrounds offer shared bathrooms and small showers, they are a far cry from a hotel or RV shower. Additionally, to avoid sleeping directly on hard ground, campers have to line the tent with blankets, cushions, or an air mattress.
Of course, there is still rugged apparel to traditional camping. However, for longer term living, people with disabilities, or medical conditions, it is not always accessible or viable. RVs usually have real mattresses—or at least beds that are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground—and can provide some of the comforts of home.
Additionally, most RVs offer showers, toilets, and kitchen appliances. While in a smaller space than most apartments, they are private and as clean as the person that maintains them is comfortable with. Thus, there is no need to worry about bringing shower shoes or showering at off times for more privacy.
#4: Costs Less Than A Hotel Stay
Hotels usually average from year to year between $180 and $250 per night. Whereas, the average RV park costs around $25 to $60 per night. Many RV parks like RV park Angleton, TX also provide discounted rates for weekly and monthly stays as well.
While it is true that a hotel would offer more comfort and amenities than an RV, they may be further from National Parks and tourist destinations. Thus, ultimately costing more in daily travel expenses than towing a car behind the RV. Hotels also are not ideal for long term living.
#5: Pet Friendly
The majority of RV parks are pet friendly. While every RV park sets its own rules about pets, well-behaved and non-disruptive dogs and cats are generally not a problem. Pets will also need to remain inside the RV or on a leash at all times in most RV parks.
Compared to other living and lodging options, RV parks are among the most pet friendly. Finding a pet friendly resort, hotel or AirBNB can be difficult, expensive, or require settling for a subpar facility. RV parks also usually do not charge pet fees unless a pet damages something.
#6: Sense Of Community
RV parks—especially if staying in one long term—do create some semblance of community. RVs generally only have a comfortable amount of space around them on either side. Their neighbors are close by. While this may not be ideal in all circumstances, it can make everyone feel safer. The sense of community in RV parks also can help create new friendships and avoids becoming too solitary during the nomadic lifestyle of van life or RV living.
Many RV parks increasingly have on-site staff and even small stores for their residents. Walking through an RV park can be similar to a friendly neighborhood street.
#7: Stay Connected
Some traditional campgrounds offer Wi-Fi, but it is generally not very strong and may not be available throughout the entire campground. However, since RV parks are more condensed, they usually offer free Wi-Fi that is good quality. This allows residents and visitors to work without issues. Some may even have indoor communal workspaces for those who may want more comfort or simply to get out of their RV for the work day.
Additionally, while campgrounds may be located in remote areas, RV parks are often not. While they may be in a small town or outside the city, they are not located deep in the woods. Therefore, many will have decent cell phone service and nearby restaurants, grocery stores, and other local necessities.
Conclusion
RV parks are a happy medium between traditional camping and a hotel stay. Offering better amenities than camping while still providing a sense of “roughing” it, more and more people are choosing to stay in RV parks like the RV parks Angleton, TX. Furthermore, with rents going up all around the country, RV parks are offering an alternative living situation that is more affordable.