RV Park / Campground
Land that charges nightly rent while you sleep
Bottom line
Worth studying, but do not buy without strong local proof.
RV parks and campgrounds rent hookup sites to travelers and seasonal residents — and increasingly, to digital nomads and remote workers. The business model is deceptively simple: own or lease land, install electric/water hookups, and collect $40–$80/night per site. A 50-site park at 55% occupancy can generate $400K+ in annual revenue. Value-add operators add amenities (Wi-Fi, glamping tents, event hosting) to push ADR and capture weekend premium.
How It Works
Sites are rented nightly ($40–$80), weekly ($250–$500), monthly ($500–$1,200), or seasonally. Hookup sites (water, electric, sewer) command the highest rates. Revenue comes from site fees plus amenity upsells: firewood, propane, Wi-Fi, camp store, laundry. Occupancy peaks in summer; many operators target 60–70% annual occupancy. Seasonal residents (monthly or annual contracts) provide revenue predictability.
BizBite verdict
Pass for now
RV Park / Campground has enough high-level data for a first look, but BizBite has not assigned a category-specific operating model yet. Treat the score as preliminary.
Why it may work
- +Attractive 35% estimated margin profile
- +SBA dataset shows 25 recent comparable loans
Be careful
- !Source link status has not been verified yet
- !No last-checked date yet
- !No category operating model yet
- !Premium entry multiple
SBA 7(a) data
Real acquisitions in this category
Change-of-ownership loans · NAICS 721211 · RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Campgrounds
Deal size distribution
Deal flow over time
Financing profile
Franchise vs independent
Franchised acquisitions finance at $1.3M median vs $745K for independents — a +72% franchise premium. Franchises make up 8% of deals tracked.
Recent comparable deals
| Closed | State | Loan | Implied deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | NY | $1.3M | $1.5M |
| Mar 2026 | FL | $2.1M | $2.5M |
| Mar 2026 | OH | $925K | $1.1M |
| Feb 2026 | NM | $975K | $1.1M |
| Dec 2025 | TX | $945K | $1.1M |
| Sep 2025 | CA | $1.6M | $1.9M |
| Sep 2025 | LA | $2.4M | $2.8M |
| Sep 2025 | MO | $1.4M | $1.7M |
| Aug 2025 | SC | $3.1M | $3.7M |
| Jul 2025 | OR | $636K | $748K |
Source: SBA 7(a) FOIA dataset, filtered to acquisitions (loans where business age is "Change of Ownership"). Implied deal size assumes an 85% loan-to-purchase ratio, a common SBA change-of-ownership structure. Charge-off rate shown only when 10+ loans have resolved (paid in full or charged off). Interest rates reflect last 24 months only. Actual deal values vary with equity injections, seller financing, and working capital terms.
Deal Calculator
Priced off $158K SDE — can this deal service its own debt?
SDE = revenue × margin estimate for this niche; it includes owner compensation, so budget your salary out of cash flow. Excludes working-capital injection, capex reserves, and taxes. Actual SBA terms vary by lender and borrower.
Pros
- +Land appreciates while the business generates cash flow
- +Low operational complexity — minimal skilled labor needed
- +Booking platforms (Hipcamp, Campspot, RVshare) drive demand cheaply
- +Value-add potential: glamping, events, and amenities boost ADR significantly
- +Recession-resistant — RV travel grew sharply during COVID and held
Cons
- -Highly seasonal in northern markets — 3–4 month peak season
- -Zoning and permitting can be complex depending on jurisdiction
- -Land and infrastructure acquisition is capital-intensive
- -Utilities (sewer hookups in particular) can be expensive to install
Best For
Real estate investors seeking cash-flow-plus-appreciation plays; lifestyle buyers wanting to live on-site; operators who can add glamping or event revenue to boost off-season income
Operating Costs
Operating expenses run 40–50% of revenue: utilities (15–20%), property taxes (5–10%), maintenance and landscaping (10%), staffing/management (10–15%), insurance (3–5%). A 50-site park at $40/night and 55% occupancy generates ~$400K gross with ~$220K NOI. Cap rates range from 6–12% depending on location and amenity mix.
Where to Buy
Specialized marketplace for buying and selling campgrounds and RV parks
Commercial real estate listings including RV parks and campgrounds for sale
List your property on Hipcamp to understand demand before buying
Buyer's Toolkit
Essential tools to get started
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Ready to Buy? Start Here →
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SBA loans and business acquisition financing — get funded fast
ROBS financing — use retirement funds to buy a business tax-free
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