Small RV park with full hook-ups

Run a small park with 15 to 40 RV sites, hook-ups and basic facilities for overnight and longer stays.

Motorhomes parked on a campsite with electric hook-up posts.
Startup cost$150k to $1000k
Monthly revenue$3k to $15k
Time needed30+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • $150k-1000k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

5,018 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.9% in a year

NAICS 721211 “RV (recreational vehicle) parks and campgrounds”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A small, purpose-built RV park on land you buy, lease or already own. It has marked pads, electric, water and sewer hook-ups, a bathhouse or laundry, and an office or check-in point. You handle bookings, upkeep and guest service.

Your first three steps

  1. Visit a few small parks nearby, and compare rates, facilities and how full they look in different seasons
  2. Meet with your county planning office and health department to learn what zoning, permits and inspections a park needs
  3. Write a simple business plan with site costs and rates, and talk to a local bank or SBA lender about financing
Who pays

Vacationing RV owners, snowbirds, traveling workers, and visitors to nearby parks, lakes or events.

How it makes money

Nightly, weekly and monthly site rates, plus extras like laundry, a camp store, propane, firewood and late checkout. Seasonal or long-stay guests can add steady income.

Skills that help
  • Customer service
  • Property maintenance
  • Bookkeeping and budgeting
  • Marketing and online listings
Watch out for
  • Zoning, campground licensing and health department inspections; rules vary by state and county
  • Water, sewer or septic capacity; ask an engineer or licensed contractor early
  • General liability and property insurance; also workers' compensation once you hire
  • Seasonal demand and weather can make income uneven
  • Sales and lodging taxes; check your state and county
  • Accessibility requirements for facilities; check ADA guidance

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a small RV park?

Startup costs are typically around $150,000 to $1,000,000, depending on whether you buy, lease or already own the land, plus pads, hook-ups, a bathhouse or laundry, and an office. These are estimates only and vary widely by site.

How much can a small RV park earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many sites you run, your rates and how full the park is. These are estimates, not guarantees. Seasonal demand and weather can make income uneven.

What licenses and rules should I check for an RV park?

Check zoning, campground licensing and health department inspections, which vary by state and county. Also check water, sewer or septic capacity with an engineer or licensed contractor, insurance, sales and lodging taxes, and accessibility requirements under ADA guidance.

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Photo: MemoryCatcher on Pixabay

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