How Much Does It Cost to Live in an RV Park?

RV lot rental prices can vary widely from one location to the next. While some parks offer very reasonable long term stays, others not so much.

An increasing number of people, which is more than one million, have taken to the RV lifestyle for its freedom and savings. But before making such a big change, you should know about the RV park cost per month or year to determine whether or not it’s feasible for you. 

We’ve done some research to give you a solid ballpark on the average cost of RV park. 

How Much Does It Cost to Live in RV Park?

RV park monthly rates can vary quite a bit, depending on location, amenities, season, and more. But with some research, you can find places fitting different budget ranges.

First off, don’t be too shocked when tallying up RV lot rental prices coast to coast. Living in an RV is still vastly more affordable than conventional housing in many areas. That said, you’ll want the whole picture on fees before signing any long term deals. Things like electricity, water, cable, Wi-Fi, sewer all factor into the bottom line.

Location plays a role too. Expect higher rates for prime spots in pricier parts of the country. But with deals to be had, you needn’t rule out desirable regions entirely. Timing is also key, as discounts are available for longer stays in the off-season. 

Well, the monthly rent can vary between $500 and $1500, utilities included. The prices could be more or less than this average range based on the factors mentioned above. 

Now, let’s break down the costs of private, public, and luxury campgrounds. 

The Cost of Private RV Parks

Private RV parks provide many conveniences over public parks or boondocking on public lands.

You will get full utility hookups including water, electric and sewer connections at each RV site. This is a big plus compared to using a portable generator. Hookups allow you to run your air conditioner on a hot day or plug in electronics without worrying about fuel or noise. Most parks also have shower buildings and restrooms, saving you the hassle of finding facilities elsewhere.

Some upscale parks offer additional amenities too, like swimming pools, hot tubs, clubhouses, or fitness centers. You may even find a small seasonal camp store on site. 

Of course, all these perks come at a cost. Nightly trailer park rates generally range from $30-50 depending on location and high season. However, you can often save money by renting monthly rather than paying nightly. 

Most Parks will offer a discounted rate if you pay for an entire month. On average, monthly RV site rentals are around $1,000 to $1200, including utilities. Some well located spots in expensive areas might be a bit higher.

Private RV parks provide security, services, and community that make them worth the higher cost compared to basic public camping. For full-timers who stay in one place seasonally, the convenience and value outweigh paying more than boondocking long-term.

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The Cost of State and National Parks

Visiting state and national parks by RV is a wonderful way to see this beautiful country while keeping expenses reasonable. How much does it cost to live in RV park month after month? Well, public campgrounds are actually quite affordable options. 

While they do offer discounts for seniors and veterans, some parks don’t allow stays of more than two weeks in the same spot. However, plenty of public parks offer long-term camping opportunities. Campendium.com is an online resource for finding long-term parks and campgrounds. AllStays app is another good option as it lets you filter the campgrounds by prices, areas, facilities, restrictions, etc. 

How much does an RV park cost when you’re living on public property? Overall, nightly rates at state and national parks are quite reasonable. Most stays range from $20-35 per night, depending on location and amenities. Many parks now offer full hookups, which is really convenient since you don’t have to deal with emptying waste tanks as often.

For those who can budget around $1000 a month, state and national parks make great long-term options. With a senior or veteran pass, this cost can be under $500 monthly. You get beautiful surroundings with a sense of peace not found in most commercial RV parks. 

The Cost of Luxury Campgrounds

How much does it cost to live in RV park that offers luxury amenities? Well, these campgrounds definitely come at a higher price tag than your typical RV park. For those looking for a more resort-style camping experience, you’ll need to budget $50 to $175 or more per night at a luxury campground.

Depending on locations and specific amenities, expect to pay anywhere from $1500-$5000 or more for a full month at a luxury campground. Of course, that breaks down to a lower daily rate than reserving night-to-night. But it’s important to budget for those potential month-long costs if long-term glamping is your vacation plan.

Luxury parks offer all the amenities of camping with a lot more comfort. You can expect full hookups for water, electricity, and sewage. High-speed Wi-Fi allows you to stay connected, and some have TV service too. Sites are huge with plenty of room between RVs for privacy. 

Beyond the basics, luxury campgrounds really ramp up the amenities. Some operate more like a high-end resort. You may find concierge services available to help book activities and restaurant reservations. Private bath houses with hot showers are common. Pools are also a frequent feature, giving RVers a place to cool off on hot days. On-site activities range from wine tastings to live music nights.

Related: How Much Does It Cost To Rent An RV?

Other Expenses of Living in an RV Park

Apart from the park’s rent, you have to calculate the expenses like food, gas, internet, etc. 

Here’s a breakdown of all the costs other than the monthly rent. Remember that some of these utilities, like electricity, laundry, Wi-Fi, and cable TV, could be included in the monthly rent. 

i. Food

Food costs will vary depending on how many people you need to feed each month. If you’re living with your partner or a friend, your average spending on groceries could be around $400. 

Of course, it all depends on your individual eating habits and preferences. And don’t forget to budget some dollars for occasional restaurant meals too. 

ii. Propane

Propane is a necessity for most RVers. It’s what powers the water heater, furnace, stove, and refrigerator in your RV. Most parks allow you to easily fill up your propane tank right on site. But you’ll need to factor in the costs. 

On average, plan for around $20 a month for propane. Of course, costs may be higher in really cold areas where you use more propane for heating in the winter months. 

iii. Laundry

Doing laundry can definitely add to your monthly costs. Unless your RV has a washer and dryer, you have to use the park’s laundry facilities. Each load can cost around $4, so the expenses can add up fast. 

iv. Electricity

Another key utility to budget for is electricity. Most RV parks have electrical hookups right at your campsite. 

On average, expect to pay around $65 more per month for a medium-sized RV. Costs may be a bit higher in the hottest summer months when you’re running AC.

v. Cellphones and Internet

Cellphone plans can vary widely based on your needs. Singles or couples may get by with just one shared line for around $45 a month. Larger families on the move may benefit from multiple lines, with costs topping out at $300 or more each month depending on the carrier and included data. 

For the internet, your park’s free Wi-Fi might be enough but you need something reliable if you need it for work. A direct park hookup with stronger WiFi costs about $90 to install plus $50 each month. You can also go for a mobile hotspot if there is a cheaper plan. 

vi. Cable TV (optional)

Some RV parks offer cable TV service right at your campsite for an additional fee. Packages vary between parks but average $10-40 per month. It’s a nice bonus if you like to watch live sports or TV shows. 

vii. Vehicle Costs

While you’re living in an RV park, don’t forget about the expenses for your tow vehicle too. Even if you’re staying put for a while, gas and regular maintenance are still required.

You have to budget extra for road tripping around the area attractions on weekends. The more traveling you do, the higher your fuel costs. Also, there will be some expenses for things like oil changes, new tires, and repairs.

viii. Entertainment

Experiencing new destinations is a big reason many people choose the RV lifestyle. So, it makes sense to budget a monthly amount for enjoyment. It may cost $50 or $100 per person to visit the local parks, zoos, museums or join festivals and concerts. 

We hope the cost breakdown has given you a clear idea. You may need to spend $800 to $1,000 extra in addition to the park’s monthly rent.