What''s The Usual Size Of Rv Hookup Site

Have you acquired land for your RV Park and you are in the design stage? If YES, here are 6 critical factors to consider when before designing an RV Park.

What Is a Full Hookup at an RV Park (Photo: ) Recreational vehicles are designed for 'boondocking,' or camping without hookups. A fresh water tank, 12-volt battery-operated appliances and holding. How To Install RV Hookups. Once you have your RV parked near your home or backyard, you will need to prepare gravels and concrete, cement, electrical wiring, 30 amps or 50 amps, circuit breaker, so much more we’ll mention them in each utility hookup.Thus, the first thing you need to build is a parking pad, a place where you can level your RV correctly. The size and class of RV you pick will depend on your wants and needs as well as where you want to go with it. So, what are the average RV length, width, and height? The average size of a motorhome will depend on what class it is. All RV’s will be under 8.5 feet wide since this is the allowable interstate limit. Class A Motorhome.

Before designing an RV park, you must put yourself in the shoes of your customers. Your guests want to have enough space for their RV without feeling like they are on top of each other. To add to the appeal, landscaping options or the ability to add fire pits could benefit your RV Park. Though RV parks are costly to design, permit, and construct, most new parks today are being designed for RVs.

Why You Must Not Make a Mistake in the RV Park Design Stage

Many of the RVs are the size of fire trucks so access and maneuvering room are critical in the design of these parks. Because of these issues, it becomes much more complicated to complete a park design while still minimizing environmental impacts to the area.

Most people would prefer their parks not resemble a shopping center parking lot. The focus should be on nature and not on roadways, so if possible use curving roads to limit long views of asphalt which will also help keep traffic at slower safe speeds.

Try to preserve as much vegetation as possible and use it as a buffer between parks and facilities. Try to keep service utilities within the roadway or pedestrian corridors. Obviously these goals are not always attainable but we should always strive for them.

The typical RV has water, sewer, electrical, and cable connections located near the rear of the vehicle on the driver’s side. The access into the RV is on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Many RVs also have slide-outs that increase the size of the interior space which can create problems for RVs in tight parks. Avoid these problems by addressing RV park needs during the design stage.

6 Critical Factors You Must Consider When Designing an RV Park

i. Regulatory Codes

RV parks are tightly regulated by health departments and regulatory agencies. All will have regulations covering storm water drainage, access, traffic circulation, water and sewer services, electricity, garbage collection, and development densities. You must always check your state and local regulatory agencies for the specific code requirements before you begin your park design.

ii. Design

The preferred RV park is approximately 20-ft by 50-ft in size with an adjacent 20-ft by 20-ft camp pad. These park dimensions provide enough area for the RV, a second vehicle, a table, a grill, and a fire pit. Some smaller sites can work in an RV park but will require better management of site assignment to avoid problems with a large RV not fitting into a smaller site.

The RV sites can be straight, angled, curved, or L-shaped… however, motorhome and trailer campers will need special maneuvering considerations for the vehicle and/or the trailer. Water, sewer, and electrical connections are typically located on the driver’s side of the camper, so the service connections should be on the driver’s side near the rear of the park.

Remember, the camper will be backing into the park so ensure the hook-ups are on the correct side and are protected with a bumper post or bollard that is easily visible by the driver. Whenever possible, consider providing a few pull-through parks. Additionally, ensure there are no low overhanging tree limbs that can cause damage to the camper.

If there is a low hanging limb that cannot be removed, the low clearance needs to be signed and clearly visible. Remember, drivers always seem to focus on ground clearances and other ground obstructions and never seem to notice the overhead conflicts until it’s too late.

RV parks should be relatively level and free of rocks, roots, vegetation, and other similar obstructions. Must be well drained with any storm water being directed away from the park. Many RVs have the ability to self-level the RV through the use of manual, electric, or hydraulic leveling jacks but the park must be relatively level to begin with… all four corners of the parking pad should not exceed 4 inches of elevation difference or 6-8 inches in extreme cases.

Note that anything greater than 4 inches will usually require the use of jack blocks to level the RV. This is because most RV jack levelers will not lift a tire completely off the ground because the tires are needed for the RV’s lateral stability.

So grade the RV pad appropriately with a consistent gradient from front to back and side to side so as to avoid twisting the RV frame. This is critical because the slide outs on RVs will not extend if the RV is not within its specified level limits.

iii. Park Access

Park access from public roads will be regulated by the county, Parrish, or the State depending on who controls the roadway where the park is located. A turn lane or lanes may be required depending on the size of the park, the speed of the main road, the roadway gradient, number of lanes, peak hour traffic counts, and site distances.

RVs and trailers don’t decelerate quickly or make quick turns into park entrances so right-turn and/or left-turn lanes may be needed for traffic safety. Consult a traffic engineer for the improvements needed for the park access.

iv. Lane Widths

The park drives for RVs and trailers should be 20-24 feet for two-way roads and 12-20 feet for one-way roads. A good design practice is to make one-way roads that are 20-feet in width which include a 6-foot wide pedestrian walkway.

This provides RVs the maneuvering area needed to back into a park while still offering safe pedestrian access through the park. Campers are friendly outgoing folks that enjoy meeting other campers and are very considerate in stopping and providing assistance to a fellow camper trying to get into a park. Another nice feature of 20-foot wide one-way roads is that they can become two-way roads during emergencies.

v. One-way Roads

One-way roads work very well in parks and help to increase pedestrian safety. Two-way roads can be used but extreme care must be utilized to avoid turning conflicts for parks. One-way roads with pedestrian lanes are the preferred design since they limit conflicting traffic, provide a safe zone for pedestrians, and provide additional maneuvering room when needed.

vi. Design Speeds

Vehicle speeds must be kept slow due to the pedestrian nature of parks and local wildlife. Don’t forget that they will be used by campers of all ages; by the elderly on leisurely strolls to young kids darting in and out of the travel lanes. Most parks are posted at 5 or 10 mph. In many cases, the sight distances are quite short due to sharp turns and may have dense vegetation screening parks which can obstruct sight distances even more.

Conclusion

Americans now view RVs as a way to explore the country and take family vacations without having to pay for hotel rooms or airline tickets. Coupled with the widespread Wi-Fi and cellphone service, some people even live in RVs full time, working remotely from the vehicles as they tour the country.

These RV travelers will always need places to safely park their vehicles, but anyone getting into the business of building RV parks should make sure to think about the viability of the location they’re considering, what amenities they’ll provide, how much space they’ll need and legal requirements in their jurisdiction.

• How to Choose a Perfect Business Name That Stand Out in 2022 - October 29, 2021
• How to Write a Marketing Plan in 2022 [A Complete Guide] - September 29, 2021
• 75 Great Business ideas for the Future 2025 – 2030 - September 3, 2021

When I first bought my RV, I had zero ideas about average RV campground rates. I wasn’t sure how much it would cost to stay at a campground or a resort. I wasn’t sure if I should boondock or go to an actual campsite.

In general, RV campsites cost between $25 and $80 per night depending on the location, the size of the space, and what connections are offered. In my experience, an average camper trailer spot with power and water costs about $45 a night.

Of course, that’s just what I’ve experienced during my travels. You may find the prices are lower or higher through your own adventures. Have you ever wondered why that is? I’m going to tell you.

In this article, I’ll share the price of parking and lodging at 15 campsites in states across the country. Then, I’ll explain why these prices fluctuate as well as tips for saving money during your camping adventures.

Here’s What Influences Average RV Campground Rates

Next time you plan your trip, you should have no problem finding an affordable campsite and saving money as you go.

What RV Campgrounds Cost Coast-to-Coast

The following prices for these 15 campsites are the most recent, typically from 2016 or 2017. Prices may be lower or higher than projected and are per night:

1. Camp Gulf; Destin, Florida — For the upper park site and north upper park, between $65-$85 in winter, $90-$120 in spring, $97-$126 in summer, and $67-$90 in autumn
2. Durango RV Resort; Red Bluff, California — $50-$60, with a daily use fee ($5), fee for each extra visitor ($3), guest fee ($3), and extra vehicle fee ($2)
3. Zion River Resort; Virgin, Utah — For a back-in standard, $35-$50 in winter, $60 in summer, and $50 in autumn
4. Oak Grove Resort Campgrounds; Holland, Michigan —For premium sites, $55 in the spring and fall, $60 during the summer, and $65 during the holiday season
5. The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course; Borrego Springs, California — $64 – $84 from October to mid-January, $77-$101 for late January through late April
6. Mill Creek Ranch Resort; Canton, Texas — $162-$255 year-round
7. Libby’s Oceanside Camp; York Harbor, Maine — $60-$100 with visitor fees ($3), additional adult fees ($5), additional child fees ($3), and additional vehicle fees ($5)
8. Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground; North Fork, Idaho — $37 year-round with additional visitor fees ($6) and additional vehicle fees ($8)
9. Sea & Sand RV Park; Depoe Bay, Oregon — $64-$80 in summer, $54-$69 in spring, $44-$59 in winter
10. Polson Motorcoach & RV Resort; Polson, Montana — $60-$100 in spring and autumn, $90-$225 in summer
11. Five Pines Camping & Recreation; Farmington, Pennsylvania — $10-$38 year-round
12. Grand Canyon Camper Village; Grand Canyon, Arizona — $41 in winter (November 1^st through April 1^st) with a 50-amp full hookup and $56 in summer (April 1^st through November 1^st) with a 50-amp full hookup
13. Doc’s RV Park; Gulf Shores, Alabama — $40 year-round, with an additional $40 for monthly RV storage if desired
14. Camp Hatteras RV Campground and Resort; Waves, North Carolina — $43-$45 from January through mid-March, $65-$75 for late March through late May, $81-$110 for late May through early September, $63-$75 for early September through late November, and $43-$45 for late November through early December; you’re charged for each child ages six through 18 ($4), each extra adult ($8), each pet ($3), and for cable TV ($3)
15. Americamps RV Resort; Ashland, Virginia — $40-$50 for a back-in site RV (with 30/50 amp electrical, cable TV, Wi-Fi, sewer pumps, and water pumps), $50-$60 for a pull-thru site RV (with 30/50 amp electrical, cable TV, Wi-Fi, sewer pumps, and water pumps), $55-$69 for a concrete site RV; you also have to pay $3 for each extra passenger you bring

What Influences Average RV Campground Prices?

If you look at the price to stay at the above 15 campgrounds, you’ll see there’s some minor fluctuations. You’ll also notice these prices fit squarely within the range I mentioned in the intro. Some places, like Five Pines Camping & Recreation in Pennsylvania and Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground in Idaho, are ridiculously cheap. You can room at those RV parks for less than $50 a night! That’s a steal and definitely worth considering if you’re out that way.

Then you look at campsites like Mill’s Creek Ranch Resort in Texas or Libby’s Oceanside Camp in Maine and you’re going to have to splurge if you want to stay at those…even for one night.

So why the fluctuations in price? There are many factors at play here that influence campsite pricing. Let’s unpack each one.

You Get What You Pay for With Campground Amenities

When some campgrounds have the word “resort” in their name, they really mean it. This is seen in the average KOA costs around the country. These campgrounds are like RV heaven, so to speak. No matter what you need, you can typically find almost every amenity you could hope to dream for, such as running water, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electricity, refrigerators/freezers, an oven or microwave to cook, and maybe even a washer and dryer. You could even have a bedroom TV!

Staying at these resorts is almost like going on vacation, they’re that luxe. Of course, for all the elegance and comfort you’d enjoy, RV campground rates are going to be high.

These resorts typically don’t even include their rates on their websites (I did look), probably to avoid scaring away casual RV owners. Trust me though when I say you’re going to pay a lot, even nightly. Is that within your budget? That’s up to you to decide.

Compare these expensive resorts to a little hole-in-the-wall (figuratively) RV park in a smaller state that’s not a tourist trap. These smaller campsites not as well-known, and they don’t have as much to offer, sure, so they’re going to make their rates much lower. You’ll still have a place to park your RV at the end of the day, but you’re going to have to live without some luxuries.

Time of Year Drives Up RV Camping Costs Too

The time of year plays a huge role in how much bang for your buck you’re going to get when you stay at an RV park for a night or weekend. Obviously, the warmer the weather gets, the more these campsites are going to jack up their prices.

You can see this in action in many of the 15 examples above. You’re sometimes paying twice the rate to stay on the campground from April through September. If you go in the colder months or even brave the winter, you can stay for next to nothing.

Statewide Cost of Living Gets Passed Along Too

What's The Usual Size Of Rv Hookup Site Diagram

Some states are notoriously more expensive to live and stay in than others. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in New Jersey may be about $1,400 a month, but in North Carolina it might be about $600. The apartments are pretty much the same size, but because it costs more to live in New Jersey, apartments there cost more.

RV campsites are essentially the same way. More expensive states will often insist you pay more to lodge at their campgrounds.

The best advice I can give here is to do your research. If you know a state has a high cost of living, you should reasonably expect that average RV campground rates for that state are going to be high, even without all the great amenities. If that’s outside your budget, keep looking.

Your Type of RV Drives Camping Costs Up or Down

Depending on the type of RV you’re driving and what kinds of extra features and hookups it has (such as electricity, running water, and more), you may pay extra. Again, see the examples above. Back-in site RVs are typically the cheapest option available, with other RV types costing more.

Worried about your RV fitting in a state park campsite? Here, you can find an article I wrote where I give the ideal RV length for fitting into National Park campsites.

Number of Nights You Stay Influences Camping Prices

Although I’m only focusing on daily RV campground rates, sometimes you can get a better overall deal with a monthly package. Of course, that would mean planning a longer trip, which is not always financially feasible.

More RV Passengers Cost More Money to Camp

Most of the 15 RV campgrounds listed above charge extra for each passenger or pet you bring. It’s not a very expensive fee and is often under $10. Some campgrounds will slap you with an extra visitor fee as well, which is again cheap. Also, if you’re bringing more than one vehicle, prepare to pay for that as well.

If this is an issue (which it may be for some thrifty RV owners), you can limit your passengers, leave pets at home, and research fees ahead of time.

How to Save Money on RV Campground Rates

Now that you know what goes into the average RV campground rates, you might want to make some smarter decisions with your money. After all, living the RV life isn’t always cheap, so anytime you get the chance to save a few bucks, you should certainly do so.

What's The Usual Size Of Rv Hookup Sites

• Go camping during the off-season. You’d be amazed how picturesque Mother Nature can be in many states across the country during the autumn and even the winter months.
• Plan the most inexpensive route from where you are now to your campsite. If you save money on gas and travel, you might not mind splurging a bit for a nicer campsite to park for the night. You can plan your RV trips via an app or even the built-in maps on your phone.
• Again, research, research, research. The 15 campsite pricing examples above are just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more campsites out there for you to explore and fall in love with. Remember, if a campsite doesn’t have its rate listed on its website, that’s probably because you’re going to pay a lot for lodging.
• If you’re not already a member, join an RV club. These typically offer deals on campsite lodging and help you save money in other ways. Some options include Passport America, Good Sam, Casino Camper, BoonDockers Welcome, RV Golf Clubs, and Harvest Hosts.

Conclusion

If you’re new to staying at campsites, you can sometimes have quite a shock when you see average RV campground rates. Just look at the rates from one campsite to another across the country. Factors like the state where you’re staying, the time of year, and the amount of time you’re staying can all determine how much you’re going to have to shell out for lodging.

That doesn’t mean you should avoid RV campsites entirely, though. After all, you have to stop driving sometime, and these campsites are typically cheaper than staying in a hotel. You can also connect with others in the RV community.

What's The Usual Size Of Rv Hookup Site For A

Be smart about your campsite decisions to save the most money.

With the 15 average RV campground rate examples I provided, you can see how prices fluctuate depending on all sorts of factors. Use this information to your advantage when planning your trip.

Also, follow the tips I mentioned above on saving money where you can. This way, even if you do encounter a more expensive campground, you’ll be able to afford it without blowing the budget for your trip.

What's The Usual Size Of Rv Hookup Site Called

Happy travels!