Scroll down to see this week's breaking news of RV parks & campgrounds that are new, changing, proposed, soon to open or are closing for good.
RED ALERT!
Your Favorite RV Park Has a New Owner
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
By Janet Groene
Copyright 2024
The real estate scene for RV parks and campgrounds is changing at a furious rate. Huge money is at stake. Demand for RV spaces is soaring. Inflation is roaring, raising the cost of everything from the park’s utility bills, taxes and staff salaries to the toilet paper in the bathrooms
Why does it matter to you? Here's just a small sample:
* RATES will probably rise or change under owners, perhaps in subtle ways that aren’t apparent at first. Read on.
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| Rules may not be this funny |
* LOCAL MANAGEMENT MAY NOT MEAN LOCAL CONTROL over rules and rates. When rates and rules are determined by corporate headquarters miles away, local managers may have little or no say about how the business operates. We once loved a bare-bones park with lots of space, trees and trails. New owners required a fancy new swimming pool, mansion-like clubhouse and tennis courts. Rates had to go up to pay for amenities we didn't want nor use.
* COST CUTTING. REVENUE “ENHANCEMENT” measures are happening everywhere at all campgrounds. One popular profit gimmick is to open the swimming pool, fitness center and other amenities to day guests for a fee. The park's facilities become crowded with outsiders. As a park resident, you lose a sense of security and privacy.
* LOYALTY POINTS. If you accumulated rewards or points under the former franchise, will they be honored by the new regime?
* TENANT RIGHTS. The saddest stories about RV park sales involve parks that are purchased by developers who plan to clear the land and build housing, mixed use. communities and sometimes high-rise condos worth millions. RV dwellers who considered the park their home are being evicted. In other cases, new owners upgrade the park and your RV no longer qualifies because it’s too old or too shabby.
* RESERVATIONS The new owners may use a different booking service. Gone are the days when you picked up the phone, called your old friend at the front desk and reserved Site A12 for two weeks next July. You may now be required to reserve online with a credit card .and pay a non-refundable res fee. Some parks are now cashless while others take ONLY cash. Some open the reservations window six months ahead; some a year ahead. The former owner reserved some sites for first-come-only guests. Is that still an option?
* SECURITY. As crime grows, so does security. Some parks now require a background check, especially for seasonal reservations.
* AUTOMATION. The new, non-attended RV parks are a huge plus, especially for RV travelers seeking hookups just for tonight. You reserve online and get a security code that activates the gate, hookups, shower house and laundry. If something doesn’t work, is there a panic number you can call 24/7?
Bottom Line: Never forget that a Recreation Vehicle is built as a vehicle and for recreation. The highways you travel and the land you park on are ruled by others. Stay aware, nimble and on the go.
See scads of recipes for scrumptious recipes for affordable, everyday camping meals plus tips on saving water, fuel, space, mess. New each week at https://campandrvcook.blogspot.com
CAMPGROUNDS; GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS
These news items are gathered from local sources to give you a brief heads-up. Check out each site on your own.
RED ALERT! Dozens of campgrounds have been damaged or destroyed by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Get current updates on the campground itself and whether access roads are open.
Other campgrounds are closed because of wildfires. On the plus side, many seasonal campgrounds are choosing to stay open through the winter due to the demand for sites. Be aware that being "open" doesn't always mean fully serviced. Due to freezing, water may be turned off throughout the camp or at individual campsites. And, of course, winterizing the RV is each RV owner's responsibility.
* Good news! Savage Gulf State Park, Beersheba Springs, Tennessee is adding 60 new campsites with full hookups. Also new will be two bathhouses and a visitor center with gift shop, bathroom and meeting rooms. The RV sites are expected to be ready next year.
* Now under new owners, the 230-site Niagara Campground & Resort in Grand Island, New York is expanding. To be added are 51 more RV sites plus permanently installed RV units and 13 glampsites. The dog friendly, lakefront resort has a swimming pool, self-service laundry, high speed WiFi, mini-golf and children’s playground and activities. Ask about seasonal rates. (716) 773-7600)
* Larid's Hideaway in Canyon Lake, Texas won’t hold its grand opening just yet but it’s already opening its pickleball courts. When fully open the campground will have daily, weekly and monthly RV rates, full hookups, bathrooms and shower, free Wi-Fi and a laundry.
Autumn Acres MH RV Resort in Brownsville, Texas, is a 55+ community where 30% of its sites are reserved for RV use. Facilities including a swimming pool, clubhouse and plenty of activities including an appearance by entertainer Julia Lane Cooper, scheduled for March 8, 2005. Julie is a multi-talented traveling singer who also tells jokes and sometimes throws a Murder Mystery Party. Call (956) 546-4979 for details.
* The end is near for Sun and Sand RV Park in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia. Rezoning has been approved that will turn the site into a five story, 48-unit apartment building.
*Due to lack of funding, these Washington State Park motorized sno-parks are closing for the winter: Echo Valley, Skate Creek, Bethel Ridge/Soup Creek, Crow Creek, Cloverland, Elk Heights, Fish Creek, French Cabin, Nile, Taneum, Reecer Creek, Crawfish, Nine Bark and Clear Lake.
* New owners at the 135-site Leisure Acres Campground in Cleveland, Tennessee plan upgrades including pavng, a dog park and fencing. The park has a fishing pond, deck, community enter, playground, laundry and an updated bathhouse. Phone: (706) 865-6466
* McFarland Park in Florence, Alabama will get new campsites, upgraded hookups, new picnic tables and grill, and Wi-Fi hotspots. The campground is just part of a large waterfront city park with a beach, ball fields, restaurant and fishing area.
* Save the date! August 14-17, 2025 are the dates for the Green Mountain Bluegrass Festival in Manchester, Vermont. Yes, there will be camping. As the date nears, get updates at (www.)greenmountainbluegrass.com/
* The new Echo Island RV Resort on the Weber River in Coalville, Utah offers 157 paved RV pads as well as tent and glamping sites. (801) 903-9265
* After a series of sodden summers the 41-acre, Lakeview Campground in Sibley State Park, New London, Minnesota is drying out and spiffing up for a grand opening next May. Historic buildings are being repaired and 41 large campsites will be created from the previous 71 sites. (320) 347-7810.
* Florida has a new KOA. The Crystal River KOA Journey on the Gulf Coast has a variety of RV sites with full hookups plus premium tent sites and an off-leash dog park. (888) 562-0743.
Never miss another news story. Email janetgroene@yahoo.com and put RV Yes in the topic line. You'll get a quick nudge each time new posts go up here. Your information will never be shared nor used for any other purpose.
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