When we write about RVing, we generally refer to people who travel and not those who remain stationary. But did you know that you can live full-time in an RV on a rented lot? While these RVers aren’t out roaming the country, they still choose the simple lifestyle. Today, we’re looking into RV lots for rent, why someone would choose this option, and how to find them. Let’s dive in!
Cities and counties have all types of regulations about mobile homes and RVs. If you choose to live in an RV, you have to make sure you’re following the guidelines, or else you’ll have to move, pay a fine, or deal with law enforcement.
But some campgrounds offer RV lots for rent. These may be leased seasonal or annual sites that provide months of accommodations rather than a few nights. There are even RV communities around the country that are only for full-timers. Transient guests aren’t permitted.
Pro Tip: If you’re thinking about living in an RV full-time, be sure to read …Is RV Living Cheaper than Renting a House?
Each campground or RV park establishes its own rules for renting an RV lot. For example, let’s say you want to spend the summer near Bar Harbor, Maine. Timberland Acres RV Park is only open from May to October. Most campgrounds operate only seasonally in this part of the country. If you want to lease a seasonal RV lot, you’ll pay $3,433.50 for those months. In October, you must move your RV to storage or another location.
Other campgrounds or RV parks will offer longer rentals because they’re open year-round. For example, Rancho Casa Blanca in Indio, California offers RV lots for rent. However, renters aren’t permitted to reside at the campground for more than 270 days within a calendar year, and one person must be at least 55 years old.
Some campgrounds and RV parks will permit year-long leases. Others don’t offer discounted annual rates but will allow RVers to rent by the month for as long as they want. Therefore, since each location operates individually, you’ll need to ask about the length of stay restrictions.
But why would someone choose this lifestyle? In many parts of the country, purchasing an RV and renting an RV lot is cheaper than renting an apartment or buying a house. The mobility of an RV means someone can leave if they decide it’s not the right place. On the other hand, living in a manufactured home or a tiny house community eliminates that option.
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Some full-time travelers want to take a year off. Instead of finding a house, they can find an RV lot for rent for that year. Then, when they’re ready to travel again, they can take off and not have to sell a house. They would have to pay for RV storage if they rented an apartment. So, many RVers choose to lease an RV lot instead.
Finally, some RVers don’t live full-time in their rigs. But they want a place to call their own when taking out their RV. By renting an RV lot, the campsite is theirs. It’s always available; they never have to make reservations. Sometimes, renters can make the campsite their own by adding platforms or outdoor buildings. Consequently, even part-time RVers enjoy the benefit of renting an RV lot.
If you’re considering this lifestyle, searching for legitimate websites is critical. Facebook groups will often be excellent resources because you can receive personal feedback and recommendations. Let’s look at three of the best places to find RV lots for rent.
This website features private and developer RV lots for rent or sale. To search for an RV lot for rent, click on “RV Lots” at the top of the page. Then click “RV Lots For Rent,” where you can search by state. You’ll find options like month-long rentals, 6-month rentals, or annual leases. The contact name, phone number, or email address is printed so you can reach out directly to inquire about the property.
Also under the name RV Park Store, this company lists RV lots for rent or sale just like RVProperty.com. But, we like RV Park Store more; it’s just more user-friendly than RVProperty.com and seems more professional. But like the previous website, you can search by location for the best option. You can also use the advanced search to narrow your results by rent range and within a certain mileage.
We love asking RVers for their feedback. Whether it’s a product review, campground review, trip ideas, or best breweries, we feel like we get the best results when we ask the RV community. If you’re part of a brand group like Grand Design or Keystone, you can ask if members have recommendations for rental lots in a particular location.
Facebook groups such as Upscale RV Resort Lots for Rent by Owner and RV Sites For Sale or Rent By Owner have thousands of members. By joining these groups, you can ask for options in a specific area. Members who have RV lots for rent will respond, and you might find exactly what you’re looking for.
It’s not difficult to find a long-term RV site. Many campgrounds and RV resorts offer these types of rentals. Check the websites of campgrounds in the area you want to stay. Often, they’ll post monthly, seasonal, or annual rates online. If you don’t see an option for a long-term lease, just call them and ask.
Regardless, be prepared to be added to a waitlist at some popular destinations. For example, campgrounds in Florida are usually booked every winter and repeat visitors get first dibs. But it’s worth it to be added to a waitlist if you know exactly where you want to stay. RVers are constantly changing plans!
It’s impossible to give the price of an RV lot. Just like nightly rates vary from campground to campground, so do leases. One campground in Tennessee may cost $500 a month, while another campground in Oregon may cost $850 a month. Some RV parks charge an additional fee for electricity for long-term renters, so keep this in mind when searching and establishing your budget.
Seasonal and annual leases vary considerably depending on location. A campground near Zion National Park will be much pricier than one in the middle of Oklahoma. We mentioned a 6-month lease at Timberland Acres RV Park near Acadia National Park costs about $3,400. Kalkaska RV Park in Michigan offers monthly rates at $700 with metered electricity from May to November. Six months here would cost about $4,200.
Cost also depends on the amenities. A luxury RV resort will offer more activities like a fitness center, swimming pools, a dog park, aerobics classes, and more. You’ll pay much more to stay long-term in a location like this. Frequently, parks like this will also have age restrictions and rig restrictions.
A rented RV lot is worth it for travelers who want to take a break. It offers a “home.” Monthly, seasonal, and annual rates are also cheaper than nightly rates. If you plan on exploring an area for several months, a long-term rental is the most cost-effective choice.
For stationary RVers, a rented lot can be worth it if the area in which they live has a high cost of living. They may be unable to afford to rent an apartment or purchase a house. But it all depends on location.
Whether you’re a part-time RVer or a full-timer, you might consider renting an RV lot in the future. Using reputable websites, searching campground pages, calling RV park offices, and talking among the RV community will all help you make the best decision for your situation.
Have you ever thought about finding an RV lot for rent?
