Types of RV Parks
in the USA

An RV park provides individual sites with utility hookups — electric, water, and sewer — at nightly rates of $35 to $65. An RV resort adds resort-grade facilities at rates of $75 to $225 per night. The term campground applies broadly to any overnight facility. The three terms sit on a quality and amenity spectrum, not a regulatory classification.

A private independent RV park is a for-profit facility offering full hookup sites with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service, water connections, and sewer tie-ins at nightly rates of $35 to $65. The USA has 13,000+ privately owned RV parks — the most common category in the country.

• Site types: pull-through sites up to 60 feet and back-in sites up to 40 feet at most properties
• Amp service: 30-amp and 50-amp pedestal hookups standard; 20-amp at older facilities
• Stay limits: no mandatory limits; weekly and monthly rates available at most
• Reservations: Campspot, Camplife, or direct booking; peak-season dates book 2–8 weeks in advance
• Pet policy: 1–2 pets permitted at most; pet fee of $5–$15 per night
• Dump stations: on-site at most parks; non-guest fee of $10–$25

An RV resort delivers resort-class amenities alongside full hookup sites at rates of $75 to $225 per night. Site-side Wi-Fi, cable TV, heated pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, and organized activities distinguish resort properties from standard parks.

• Site dimensions: pull-through sites up to 70 feet; back-in sites with slide-out clearance at 40–55 feet
• Amp service: 50-amp standard; 30-amp available at select sites
• RV age rule: most resorts enforce a 10-year model year restriction — older rigs are denied entry
• Amenities: heated pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, pickleball courts, dog parks, and on-site restaurants at full-service properties
• Seasonal leases: monthly rates of $1,500–$3,500 in Sun Belt resort markets

National Park Service campgrounds operate on federal land with nightly rates of $15 to $30. Reservations open on Recreation.gov and sell out 6 months in advance for high-demand parks including Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon.

• Hookups: full hookup, electric-only (20/30-amp), and primitive no-hookup sites — availability varies by campground
• Stay limits: 14 consecutive days maximum at most NPS campgrounds
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80/year covers entry fees at all 400+ NPS sites; does not cover nightly camping fees
• Generator hours: restricted to 8:00 AM–8:00 PM at most NPS campgrounds
• Pet policy: leashed pets permitted at campsites; not permitted on trails or in visitor buildings

State park campgrounds operate under individual state agency management at nightly rates averaging $20 to $45. The USA has 1,600+ state parks with RV-accessible campgrounds, bookable through each state's own reservation platform.

• Hookups: full hookup and electric-only (20/30-amp) at developed sites; primitive loops at most parks
• Amp service: 20-amp and 30-amp standard; 50-amp at modernized facilities
• Stay limits: 14 days at most state parks; exact limits vary by state
• Reservations: Reserve California, ReserveAmerica, and state-specific platforms; open 6 months in advance
• Pet policy: leashed pets permitted at most state parks; pet-restricted loops exist at select facilities

County and regional park campgrounds are local-government-operated facilities charging $15 to $30 per night, the lowest rate among publicly managed overnight sites. Most sites provide electric-only or primitive hookups rather than full sewer connections.

• Hookups: electric-only (20/30-amp) at developed sites; primitive no-hookup at most regional parks
• Stay limits: commonly 14 days; varies by county jurisdiction
• Reservations: county parks departments or ReserveAmerica; many sites first-come, first-served
• Best for: weekend travelers and budget campers within 50–100 miles of major metro areas

Bureau of Land Management and National Forest dispersed camping provides federal public land access with no hookups, no reservations, and no nightly fee at most locations. Stay limits are 14 consecutive days, after which the rig moves at least 25 miles before returning.

• Hookups: none — dry camping only; fresh water tank (typically 30–100 gallons) is the sole water source
• Cost: free at dispersed BLM sites; $5–$20/night at designated BLM campgrounds
• Stay limits: 14 days per location; 25-mile relocation required afterward
• Fire rules: subject to seasonal burn bans — check BLM.gov and fs.usda.gov before arrival
• Resources: Freecampsites.net, Campendium, iOverlander, and the BLM Interactive Map

Membership networks grant access to a portfolio of private campgrounds in exchange for an annual or lifetime fee. KOA, Thousand Trails, and Passport America are the three largest networks covering a combined 2,500+ campgrounds across the USA.

Adult-only RV parks restrict residency to guests aged 55 and older under the federal Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA). HOPA permits age-restricted communities when 80% of occupied units house at least one resident aged 55 or older.

• Legal basis: Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 (HOPA), 42 U.S.C. § 3607(b)(2)
• RV age rule: most 55-plus parks enforce a 10-year model year restriction on incoming rigs
• Pet policy: pets permitted with weight limits of 25–50 lbs and breed restrictions at most properties
• Amenities: shuffleboard, water aerobics, bingo, and social activities targeting the 55-plus demographic
• Geographic concentration: highest density in Arizona, Florida, and Texas Sun Belt markets for winter snowbirds

Casino-owned RV parks operate on tribal or commercial casino property at nightly rates of $20 to $45. Players club members receive free or discounted nightly parking based on gaming activity at many properties.

• Hookups: full hookup (50-amp, water, sewer) standard at most casino RV facilities
• Amenities: 24-hour security patrols, direct walkway access to casino floor, restaurants, and entertainment venues
• Players club: gaming activity offsets or eliminates the nightly fee at select properties
• Geographic concentration: Oklahoma, California, and tribal territories across the Southwest and Pacific Northwest

Glamping sites provide furnished accommodation structures — safari tents, yurts, airstream trailers, or micro-cabins — at nightly rates of $85 to $300. No RV or camping equipment is required. 65% of RV parks now offer at least one non-RV accommodation type (2019 ARVC Industry Report).

• Structures: safari tents, bell tents, yurts, airstream trailers, treehouse platforms, geodesic domes, and A-frame cabins
• Utilities: electricity and climate control standard at premium units; shared or en-suite bathroom depending on tier
• Reservations: 30–90 days in advance for peak summer and fall foliage seasons
• Best for: non-RV travelers, couples, family groups, and corporate retreat bookings

Extended-stay RV parks accept monthly and annual leases at rates of $400 to $1,200 per month, including full hookup utilities. Most facilities enforce a 5-to-10-year RV age restriction and prohibit outdoor tarps, tents, and unauthorized exterior structures.

• Monthly rate: $400–$1,200 including full hookup (50-amp, water, sewer), laundry, and Wi-Fi at most properties
• RV age rule: incoming rigs restricted to 10 model years or newer at most extended-stay facilities
• Lease structure: month-to-month at most; 6-month and 12-month agreements at premium properties
• Common residents: full-time RVers, traveling nurses, construction crews, and seasonal employees

Boondocking is dry camping with no electrical, water, or sewer connections on BLM land, National Forest land, or designated self-contained sites. The cost at most BLM dispersed locations is $0. The limiting variables are onboard fresh water and battery capacity, not fees.

• Fresh water: most RVs carry 30–100 gallons; typical consumption is 5–10 gallons per person per day
• Power: solar (200–600W) paired with lithium battery banks (100–400 Ah) supports 5–14 days off-grid without generator use
• Stay limits: 14 days on BLM land; 25-mile relocation required before returning to the same area
• Resources: Freecampsites.net, Campendium, iOverlander, and the BLM Interactive Map