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OK, so I’m wanting to buy my first RV and live full-time in it. So I’m quite new to all of this. I’ve been researching online about RV parks and the costs. Of course, the thought of owning my home without a mortgage intrigues me but it seems like most RV parks cost as much monthly as many apartments. I really want the amenities full-time like electricity, water, etc. so I would want to be “hooked up” the majority if the time.
Can anyone clue me in to how much you are paying for your monthly park fee and such? I did see a gentleman on YouTube explaining Thousand Trails. This sounds like a great deal. However, with standard zone pass, you can only stay at a park for 14 days and must WAIT 7 days before making a new reservation. With the ELITE membership, you pay a larger up-front cost but you can stay 21 days and move on to the next park immediately.
I just need a little guidance how you full-timers stay, where you stay, average costs, etc. Thank you!
Hi Greg, this is completely going to depend on what part of the country you want to stay in. I recall from an earlier post you’re in the midwest but looking to move to a warmer winter climate.
In all areas I’ve stayed, RV park rent is cheaper than apartments. However, RV park costs in California (along the coasts and near bigger cities) can easily rival or be more than apartments in less desirable or less popular locations (which would be almost anywhere other than NY). As of 2014-2015 you should expect to pay at least $700-800 in southern California to park. Some of these parks can easily be snooty because of their high demand from a never-ending flow of customers.
When I say snooty, I mean they might be stricter than other parks on reinforcing the RV age rule, not allowing certain types of dogs. The rule where folks have to leave for a certain amount of time like 72 hours, or reapply to stay there, that is because certain states or counties have rules against RV parks that state a preference against long term residents. BUT, this can and is sometimes overlooked by the park managers. They have ways to get around the 72 hour absent requirement, reapplying rule… I recommend you call them and speak to them on the phone. You’ll find some of them are way friendlier than their website and rules would lead you to believe.
Some states like Oklahoma and more central states that aren’t a popular tourist destination, you can find rates in the $100s near cities. States like Arizona and New Mexico can also offer rates in the $100s but usually those parks are further away from cities. The more urban parks might cost generally in the $300s-$400s. However, both of these two states offer some unique, trendy spots like Sedona, Flagstaff, Taos and Santa Fe which can reach into the $600s or more. Texas, like Oregon offer a variety of prices, too depending on the city and proximity to such city. San Antonio might ring in on average about $300-$500, where it’s more popular and trendy neighbor, Austin could range from $400-$500+. Near trendy Portland, Oregon (prices are on the rise for everything) and Bend and you might find something for $500s-$600 but smaller, less popular cities you may even snag a $300s range.
In general, if you’re parked long term, you can bet on paying for your own electric but often water, sewage, garbage are included. A lot of parks also offer free WiFi though you’ll be competing with your neighbors for bandwidth. If WiFi is important, be sure to ask and see if they have options to get your own before settling on one.
I’ve talked with a few folks who have gotten those pass programs and for long-term full-timers, from what I hear, it’s not always that beneficial unless you’re moving around a lot.
Keep in mind these are generalizations! Always do your homework first. I hope this has been helpful. Best of luck with your decisions. Let us know how it goes and what you end up doing!
Happy trails!
Pippi~~ Thank you very much for providing such a detailed response with so much relevant info! You are most certainly a walking wealth of knowledge about this stuff! You are actually the one who made me really interested in the RV lifestyle~~ not just because of economics but it seems there is a very unique freedom that can come with RV living.
I’ve been trying to catch up with my posts and responses in the forums here tonight and in another thread, I believe I mentioned the RV I was looking at…. I learned the guy really wasn’t asking what it was worth and I think someone realized that before me and snapped it up. Heh. But I have learned so much through your videos and also interacting here, it is great! There are some other pretty informative people on YouTube that post vids about RV living. But I really like what you have done. 😉 Plus……. I must say, girl, that your skills in renovating and being artistic with all of that is unparalleled on YouTube. Just on your renovation skills alone not even relating to RV’s is enough for great content. I do feel like you are not utilizing Twitter enough, no offense. I feel like Twitter is the best catalyst for generating constant followers, at least in many circumstances. Maybe not RV living in particular because it’s so “niche” but…… Check your notifications from me on Twitter. Want to mention something..
Another thing to keep in mind is transient construction workers. I am one and typically chase my work all over the country. Typically certain areas see construction booms and busts. Prices will change drastically if this happens.
transient workers typically set up for long term and dont have the best track record of being altruistic. I dont want to be rude towards my fellow workers, so altruistic is the best way I can describe it.RV parks aren’t a necessity. I’ve been in my motorhome for about 13 months and have spent one night in an RV park at Whiskey Flats, Nevada. The rest of the time I’ve been living off-grid, Boondocking. Not always easy but it’s cheap. You have to find a source of water and a place with a dump station. You can find LP gas just about anywhere.
Almost an essential is solar power for recharging your batteries. I just got my solar up and running a few months ago and it was the best thing I’ve done yet. Clean, quiet battery recharging all day long.
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