A Guide to RV Site Lease Options For Your RV Park

As an RV park owner, you have the opportunity to cater to a variety of RV users by offering flexible ways to use your RV sites. Whether your guests are full-time travelers seeking a temporary home base, seasonal campers returning year after year, or short-term visitors just passing through, there are countless ways to structure the use of your RV sites.

The options for leasing RV sites can vary widely depending on your location, climate, season length, target customer and more. In this article, we’ll explore the most common ways RV park owners can structure site leases, which regions a particular structure is most common, and why a particular use might be a good fit for your RV park or campground.

1. Seasonal Leases

Seasonal leases are especially popular for RVers who enjoy staying in one place for an entire season—typically during warmer months. This is ideal for snowbirds or families who like to return to the same spot every year.

Regions: Especially common in Florida, Arizona, and Texas in the U.S., where warmer climates draw seasonal residents. Other popular areas include the Carolinas, New Mexico, and California. In Canada, seasonal leases are prevalent in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, where RVers flock to lakefront parks, scenic mountains, and forests during the warmer months.
Duration: Usually 5 to 8 months, typically aligned with spring to fall.
Payment Structure: Seasonal leases are often paid upfront for the entire season, with prices typically in the range of $2,000 to $7,000 depending on location and amenities.
Why Choose a Seasonal Lease? Ideal for RVers who prefer to stay in one location for their entire camping season.

2. Extended Season Leases

Extended season leases offer a longer commitment than seasonal leases. This option works well in regions where the camping season can be stretched into cooler months with the right amenities and infrastructure.

Regions: Popular in moderate-climate areas like Oregon, Washington, and Tennessee in the U.S., and British Columbia or southern Ontario in Canada, where RV parks may extend the season into late fall or early winter.
Duration: Typically 8 to 11 months, covering spring through late fall or early winter.
Payment Structure: Often paid upfront or in installments, with rates typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 for the extended season.
Why Choose an Extended Season Lease? Great for RVers who live an alternative lifestyle.

3. Monthly Leases (Camper Brings Their Own Unit)

Monthly leases offer a balance between short-term stays and longer-term commitments. These leases typically allow RV owners to park their RV at a specific site for a month or longer, often with discounted rates for extended stays.

Regions: Common in southern and western U.S. states like Florida, Arizona, California, and Texas, where snowbirds flock during the winter. Other popular regions include South Carolina, New Mexico, and Nevada. In Canada, monthly leases are common near urban centers in Ontario and Quebec, as well as in areas within British Columbia.
Duration: Leased on a monthly basis, with options to extend the lease for several months.
Payment Structure: Rates typically range from $600 to $1,500 per month, depending on location, amenities, and season.
Why Choose a Monthly Lease? Perfect for those who need flexibility—whether you’re traveling for work, staying in one spot for an extended vacation, or enjoying seasonal living.

4. Monthly Leases (RV Park Owner Owns Accommodation and Rents it to Camper)

Some RV parks offer accommodations such as RVs, cottages or cabins for rent on a monthly basis. This option is great for guests who don’t have their own RV but still want to enjoy the RV park experience.

Regions: Popular in high-demand tourist areas like Florida, Arizona, and California in the U.S., and near major Canadian vacation destinations such as Muskoka in Ontario, Whistler in British Columbia, or Prince Edward Island.
Duration: Typically rented on a monthly basis, with the flexibility to extend as needed.
Payment Structure: Monthly rates can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the type of accommodation and amenities offered.
Why Choose This Option? Perfect for campers who want the convenience of pre-furnished accommodations without the need to own an RV, while providing RV park owners with higher revenue per site.

5. Transient Sites (Camper Brings Their Own Unit)

Transient sites are designed for short-term visitors who are just passing through or staying temporarily. These sites are available for daily, weekly, or monthly stays, and they’re ideal for travelers who need a place to park for a short period.

Regions: Found across North America, particularly in tourist destinations, national parks, beachfront areas, and along major highway routes. In the U.S., high-demand areas include California, Florida, Arizona, and popular routes like the I-95 and I-10 corridors. In Canada, transient sites are common near national parks such as Banff and Jasper in Alberta, popular cities like Vancouver, and major thoroughfares in Ontario and Quebec.
Duration: Typically daily or weekly stays, but many parks also offer monthly rates.
Payment Structure: Daily rates generally range from $30 to $100 per night, weekly rates can be $200 to $600, and monthly transient sites typically cost $600 to $1,500.
Why Choose a Transient Site? Perfect for those who are just passing through, visiting for a short time, or taking a quick vacation. Transient sites offer a more temporary, low-commitment option for RVers.

6. Transient Sites (RV Park Owner Owns Accommodation and Rents it to Camper)

For transient guests, RV parks may offer accommodations such as RVs, cottages, cabins, or tiny homes on a short-term basis. This is ideal for travelers looking for a temporary place to stay without bringing their own RV.

Regions: Common in tourist-heavy regions like Yellowstone National Park, the Florida Keys, and Myrtle Beach in the U.S., or near Banff National Park, Niagara Falls, and Vancouver Island in Canada.
Duration: Usually rented daily or weekly, though some parks may offer weekend packages or multi-week discounts.
Payment Structure: Rates range from $100 to $300 per night, depending on the accommodation type and location. Weekly rates often provide a discount, ranging from $700 to $2,000.
Why Choose This Option? Ideal for travelers without an RV who want a short-term stay in a scenic or convenient location, offering a comfortable and hassle-free experience while increasing revenue potential for RV park owners.

Conclusion

As an RV park owner, offering a variety of leasing options allows you to cater to a diverse audience, from transient travelers to seasonal residents and long-term campers. Each type of lease—whether it’s a transient site, seasonal lease, extended season, or monthly rental—offers unique benefits that appeal to different types of RVers. Additionally, providing accommodations like cottages, cabins, or park-owned RVs can attract guests who don’t own an RV but still want to experience the lifestyle.

By understanding the preferences and needs of your guests, you can maximize the potential of your RV park, create a welcoming community, and increase revenue streams. The flexibility and variety of RV site options ensure that every visitor can find something that suits their needs, whether they’re just passing through or looking for a place to call home for months at a time. Investing in a mix of site options and accommodations is not just good business—it’s a way to help your guests create lasting memories while ensuring the success and growth of your park.