The Booming RV Park Industry: A Bright Future Ahead

The RV Park business is a simple concept: You provide spaces for RVs to park. As a result, the more RVs on the road, the more customers in RV parks. If that’s the case – and it has been for decades – then the RV park industry is in for a great ride, thanks to demographic shifts in the U.S. and changing consumer tastes for RV products.

RV Sales Growth

RV sales are projected to increase by 4.8% annually through 2027. The RV industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by various demographic factors. If you've noticed more RVs on the road lately, you're not mistaken. The industry is currently growing by around 5% per year. Despite economic challenges, such as a national recession, this growth is impressive. With compounding, RV sales are expected to rise by 30% over the next few years​ (RVBusiness)​.

Market Size

The industry is set to surpass $15 billion in annual sales by 2027. This substantial figure indicates a booming market, attracting increased marketing efforts and expanded financing programs. Currently, approximately 350,000 units are sold each year, and this number is expected to rise. There are already about 10 million RVs on the road, highlighting the market's robust demand​ (RV News)​​ (Outdoor Sportswire)​.

Demographic Shifts

Significant growth is seen among buyers aged 55 to 64. The aging baby boomer generation is entering retirement, creating a substantial pool of potential RV buyers. Approximately 10,000 baby boomers retire daily in the U.S., a trend expected to continue until around 2025. This demographic shift has a significant positive impact on RV sales​​.

Innovation in Products

New products are fueling this trend. In response to the 2007 recession, the RV industry has refined its products, offering more attractive models with better features at lower prices. For example, modern travel trailers equipped with numerous amenities can be found for under $15,000, representing excellent value. If you haven't seen the latest RV models, visiting a dealer to explore the new offerings is highly recommended.

Regional Hotspots

The south and west are the hottest markets for RV sales. While RVs are sold nationwide, the highest sales concentrations are in these regions. This is due to several factors, including the large population of baby boomers, favorable weather, and abundant camping spaces. RV parks in the south and west are likely to see higher occupancy rates due to this regional concentration​ (RVBusiness)​​.

Conclusion

New statistics indicate a thriving and growing RV industry. As RV sales increase, so will occupancy in RV parks. The future looks bright for RV park owners, with strong fundamentals expected to sustain growth for decades.

By understanding these trends and adapting accordingly, stakeholders in the RV park industry can position themselves to take full advantage of the market's robust growth.

Frank Rolfe has been an active investor in RV parks for nearly two decades. As a result of his large collection of RV and mobile home parks, he has amassed a virtual reference book of knowledge on what makes for a successful RV park investment, as well as the potential pitfalls that destroy many investors.