Campgrounds and RV parks remain open for business and should not be confused with state park campgrounds, which are closing in Florida, according to the Florida Association of RV Park and Campgrounds (FARVC). The only exception to this is in the Florida Keys, where there has been a temporary order for hotels, private campgrounds and RV parks to close for their short-term guests, meaning those staying under 28 days, the state association reported.
“The recent announcement of closure of state park campgrounds in Florida has nothing to do with the privately owned RV parks and campgrounds, which collectively provide 125,000 campsites for Winter Floridians as well as traveling medical, emergency workers and temporary employees in every county in Florida,” said Bobby Cornwell, executive director and CEO of the FARVC, which hosts CampFlorida.com.
“Florida’s RV Parks provide ‘essential services’ and ‘essential living accommodations’ throughout the state,” Cornwell said, adding that privately owned campgrounds and RV parks are a critical piece of Florida’s infrastructure.
“Private campgrounds and RV parks provide greatly needed temporary housing and shelter and, in many cases, essential supplies, including groceries, for workers and travelers who are self-contained in their own RVs. Many privately-owned RV parks also provide, distribute, and sell LP Gas to their guests, residents and the public, further enhancing their position as a necessary and ‘essential business’ that serves their community and the public. In addition, privately owned campgrounds and RV parks may also serve as emergency shelters, and emergency accommodations in times of need.”
Florida’s RV park industry has more than 900 licensed RV parks providing over 125,000 RV camping sites.
“In addition to serving an important lodging and housing need, these parks provide important psychological and health benefits,” Cornwell said. “Many of them have large outdoor open-air facilities, are located on Florida’s beautiful lakes, rivers or coastlines. Most of them provide pools and a variety of outdoor activities that people can use to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors and fresh air, which can help reduce their stress levels while spending quality time with their family.”
