As RV dealers and manufacturers focus on selling the newest towable and motorized RVs, the ever-increasing numbers of RV owners are fueling expansions and improvements at many campgrounds and RV parks across Florida, and prompting developers to build several new RV resorts across the state, according to industry officials.
“We anticipate that as many as 3,000 new RV sites could come online in Florida over the next two years as new resorts come online and as existing parks complete their expansions,” said Bobby Cornwell, executive director of the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (Florida ARVC), which hosts CampFlorida.com, the travel planning website, and represents more than 400 campgrounds across the Sunshine State.
Cornwell added that demand is not only being fueled by Snowbirds, but by younger people coming into the RV lifestyle, including young, telecommuting RV owners from up North who want to experience the Snowbird lifestyle now rather than wait until they are retired.
“Florida has always been one of the most attractive Snowbird destinations in the country,” Cornwell said, “but the growing demand for high quality RV sites also reflects the record numbers of RV sales that have taken place during the past decade. It’s not just retirees, but younger working people and families seeking an active outdoor lifestyle that are fueling demand for new RV resorts and more campsites at existing parks.”
Indeed, while most of Florida’s new RV resorts being developed are designed for retirees who own recreational vehicles or park models, some of the new parks are being developed for active people of all ages and include a wide range of amenities such onsite restaurants, ATV trails and ziplines.
Several existing parks across the state are also expanding, while many others are making improvements to better accommodate rising RV site demand across the state.
“There have been various levels of upgrades to resort features and amenities at more than 30 of our Florida resorts,” said Randy Berman, a spokesman for Chicago-based Equity LifeStyle Properties, which owns and operates RV resorts across the Sunbelt. “These improvements include clubhouses, dog parks, bathrooms, fitness centers, picnic areas, pickleball courts, shuffleboard courts, pools and WiFi.”