Why Institutional Investors Are Buying RV Parks

The outdoor hospitality sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. What was once considered a fragmented, mom-and-pop industry has attracted significant attention from institutional investors seeking alternative real estate opportunities with compelling fundamentals.

For more, read our RV park and outdoor hospitality investment overview and how RV parks are valued. Sector-level data is compiled by the RV Industry Association.

Record RV Ownership

RV ownership has reached all-time highs, with over 11 million households now owning recreational vehicles. This represents a 40% increase since 2020, driven by remote work flexibility, preference for outdoor experiences, and demographic shifts bringing younger generations to RVing.

Limited New Supply

Developing new RV parks faces significant barriers: prime locations near attractions are largely developed, zoning restrictions limit new development, environmental regulations add complexity, and construction costs have increased substantially. This supply constraint supports existing property values.

Operational Improvement Opportunity

Many RV parks are operated by aging owners with limited capital and technology adoption. Professional operators can implement revenue management systems, upgrade infrastructure, enhance amenities, and optimize marketing—driving significant performance improvement from the same asset base.

Conclusion

The convergence of strong demand fundamentals, limited supply growth, and operational improvement opportunity makes RV parks an attractive sector for institutional capital. As the industry continues to professionalize, early movers with operational expertise are well-positioned to capture attractive returns.