- Luxury RV resorts now feature upscale perks like pools, gourmet kitchens, and designer cabins. Lot prices can exceed $1.5M.
- Buyers see these properties as both lifestyle upgrades and real estate investments. Many rent their lots for extra income.
- While demand remains strong in prime locations, some areas show signs of cooling as travel patterns and market conditions shift.
Luxury on Wheels
RV parks are evolving, per the WSJ. Once basic and budget-friendly, luxury RVs now pull into resorts that cater to high-end travelers seeking comfort and style. Communities such as Mountain Falls in North Carolina and Motorcoach Country Club in Indio, California, now offer far more than parking spaces. They feature resort pools, fire pits, casitas, and even wine cellars.
A Custom-Tailored Life
Angie Skinner and her husband, Mike—a former NASCAR champion—own a luxury lot at Mountain Falls. They bought it for $239,000 in 2016 and spent over $1M building a custom two-bedroom cabin. It includes Thermador appliances, a backlit onyx bar, and a glass wine cellar.
According to Angie, owning allows full customization. “We came for a visit and fell in love,” she said. Since then, prices in the community have soared. Lots once sold for $190,000 now start at $1.5M.
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Real Estate Meets RVing
For many owners, the purchase is both practical and profitable. When not in use, RV lots can be rented out. At Motorcoach Country Club, nightly rates range from $160 to $255. In fact, some lots that sold for $40,000 years ago now sell for over $500,000.
Elevated Expectations
Some buyers are taking luxury to new heights. Stan and Jimmie Duda live full-time in a $2.5M Newell coach. They also own three adjoining lots at Motorcoach Country Club, purchased for $1M. Currently, they’re building a 1,200 SF casita with indoor-outdoor kitchens, smart tech, and spa-style bathrooms.
In Michigan, they plan a seasonal retreat at Hearthside Grove. It will include heated patios, a chef’s kitchen, and lighting that transforms the space after dark. “It’s luxury living, redefined,” said Stan.
Not All Glamour
However, not every investment pays off. In Foley, Alabama, Wendy Heineke and her fiancé bought a $250,000 lot in 2023. They later left full-time RV life and listed the property for $275,000. Despite the discount, it hasn’t sold.
According to local agents, economic uncertainty and the resort’s inland location may be limiting demand. Nearly one-quarter of lots in that community are currently for sale.
Do Your Homework
Experts stress the need for due diligence. RV resorts come with rules, HOA fees, and maintenance responsibilities. For instance, the Dudas pay $760 per month in dues for each of their three lots. Their property taxes are $6,000 annually, and insurance runs $2,000 per year.
Additionally, prospective buyers should review community budgets, rules, and restrictions. It’s also smart to meet the property managers before buying. As Stan advised, “Make sure the people overseeing the RV resort are doing a good job.”
Why It Matters
Luxury RVs resorts offer freedom without sacrificing comfort. As affluent RVers seek flexibility and amenities, high-end communities are becoming popular alternatives to traditional vacation homes.
What’s Next
Expect continued development in desirable locations like Palm Springs and the Carolinas. Yet, as the market cools from pandemic highs, smart buying decisions will be more important than ever.
