RV resort development and park expansions are experiencing “tremendous” growth in Florida and throughout the Southeast, which RVIA says was underway before the pandemic yet continues to intensify.
The increase of places for consumers to enjoy their units is not just a regional trend, RVIA stated. The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) estimates more than 53,000 new RV sites will be built across the U.S. this year.
Bobby Cornwell, executive director and CEO of the Florida and Alabama Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, said 16 RV parks or resorts have just opened or are under construction, mostly in central Florida. The result of the parks will add about 5,000 new RV sites to Florida’s campsite inventory in 2021 and next year, Cornwell said.
“The demand is overwhelming,” said Tristan Farrell, president of Sunlight RV Resorts. “We are taking between 300-500 reservations per week, most of which are for 8-12 months in advance. People are booking not based on what they see on-site or online, but on what they know is coming. They want to have their spot lined up.”
There are another 20-plus RV parks across Florida that are collectively adding more than 2,000 RV sites, RVIA stated, bringing the state’s total to 7,000 new RV sites by 2022’s end.
“Canopy Oaks, which is on its way to becoming the largest new RV resort in the country, opened in December with 411 sites, but it will expand to 1,000 sites over the next two to three years,” RVIA stated.
The association highlighted additional resorts being developed by Sunlight RV:
- Champions Run RV Resort in Ocala, which will open in January 2022 with 492 sites.
- Palm Breeze RV Resort in Punta Gorda is a 439-site RV resort that is expected to open in the summer of 2022.
- Sebring Square RV Resort in Sebring is expected to open in January 2022 with 215 RV sites.
- Rum Runner Luxury RV Resort in Sebring, which will open in fall 2022 will have 120 RV sites.
Many Florida RV parks and resorts cater to 55-plus snowbirds, RVIA stated, but a “host” of new RV resorts being made to tailor toward children and families:
- Splash RV Resort and Water Park in East Milton is a 62-acre, $20 million resort and water park, under construction near Pensacola Beach. It will initially feature approximately 351 RV sites, as well as 34-40 park model RV cottages.
- Cabana Club RV Resort in Auburndale. RVIA stated this recently opened family-owned resort is halfway between Tampa and Orlando and has 155 RV sites and 60 park model RV rentals. In 2022, the resort plans to add another 125 RV sites and 65 park models.
In addition to expanding RV resorts, RVIA stated park operators are investing in “higher-end” amenities, such as zero-entry swimming pools and clubhouses with resort-style swimming pools.
“RV parks are becoming destinations in themselves, much like regular resorts,” said Amir Hapaz, co-developer of Torrey Trails RV Resort in Palmetto, Florida. “Based on RV manufacturing numbers, for the foreseeable future, we are going to continues seeing a need for more RV parks. There are already more RVs than sites in America.”
