Forum Discussion

GAdawgs0688's avatar
GAdawgs0688
Explorer
Jun 14, 2020

potential new rv resort

My family is eyeing opening up a few RV parks in the Central Florida. Location or locations have not been decided on definitely. What businesses are *needed* or *preferred* to be near RV parks. When I ask about businesses, Im really looking for businesses needed specifically for RV campers. Im looking for businesses that are preferred and needed, to try to help pick locations. Thank you

17 Replies

  • Like others, we generally never consider what businesses are near the RV Park. That being said, we would avoid parks that are near obvious businesses that would detract from the park. We wouldn't want to stay at a park next to a steel recycling plant, a sewer treatment plant, a feedlot or a prison.
    I doubt it will be possible in most areas of Florida to build a park with recreational amenities that would exceed the amenities currently available. By that I mean you won't be able to build pools better than nearby Waterparks. I doubt any golf course on your property will be better than those accessible to the public, be it regular golf or mini-golf.
    Your location will drive your clientele. If you are near Disneyland, expect a park full of Disney visitors. If you are next door to a strip club, expect a lot of vans with dark tinted windows. If you want to build in a very rural area, expect your customer base to be budget oriented. Likewise, if you build oceanfront on Miami Beach don't market to the "I'll never pay more than $25.00 a night" crowd unless you want to lose a whole lot of money. Good Luck.
  • IMHO, a "RV resort" needs to be close to a tourist attraction or interesting city or something. We typically have no desire to stay at a resort in the middle of BFE. A stopover campground should be close to the interstate and have easy access.
  • I have never looked to see what businesses are close by, I look for things to do. In FL, I look for beach/bay proximity, or we have enjoyed the different springs. We are still working and have kids, so we are vacationers. We try to make sure we have everything we need so we don’t Easter vacation time at a store.
    If you are catering to long term campers, it may be a concern.
  • Before you do anything. Check local zoning. Then get an engineers estimate for a sewer treatment plan for the size park you want. Septic ain't gonna cut it. Then get an Estimate from Florida Power and Light as to bringing Electric power to the site.Then there is the cost of WATER. Government red tape will bury you. You will find this to be a VERY expensive proposition. Better off to go buy an existing park if that is what turns your crank.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    RV park or campground? Two whole different animals. Do you see yourself as a high end upkeep person? Or do you see yourself as a avid outdoor woodsy person? Do you want to clean clubhouses, pools, game rooms, a bar, and store, mow lawns, trim bushes and the such? Or do you just want to empty the trash every morning and sell firewood from a small storefront?
  • No businesses are needed near an RV park, the fewer the better. Also, the land is usually less expensive the farther from town.
  • Hi,

    I prefer to have a place to buy fuel and propane.

    A corner store with gas station would be even better.

    I enjoy "getting away" from it all, but cell phone access would figure into my choices of places to stay.

    Over build the electric supply. Code is woefully underestimating the power needs of modern RV's. Bump up the wiring gauge.

    I would not install wifi internet, even at the office, unless you are prepared to have the capacity to do streaming video to every site in the park. That does not come cheap.