Building an RV park for overnighters?

jkwilson wrote:
Was talking to my brother-in-law over the weekend and he asked me about ideas for a piece of investment real estate he owns. 120 acres with a 10 year option to purchase more in the future. Location is three miles off a major EW Interstate and about 9 miles from its junction with a major NS Interstate. Property is on a state highway that connects a rapidly growing mid-size city (with a major university) with a town that is becoming a major bedroom community for the bigger city.

Hopes are that about 20 years out, this property will be in high demand for commercial or residential development. It is fairly flat and is currently in hay production.

I mentioned that a no-frills RV park intended for overnighting or people visiting family might be a way to increase the income from the land without extensive investments. Gravel pull-throughs with electrical service and water. Dump station would probably be a cheap perk to offer. Could start small and add sites as wanted or needed without requiring a massive investment up front.

The exit off the interstate has a few fueling places including a truck stop/travel center.

Is it foolish to consider? Advice?

No frills, means cheap, As any business person, will tell you, want to go broke? cater to the low end of whatever, market you are in.

Only people, you will attract are extremely cheap folks, who I can guarantee you will complain about everything. And drive you to drink

If you want to do the RV park thing, IMHO, build a decent one and charge a fair price. That way you might have half a chance.

But never, ever cater to the low end of the market. This from almost 40 years in business, take it for what it is worth