DWELL BEYOND THE ORDINARY
Why Campground Park Models are a Great Idea in 2025
Ahh, the great outdoors—the sound of birds chirping, kids laughing in the distance, and most importantly, simple relaxation. These are all things your guests expect to experience at a campground. But what if you could offer them elevated accommodations during their stay? A campground park model might be just what you need to take your campground to the next level.
Not quite sure what a park model is? No worries! In this blog, we’ll explain what park models are and how they can enhance your campground experience—for you and your guests.
What is a Park Model RV?
First, it’s possible that you may be unfamiliar with what a park model home is. Basically, park models are small house-like structures that are built on a trailer, and therefore classified as recreational vehicles (RV). These structures are typically around 400 square and are usually set on a gravel pad foundation at campgrounds, retreat centers, or private properties. Oftentimes these structures are viewed as tiny homes.
How are Park Models Used At Campgrounds?
You’ll most commonly find park models in campgrounds as alternatives to traditional RVs and campers, or as structures used for cabin camping. They typically include many of the basic amenities you’d expect in a home, such as water and sewer hookups, heating, and air conditioning. Due to their size and weight, park models are usually set up in a semi-permanent location and only moved occasionally. Want to stay in Zook Cabins Park Model? Check out these two campgrounds below:
Why are park models great for campgrounds?
The primary reason park models are ideal for campgrounds is that they enable cabin camping without a significant capital investment. However, we have several additional reasons why a park model home can be a great addition to your campground. If that interests yo
A great investment for a campground
Park model homes are an excellent way to boost campground revenue for several reasons.
First, they appeal to a broader demographic—especially travelers who don’t own RVs but still want a comfortable, nature-based getaway. By offering park models, you can attract new campers who prefer the conveniences of home, such as full kitchens, bathrooms, and climate control.
Second, park model rentals often command higher nightly rates than traditional campsites or RV hookups. For example, Somerset Resort rents its A-Frame Park Model for nearly $230 per night, showcasing the premium value guests are willing to pay for a more luxurious camping experience.
2.) Longer Stays
Even the most dedicated campers can grow weary of the limitations that come with traditional RV living—limited space, minimal amenities, and the constant setup and breakdown. Park models, on the other hand, offer a home-like experience with real beds, full kitchens, and private bathrooms. This added comfort makes it more likely that guests will extend their stay, resulting in more consistent, long-term revenue for your campground.
3.) Savings
When it comes time to invest in a park model tiny home for your campground, you might be surprised at the potential savings.
While the upfront cost of a park model may be higher than some other lodging options, it often outperforms traditional cabin alternatives in both durability and long-term value. Another potential financial advantage is how park models are classified. Because they’re certified as RVs rather than permanent structures, you may not be subject to property taxes—though it’s always wise to confirm this with a tax professional based on your location.
Even if you don’t operate a campground, park model homes can still be a smart short-term investment. Curious to learn more? Check out our article that explores the topic of short-term rentals.
Do Park Models Offer an Elevated Camping Experience?
Yes. Park models offer an elevated camping experience. To most people, it is more like staying in a hotel than camping.
For example, traditionally camping at a campground leaves people thinking, you may think of sleeping in a cold tent on the hard ground or, perhaps, towing a camper for hours just to get to the campground and then having to go through the hassle of setting up the camper. Doesn’t sound very relaxing, does it?
With a park model home, you simply move in your things, and you’re ready for vacation! Most park model homes are climate-controlled, so you can set the temperature just right. You can cook in a real kitchen and sleep in a real bed. The best part is that there’s significantly less hassle, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your vacation.
Can I Personalize a Park Model For My Campground?
Yes! If you place an order for 10 or more park model homes, we can completely customize the floor plan and layout of the park model to meet your specific needs. In fact, we have already done it with Providence Hill, Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, and The Bellefont Campground. On the other hand, you can also make improvements and upgrades to your park model home, unlike that of a traditional RV.
If you want to paint a wall, you can. If you want to upgrade the lighting, you have that option. With a park model home, you can truly make it your own and turn it into a home away from home for yourself or your guests.
Is A Park Model Environmentally Friendly For My Campground?
Yes. One aspect you may not have considered about park models is their positive impact on the environment. They consume less energy, cause less soil disruption, and are built with fewer materials. And given that they are 400 square feet or less, they still encourage people to be out in nature.
Campground Park Models: FAQ’s
You may still have questions about park models and their uses. Here are answers to a few of the questions people often have about park models.
1. Can you live year-round in a park model?
Yes. In some places, you can live in your park model year-round, and in some cases, you can live in your park model at a campground or resort. However, it really does depend on your local municipality. If you live in a warmer climate, it can be a great place to live any time of the year. If you’re looking for ideas on how to winterize your park model home, check out our article. To know more about what the laws are in your state (or the state you want to live in), take a look at the list below:
2. Do Park Model homes need to meet certain criteria to be at a campground?
Each campground is different in terms of what it will allow on the campground’s property. In fact, some people convert utility trailers into campers. However, a park model is a specific certification, and it must meet that certification by fulfilling the following criteria:
- It must be built in a manufacturing facility
- Built to ANSI A119.5 housing standards
- Can be up to 15 feet wide and 44 feet long, and the total square footage can not exceed 400 square feet (this may vary in some states).
It must be titled and registered like any other recreational vehicle and receive an RVIA seal. Take a look at the video above to understand all of this at a deeper level.
3. How long do park models last?
Because they are not moved around as much as a traditional RV, a park model often lasts much longer. With proper maintenance and care, a park model RV can last anywhere from 30-50 years. However, the longer you want your park model to last, the more maintenance is required for general upkeep.
Campground Park Models by Zook Cabins
At Zook Cabins, we offer a variety of park models to suit your taste. If you love the look of a classic log stack design, check out our Aspen Park Model. If you are interested in a more modern take on the park model style, our A-Frame Park Model is a stunning blend of classic A-frame styling in a modern package.
Maybe you would like to spend a night in one of our campground park models. If so, head over to our rentals page to see what we have available.
Campground Park Models: Wrapping it up…
If you’re looking for a way to increase the revenue of your campground or are interested in buying a place to spend your time on vacation, a park model home could be just what you need (for park model ideas, check out our article). If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
If you’d like a specific price on having a park model RV delivered to your location, click the button below! We look forward to hearing from you!