What Are RV Park Cabins?

Choosing an RV park cabin can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market, from traditional RVs to tiny homes. So, where do you start?

An RV park cabin is essentially a park model tiny home that an RV park, campground, or resort approves for use on its property. These cabins offer a comfortable place to stay, whether you’re creating a getaway for guests or adding a unique lodging option to your campground.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what RV park cabins are, how they can be used, and what comes included with these structures, helping you understand your options and find the right fit for your property.

What Is An RV Park Cabin?

Starting with the basics- an RV park cabin is a small, factory-manufactured home built to RVIA ASNI A119.5 standards. These structures are more commonly known as park model tiny homes, measure under 400 square feet, on a trailer chassis, making them technically mobile, though they are usually installed in a fixed location. 

RV park cabins offer a full kitchen, private bathroom, heating and air conditioning, and beautiful interiors. The simplest way to look at these units is as the perfect mix of RV sizes and flexibility with the features and comfort of a traditional home. That is why RV park models are ideal for extended stays or vacation getaways.

Can An RV Park Cabin Be Built More than 399 Square Feet?

An RV Park Cabin can not be built larger than 399 square feet of livable space when built to RVIA standards. However, in the state of Florida, a park model can be 500 square feet when built to HUD standards. 

At Zook Cabins, we build all our park model tiny homes to ANSI A119.5, meaning the interior living space of our tiny homes will never exceed 399 square feet.

One area where Zook Cabins excels is creating included porch and deck seating, which makes your home feel even bigger with our exceeding the leg square footage.

Some of the models that Zook Cabins offers with outdoor space are:  The Denali, The Outpost and The Winslow. 

Some RV parks will allow manufactured HUD homes in the same community. At Zook Cabins, we offer several luxury mobile homes that fit the criteria you need.

Can I Live In an RV Park Cabin Full Time?

Yes, you can live in an RV park cabin full time if you so choose, but it really depends on two things.

1.)  Does your municipality allow you to have an RV park home to live in full time?

2.) Does your RV park allow you to do so?

To answer the first question, take a look at the table below, where you can find out what your state and county have to say about park model tiny homes living in your area.

To answer the second question, it is best to contact the RV campground that you hope to live in full time to understand what they will or will not allow you to do. 

Can I live in my RV Park Cabin Seasonally?

Many RV resorts and campgrounds offer seasonal living, letting you enjoy your park model cabin for part of the year. In northern parts of the country, the season typically runs from March through October, while many southern destinations welcome seasonal residents from November through March.

Want to enjoy comfortable weather year-round? You could purchase two park models of the same style, one at a northern campground for the warmer months and another at a southern RV resort for the winter. That way, you can follow the seasons while enjoying the comforts of your own cabin in two different destinations.

Sounds like a pretty great way to spend retirement, doesn’t it?

What Is Included In an RV Park Cabin?

While typical RV’s usually come with limited space and only the basic amenities, an RV park cabin can offer the luxuries of a traditional home without the demands of traditional home living. Here’s a list of what is included in most park model homes. For more information on specific models, you can browse our multiple options to find the park model home that is right for you. 

Sleeping Arrangments

All of the Zook Cabins RV park cabins offer at least one designated sleeping space, like the A-Frame Studio and Nook Family. These units are great for couples and singles to live in or offer as guest accommodations at your RV resort.

Many Zook Cabins models, such as the A-Frame Bunkhouse and Aspen, offer multiple sleeping areas, combining a private bedroom with additional sleeping space in a shared living area or loft.

Other models that Zook Cabins has to offer, like the Cascade and Pinecrest, offer multiple private sleeping areas and a bonus loft area, making these homes great for families or those who desire extra storage space.

Each home comes with closet space and enough floor space for a large bed and end tables, offering you a cozy and inviting space.

Full kitchen (fridge, stove, oven, microwave)

You can chef it up in this full kitchen that has all the amenities you need to prepare delicious meals. All our park model homes come with beautiful new kitchens with wooden cabinets and comfortably sized appliances to make your kitchen experience amazing. 

Full bathroom

Typically, RV bathrooms are cramped and limited, but in an RV park cabin, you can expect space and luxury with a shower, sometimes even a tub, depending on the model, and a full-sized sink and toilet, complete with cabinet space. 

Living area 

Whether it’s raining outside or you simply want to be cozy, curl up in the living room area that offers plenty of space for couches, armchairs, and coffee tables.

Dining nooks

Each RV park cabin offers space for a dining area where you can share meals, play games, or enjoy a late-night snack. It’s often around the table that the best memories are made, one meal and one conversation at a time.

Are RV Park Cabins Good Investments? 

Yes! RV Park Cabins can be an excellent investment, especially considering the demand for tiny home living right now. Typically, you get a quick ROI with park model homes, especially when you start renting them out. However, it is always important to weigh the pros and cons of investing in park model homes. 

Pros of investing in RV park cabins

• Park model homes are significantly more affordable than single-family homes. You can often buy and install a quality unit for under $100,000, making it a cost-effective way to get into real estate or vacation rental investing. Request a quote for a specific model to find out more!
• With the rise in popularity for tiny living, demand for park model rentals or full-time units is growing—especially in popular areas like lakes, mountains, or near national parks.
• Smaller square footage means lower utility bills, less cleaning, and minimal maintenance. Plus, all our park model homes are energy efficient and designed for maximum comfortable living. Sounds like a win to us! 
• With a lower upfront cost and a strong seasonal rental demand, you can expect to see a faster ROI than you might with traditional real estate. To get a better idea of what your investment might look like with an RV park cabin, you can use our investment calculator to start crunching numbers. 

Cons of investing in RV park cabins 

• Not all areas allow park models to be used as permanent residences. Local zoning laws or HOA rules can limit how long they can be occupied or rented out.
• Rental income may be seasonal, especially in vacation areas. You might have high demand during summer or snowbird seasons but might struggle to fill it during off-months.
• Even though the initial cost is lower, you will still have ongoing costs like utility fees, insurance, and maintenance and repairs. If you aren’t careful, these ongoing costs can eat into your profit. 

Are RV Park Cabins Climate Controlled?

Each of the park model homes from Zook Cabin come with heating and cooling features that allow you to keep the RV park cabin at a comfortable temperature. So no worrying about overheating in the summer or freezing in the winter! 

How Much Power Do I Need For an RV Park Cabin? 

If you purchase a RV park cabin from Zook Cabins, you will need a standard 100-amp electric hookup to fully power all the lights and appliances. All our park models are legally considered RVs and are all built to the ANSI A119.5 standards with an RVIA Seal, which means you need to double-check zoning laws for the requirements regarding power and utility hookups. 

Can RV Park Cabins Be Used For Short-Term Rentals?

Yes! Many people are turning to park model homes as a great solution for Airbnb’s or other forms of short-term rentals.

People are drawn to the coziness and allure of a tiny home, which makes them a popular choice for a weekend getaway. Park model homes can be an excellent source of additional income as a single Airbnb, or if you are looking for something bigger, you can set up a whole campground filled with RV park cabins!

They are easy to clean and maintain, plus you can move them to the ideal location easily and smoothly. If you are interested in learning more about how you can turn a park model home into a short-term rental, you may want to read about park model homes as rental investments. 

Do RV Park Cabins Have To Be Placed In an RV Park?

While these RV park cabins are perfect for those who operate a RV park, you aren’t limited to that!

These compact, yet incredibly cozy and functional homes are the ideal choice for that extra piece of land you may be wondering how to utilize. Do you wish you had a nearby retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life?

These RV park cabins are the perfect fit for you then. Or if you are searching for an extra side hustle and want to start an Airbnb, this could also be great for you. Simply check your state’s zoning requirements and you should be good to get started! Plus, you can watch the video above to see what Zook Cabins requires for delivery and installation.

Can RV Park Cabins Be Off-Grid?

Yes, but it takes some post deliery work.

All of Zook Cabins RV park cabins are designed to connect to utilities, but you can live off-grid if you are willing to make a few necessary adjustments. Watch the above video to learn how one person tweaked the original design of a park model cabin to make it fully off-grid.

Plus, look over this chart for some common requirements for off-grid living and some potential solutions. 

Wrapping Up

Feeling excited about RV park cabins now? Here at Zook Cabins, we sure are! We believe tiny home living is truly amazing, and we want to support you in your RV park cabin experience. Browse our wide selection of park model cabins today or contact us to get a free quote on a specific model.