What Are RV Park Cabins?

Curious what all the hype is around RV park cabins or even what an RV park cabin is? You have come to the right place, where we answer all your questions and give you the whole scoop on these popular homes! Whether you’re familiar with the topic or know almost nothing about these buildings, we’re here to help!

Starting with the basics- an RV park cabin is a small, factory-manufactured home built to RVIA standards and designed for tiny home living, whether as a short-term rental or for personal use. RV park cabins are also more commonly known as park model tiny home, and they are a subcategory in the world of tiny homes.  These tiny cabins are typically 400 square feet and are built on a trailer chassis, making them technically mobile, though they are usually installed in a fixed location. 

With all the charm of a tiny home, RV park cabins offer full kitchens, private bathrooms, heating and air conditioning, and beautiful interiors. These are perfect for extended stays or vacation getaways! Think the comfort of a traditional home combined with the freedom and affordability of RV life, and you’ve got yourself an RV park cabin!  They’re an increasingly popular option for travelers, minimalist dwellers, and anyone looking to downsize or live closer to nature.

How Big Are RV Park Cabins?

The size of RV park cabins can vary greatly depending on your budget needs, size requirements, or aesthetic preferences. However, in the US, park model homes cannot exceed 400 square feet of living space except for Florida, which allows 500 square feet park models.

Typically, they are 12 feet wide and 33 feet long. So don’t worry, these RV park cabins feel wonderfully spacious while still retaining the traditional feel of a tiny home. Curious what one looks like? Take a virtual tour inside several of our most popular park model homes! 

Can I Live In an RV Park Cabin Full Time?

This one is a little bit tricky. The short answer is yes, you can live in an RV park cabin full time but there are a few important things to consider before you commit to this unique lifestyle. RV park cabins offer a cozy, affordable alternative to traditional housing, and many people are turning to them for full-time living.

However, it’s not as simple as just moving in and staying forever. Most park model homes are not designed with permanent residency in mind, which influences your ability to embrace full-time living. Several other critical aspects to think about before a full-time dedication are space, cost, seasonal requirements, and legal requirements. 

AL	IL	MN	NC	TX
AZ	IN	MS	ND	UT
AR	IA	MO	OH	VT
CA	KS	MT	OK	VA
CO	KY	NE	OR	WA
CT	LA	NV	PA	WV
DE	ME	NH	RI	WI
FL	MD	NJ	SC	WY
GA	MA	NM	SD
ID	MI	NY	TN

Space 

Most people don’t realize how much they’ve accumulated until it’s time to downsize. Before moving into your RV park cabin, take a hard look at whether you’re ready to live with significantly less than you’re used to. Full-time RV park cabin living requires minimalism and a commitment to organization and decluttering. Don’t get scared away though! Many of the RV park cabins are still very roomy and designed for comfortable living. For some helpful tips on minimalist living in tiny homes, check out the video above. 

Cost 

Let’s face it, finances always influence the decisions we make, don’t they? When it comes to full-time RV park cabin living, it is no exception. It is critical to take a good look at your budget and consider what you are able to afford. Consider your job requirements and salary, and gather information on utility bills, maintenance fees, and other expenses before moving in. 

Seasonal Requirements

Not all cabins are designed for long-term comfort. If you’re planning to live in an RV park cabin year-round, make sure the cabin is well-insulated, has heating and air conditioning, and offers essential amenities like a private bathroom, kitchen space, and reliable electricity and water. 

Legal Requirements

While some states allow full-time RV park cabin living, regulations can vary. Be sure to review your state’s zoning and building laws before making a permanent move. Click on your state in the chart below to find out more! 

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. 

Private bedroom(s), and sometimes a loft 

Park model homes offer at least one bedroom, with some models boasting two bedrooms, plus a loft space. With closet space, enough floor space for a large bed, and extra room for end tables, these bedrooms will feel cozy and inviting.

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

Get ready to make memories around the dining room table with cozy dining nooks built into the park model home. This small yet functional space is perfect for dinners together and late-night snacking.

Porch space 

No more staying inside all the time! These park model homes come with a small porch area that is perfect for late-night conversations or early morning sunset watching. Add some comfy chairs, and you are all set! 

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?

All our RV park cabins are designed to be hooked up to utilities, but it is possible to live off-grid if you are willing to make some 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. 

Requirements	Solutions
Power	Invest in a good generator or use solar power
Water	Consider rain collection, water delivery services, or use of a well.
Waste	Utilize a composting toilet or septic tank to take care of waste.
Climate control	Use a wood stove, propane heater, or a solar mini split to maintain the desired temperature.
Legal requirements	Check zoning and building codes for your specific state or county.

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.