I've been a lifelong camper. My earliest memories involve camping trips with my parents' club and Boy Scouts, enjoying two to three weekends a month under the stars, plus our annual summer adventures. This passion for the open road and the great outdoors continued into adulthood. At 21, I bought my first motorhome, a Winnebago Chieftain, and later, my wife, Deb, and I embraced the travel trailer lifestyle when our son, Keelii, was just five months old.
From our home base in San Diego, we explored countless national parks and scenic destinations, our 40-foot Triton fifth-wheel toy hauler enabling us to hike, ski, mountain bike, and ride our motorcycles and ATVs. We thought we knew the full spectrum of the RV world, but that changed when Keelii started attending Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
A Fortuitous Discovery
While planning our Thanksgiving visit to Flagstaff, we encountered a unique challenge: many campgrounds in the 7,000-foot community close for the winter due to freezing temperatures. After exploring Lava River Cave, we stumbled upon a sign for Village Camp Flagstaff. This relatively new RV resort stood out because it was open year-round.
What we discovered at Village Camp wasn't just RV sites, but also park model RVs available for both rent and sale. Unlike traditional towable or motorized RVs, park models are designed as moveable resort cottages, exclusively for part-time recreational use. They're professionally transported to a site in a campground or RV resort, offering a getaway cottage experience without the commitment of a permanent foundation.
Stepping inside these 400-square-foot units, we were instantly captivated. They felt more like a cabin or cottage than an RV, offering a level of spaciousness and comfort we hadn't experienced before in a traditional RV. The expansive kitchen and dining areas were particularly appealing; in fact, they were so roomy that we comfortably hosted 15 of Keelii's friends who couldn't go home for Thanksgiving that year.
Our Vacation Home Away From Home: The Spruce
We decided to purchase "The Spruce," one of Village Camp's seven available floor plans from park model manufacturers Cavco and Clayton. Our particular unit is a loft model, boasting a second level and an abundance of windows that flood the space with natural light. The modern cabin aesthetic, with its shiplap paneling and light gray cabinets, immediately felt welcoming. Large windows and French doors opening to a front porch added to its charm.
For our 6'2" son, the loft area was a perfect retreat, complete with a queen-size bed for him and a twin bed for any friends who might stay over. It functions like a second bedroom, offering ample space for luggage and personal belongings. Our private master bedroom features a queen-size bed, and the living room sofa converts into another queen, allowing our cabin to comfortably sleep seven people.
One of our favorite features is the rooftop deck. It’s the perfect spot for stargazing or simply unwinding with a drink while enjoying the sunrise and sunset painting the surrounding mountains. We also appreciate the dedicated parking space for our mountain bikes, motorcycles, and RZR side-by-side, knowing they are secure within Village Camp's protected environment.
The Unmatched Convenience and Lifestyle
The most significant benefit of owning our park model RV is the sheer convenience. We no longer have to tow our RV. Instead, we simply pack our personal items and "toys," unlock the front door, and step into the comforts of home, no set up required.
Our park model RV has truly become our vacation cabin. We spend about three to four months a year enjoying the lifestyle it affords.
The resort is surrounded by the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests, offering year-round opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and ATVing. We can even hit ATV trails leading to the Grand Canyon or down to Sedona. Plus, Arizona Snowbowl, a popular ski resort, is just minutes away.
More Than Just a Place to Stay
Village Camp, and many other campgrounds, provide an array of onsite amenities that enhance our experience, including a bistro and bar, a swimming pool and hot tub, and an amphitheater for live music and special events. They also organize activities like yoga classes and occasional live entertainment, fostering a vibrant community.
Owning this park model RV has undeniably enriched our lives. While maintaining our primary residence in San Diego, we can visit our son as often as we like, host family and friends in Flagstaff, and use Village Camp as a springboard for further regional explorations. We purchased our unit two years ago for approximately $300,000, and they currently sell for around $350,000. This is significantly less than many site-built homes in Flagstaff and certainly a fraction of what a comparable getaway cottage in California would cost.
An added bonus? When we're not using our park model RV, Village Camp manages rentals for us, similar to an Airbnb. This allows us to generate a few thousand dollars on our investment each year. After each of our trips, we simply pack our personal belongings, and Village Camp handles the cleaning and preparation for the next guest.
Final Thoughts
Our positive experience has been so profound that we've encouraged two of our friends to purchase their own park model RVs. Now, our Thanksgiving celebrations are even grander, and we enjoy more frequent get-togethers throughout the year whenever we're all in Flagstaff.
Discovering park model RVs has opened up a new chapter in our camping journey, offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and community.
