Several new RV resorts have opened across the Sunbelt this year, while even more have added more RV sites. Two park model RV resorts have also opened this year in Florida, while two Fort Myers area RV resorts that were damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022 have been rebuilt, and renovations continue on a third resort.
Here’s a closer look at the new and expanding RV and park model RV resorts across the Sunbelt:
New RV Resorts
Grapevine RV Resort In Lebec, CA: This 184-site park, which recently opened at the south end of California’s San Joaquin Valley near the intersection of Interstates 5 and 99, is about 30 miles south of Bakersfield. The 35-acre park features all pull-through sites, a swimming pool, and a clubhouse with a meeting room, catering kitchen, and exercise facilities. Other amenities will include a playground, three dog parks, two pickleball courts, as well as separate laundry, restroom, and shower facilities. The park will also include a barbecue station with two stainless steel gas grills, two sinks, and ample counter space for food prep and clean up.
Olde Florida Motorcoach Resort in LaBelle, FL: This southwest Florida RV luxury motor coach resort, just over 20 miles east of Fort Myers, held its grand opening in January. Resort amenities include high-speed WiFi; a 15,000 square-foot clubhouse; a resort pool and whirlpool spa; an expansive sundeck with poolside cabanas; a wellness/fitness center; eight pickleball courts; two tennis courts; a regulation basketball court; four bocce courts; four shuffleboard courts; horseshoes; an outdoor movie theater; a food truck park; two dog parks; a kids play area; and golf cart rentals. This resort offers RV sites both for rent and for sale.
Rivers Crossing RV Resort in Branford, FL: This resort opens October 15. “We have just completed Phase 1, which consists of 50 very large RV sites,” said Brandi Everett, who is developing the park with her husband. Current amenities include a temporary office and bathhouse, a dog park, and a fire pit. Next year, the Everetts plan to add a permanent office, swimming pool, and pickleball courts. This park is a convenient base camp for scuba divers as well as kayaking and other water recreation enthusiasts, given its location within two miles of the Suwannee, Itchetukkee, and Santa Fe Rivers. The park also has a paved bike trail that connects to the Rails to Trails Greenway, which leads to local springs, state parks, restaurants, and grocery stores.
Peace River Oaks in Bowling Green, FL: This new 63-site park, which opened January 1, is an RV and glamping destination located along the tranquil banks of the Peace River near Bowling Green. The main campground consists of 43 full hookup RV sites with concrete pads, picnic tables, and firepits. WiFi service is also available.
New Park Model RV Resorts
Zeman Homes in Chicago, IL, opened two resorts this year that are comprised exclusively of park model RVs. Unlike typical towable or motorized units, park model RVs are spacious 400-square-foot cottages with larger kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas that people use like a getaway cottage at their favorite campground or RV resort. They’re considered RVs because they sit on a chassis, have wheels, and are manufactured according to ANSI A119.5, the manufacturing standard for park model RVs.
Zeman’s new park model resorts include:
- Beach House Cottage Retreat in Largo, FL: Zeman is planning 150 park models for the first phase of this Tampa area 55-and-over resort, which opened in mid-summer. Future amenities include a swimming pool and spa, a fitness center, and a library. The resort is close to the scenic Pinellas Trail.
- Solana Cottage Resort in North Point, FL: This 55-and-over resort opened this fall with 140 park models in the first phase. Amenities include a heated swimming pool and spa, poolside fire pits, a dog park, and more. The resort also has a Mediterranean-style pavilion, complete with comfort seating and flat-screen TVs.
Rebuilt RV Resorts
Sun Outdoors has rebuilt and rebranded two of its three RV resorts in the greater Fort Myers, Florida area, and is completing renovations on the third resort, which has also been renamed. The reconstruction efforts resulted from Hurricane Ian, which struck the Fort Myers area in 2022.
- The rebuilding of Sun Resorts and Residences Sanibel Gateway in Fort Myers, formerly called Siesta Bay, was completed in August. The 55-and-over resort has 797 sites.
- Sun is continuing renovation work at Sun Resorts & Residences Fort Myers Beach, formerly known as Indian Creek, which remains open during redevelopment. The park has 1,430 sites, including 800 RV sites and just under 600 manufactured home sites.
- Sun completed the rebuilding of Sun Retreats Fort Myers Beach, formerly known as The Groves, last year. The resort has 264 sites.
Expanding RV Resorts
Homestead RV Community in Theodore, AL: Park owners Ed and Monica Bridgman added a $1.2 million event center, swimming pool, and pickleball court this year. Next year, the Bridgmans plan to add 70 more RV sites and more pickleball courts. The park, which opened in May of 2021, features a saltwater swimming pool, pickleball courts, and high-speed Internet service, among other amenities.
Oak Forest RV Resort in Austin, TX: This RV resort recently added 189 long-term RV sites. Amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center, bocce ball courts, and weekly organized activities. A farmer’s market is located next door.
Vacay Village of Pensacola in Pace, FL: This 29-site park is planning to expand to add another 40 RV sites next year, plus six cabins. Amenities include a swimming pool and hot tub, and a stone clubhouse equipped with a media room, fitness room, and gathering spaces for meals and games.
Village Camp Flagstaff in Flagstaff, AZ: This resort added over 20 RV sites and 30 park model RV rentals this year. Amenities include a swimming pool and year-round hot tub, lawn games, an amphitheater, and an on-site bistro and bar.
Final Thoughts
The owners and operators of RV and park model resorts continue to build new destinations and expand existing ones in response to consumer demand. The added amenities allow RVers looking for a warm destination to enjoy the great outdoors in style and comfort, further highlighting the versatile nature of the RV lifestyle.
