Parking is one of the daily challenges of mobile tiny homes. Many long-time tiny house owners suggest parking your unit in Recreational Vehicles (RV) parks and campgrounds of national parks. However, can you legally park your tiny home in these places?

The answer is yes- you can park your tiny home in RV parks and campgrounds provided you follow the rules and regulations of the facility. Most parks and camp areas allow short-term parking options which range from a few days to several months. However, you need to pay a fee of $50 or more a night to park. 

Some RV parks and camping areas may have restrictions on what type or size of tiny homes are allowed on their premises. The classification of tiny houses also varies depending on the jurisdiction that oversees the RV park or campground.

RV Parks and Campgrounds That Allow Tiny Homes

Before you decide to park in these areas, first check the prevailing zoning laws in the area. You can also contact the RV park and campground administrators to check if they allow the parking of trailers with tiny homes. 

If you happen to need a quick stop on these facilities, look for any signages in the entrance of the facility that says “RV night parking.” There is a good chance that they permit RVs, then they, too, allow tiny homes with trailers.

However, it’s a different story if you want to entrench your tiny home unit in a piece of land. The concept of tiny houses is still new as far as laws about them are concerned. Most states are still unsure if they will allow such arrangements.

Only a few RV parks and campgrounds in the country allow tiny homes to form a small village within their lands. The Park Delta Bay in Isleton, California, is an excellent example of such a place.  

Below is a list of states that are said to be friendlier towards the Tiny House Movement and will likely allow tiny home communities:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado  
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont

Note that some of these places require tiny homes to be registered as RVs before they allow you to park in their facility.

Amenities that RV Parks and Campgrounds Offer

The most compelling reason why a lot of tiny home owners choose to park in these facilities is because of the amenities they offer. On top of that, if the nearby national park or nature reserve is part of your itinerary, then you can also save time and money on your journey.

Most of these places also offer several conveniences besides water and power, such as:

• WiFi– which is vital if you want to be connected to the Internet and send emails or update your social media accounts
• On-site Laundry– some facilities also allow people to wash clothes. Take advantage of it to clean your bulky bedding.
• Sewer Access- some parks and campgrounds allow dumping septic tank content on their sewer system as a paid service. 
• Recreational Activities- most of these facilities offer numerous activities to ensure their guests always have something to do aside from the area’s main attractions. 

Several RV parks also allocate an area-specific for tiny home parking. This setup creates a sort of community among small home owners who are currently parked in the facility. 

Furthermore, other amenities, such as basketball courts and children’s playgrounds, offer opportunities to meet other people.

How Much Do Tiny Homes Pay for Parking?

Most RV parks are privately owned and operated. Hence, the owners can set the price based on several factors. Some of the things that can dictate the cost of your parking fee include:

• Size of the RV Park
• Location of the lot
• Amenities  offered
• Water access
• Sewage access
• Cable and WiFi

Smaller RV parks without water and electricity can charge you as low as $15 a night. Those with power and water has an average parking fee of $45, while parks with complete amenities can charge up to $80 or more. 

On the other hand, campgrounds usually charge a bit more than RV parks. The prices can also change depending on the season of your visit with autumn and summer being the most expensive. 

Camp Gulf in Destin Florida, for example, charges $90 to $120 a night during spring months and an additional $10 during the summer. Some states also impose higher taxes which also influences the parking fees. 

How Long can you Park in RV Parks and Campgrounds?

Many RV parks and camping areas only allow short-term parking arrangements that usually last for only days or a few weeks. However, if you are a frequent user of their facilities, you can get an RV park membership which could cost around $900 a month. 

Campgrounds also allow only a few days of parking on their facilities. However, a number of them allow parking up to two or three months, especially if the nearby tourist destination has activities specific only to that season.

Consequently, it’s quite rare to find an RV park, more so a campground, that allows year-round parking. 

Contact first the administrator of the place if you plan to stay longer than a few days. You can even ask for discounts if they allow parking longer than most of their regular clients.

What Are Things Not Allowed in an RV Park or Campground?

Different RV parks and camping areas have their own rules and regulations. Hence, some facilities may allow one thing, but another one may prohibit it. Below are some of the things that an RV park or campground may ban:

• Unlicensed vehicles
• Some breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls and rottweilers
• Repairs and maintenance of the tiny home during the stay period
• Downloading or Streaming when using their WiFi
• Setting up your campfire (use the communal campfires, instead)
• Bringing your appliances outside of your mobile home

Before you enter an RV park or camping area, look for signage of what is allowed and not allowed in their premises. You can also ask their staff for the rules and regulations of the place. 

Pros of Parking in an RV Park and Campground

There are other benefits in parking your tiny home in an RV park or campground that you don’t usually get from anywhere else. If you are also there to visit the nearby tourist attractions, then you can fully immerse in the place without having to worry about the security of your tiny home.

Below are other advantages of parking your tiny home in these facilities:

1. You can save a bit of money on gas if the RV park or camping area is near the tourist destination you wish to go. 
2. Parking in these areas gives you “peace of mind” since the premises are entirely secured. Thus, allowing you to enjoy your nature tripping, hiking or other outdoor activities.
3. Most RV parks and campgrounds with overnight parking also authorize bonfires. It’s an excellent way to share stories while eating delicious smores. 
4. Some campgrounds and RV parks also have tables and chairs you can use. You can use them to have a more roomy dining area.
5. If you are quite lucky, your tiny home may be parked in the perfect spot that overlooks the nearby mountains or lake. Imagine waking up to such beautiful scenery. 

Cons of Parking in an RV Park and Campground

While there are numerous benefits when parking in these areas, you can’t avoid having disadvantages. Some RV parks and camping areas have premium parking fees which are double or triple that of cheaper parking alternatives.

Below are some of the cons of parking your tiny house in these spaces:

1. Several parks and camp areas offer “unnecessary” amenities that add cost to your parking fee. Sometimes these exuberant fees don’t translate to quality service.
2. Most RV parks and campgrounds are usually far from towns and cities. Hence, you might have to drive quite a distance if you need to shop for groceries or other items.
3. Some campgrounds also require parking reservations before your visit. Hence, you need to secure your spot first, especially during peak seasons.

Conclusion

Most RV parks and campgrounds allow tiny homes within their premises provided they obey the rules and regulations of the place. The next time you worry about parking, you can research or ask around if there is one of these facilities in the area.