When managing an RV park, understanding daily rates is crucial. One common pricing difference that often goes unnoticed is the cost variation between covered and uncovered RV sites. At Sage Outdoor Advisory, we analyze rates and other trends in the outdoor hospitality industry to help park owners and investors make informed decisions.
The Cost of Comfort: Covered vs. Uncovered RV Sites
Our team at Sage Outdoor Advisory manually researched pricing data from seven RV resorts across Texas this month, revealing a clear trend—covered RV sites come at a premium compared to uncovered sites. While both offer essential amenities, covered sites provide additional protection from weather elements like sun, rain, and wind, making them more desirable for long-term stays.
Uncovered RV Site Rates
| Rate Differences | Low Daily Rate | Low Weekly Rate | Low Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | $50.00 | $240.00 | $380.00 |
| Average | $68.14 | $357.78 | $751.43 |
| Max | $92.50 | $577.00 | $949.88 |
Covered RV Site Rates
| Rate Differences | Low Daily Rate | Low Weekly Rate | Low Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | $60.00 | $250.00 | $440.00 |
| Average | $84.41 | $418.57 | $904.71 |
| Max | $92.50 | $732.00 | $1184.00 |
Here’s a breakdown of the average low-season pricing difference:
- Daily Rates: Covered sites cost an average of $16.27 (23.9%) more per night.
- Weekly Rates: Covered sites cost an average of $60.78 (17.0%) more per week.
- Monthly Rates: Covered sites cost an average of $153.29 (20.4%) more per month.
This pricing structure suggests that guests are willing to pay extra for the added comfort and protection of a covered site, especially for extended stays.
Why Are Covered Sites More Expensive?
There are several factors contributing to the higher cost of covered RV sites:
- Enhanced Protection: A covered site shields RVs from harsh weather conditions, UV damage, and temperature fluctuations, which can extend the life of the vehicle and improve the overall guest experience.
- Infrastructure Costs: Building covered structures requires additional investment in materials and construction, leading to higher operational costs for RV park owners.
- Longer Stays & Higher Demand: Covered sites attract long-term guests who are willing to pay extra for comfort, making them a premium option in many parks.
What This Means for RV Park Owners
For RV park operators and investors, this data reinforces the value of offering covered sites as a way to increase revenue and attract a more stable customer base. However, it’s important to balance investment costs with demand—covered sites may not be necessary for every market, but they can be a competitive advantage in areas with extreme weather or high occupancy rates.
Key Takeaways:
- Offering both covered and uncovered sites allows parks to cater to different guest preferences and budgets.
- Covered sites command a premium price, which can enhance overall revenue, particularly for long-term stays.
- Analyzing market demand and competitor pricing can help RV park owners decide whether adding covered sites is a profitable move.
Understanding the pricing differences between covered and uncovered RV sites can help park owners make informed decisions about site offerings and rate structures. Covered sites consistently command higher rates, reflecting their added value in comfort and protection, particularly for long-term guests. Evaluating market demand, competitor pricing, and regional weather patterns can help determine whether investing in covered sites is a strategic move for an RV park.