Why We Bought an RV Lot After 7 Years of Full-Time RVing

RV lot in Indio, California

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Seven years of full-time RV life taught us a lot, including how exhausting constant motion can be. After endless packing, moving, and chasing reservations, we craved a place to land. Buying an RV lot gave us that pause button we didn’t know we needed.

We considered a traditional house, but mowing grass and fixing leaky faucets? Hard pass. We wanted fewer chores, not more. An RV lot gave us freedom from the endless logistics of travel, while keeping us in the RV community we love.

In short, we still love our RV life, but now we’ve got a place that’s truly ours to take a breather when we need it.

Considerations Before Buying an RV Lot

Buying an RV lot isn’t as complicated as buying a house, but it’s still a big decision. Here’s what we learned:

Deeded vs. Non-Deeded Lots

Deeded lots are actual ownership, similar to a house. They are recorded with the city, which gives you greater security and control. You can sell anytime and make approved changes; it is your property. These properties also usually include HOA fees and taxes.

Non-deeded lots are long-term leases. They can be 25 to 99 years long, so the length varies a lot. Upfront costs are usually lower, but you do not own the land, only the right to use it. That can mean less security and fewer options. Read the lease specifics carefully. Deeded equals ownership, while non-deeded feels more like renting.

We chose deeded because we wanted to own the site outright, even with the extra fees.

Costs Beyond the Purchase Price

Owning a campsite is not always cheaper than renting a campsite. It depends on your numbers. Treat it like a house and do the math.

This is the list of expenses for our site:

• HOA and taxes

• Utilities (water, trash, sewer, electric, Wi-Fi, cable)

• Landscaping and lawn care

• Upkeep and repairs

Location, amenities, popularity, and whether the park is open year-round all affect price. Re-crunch those numbers before you buy, or you could blow your travel budget.

Campground Amenities

We chose this park for the community. People actually use the clubhouse. There are games, cornhole, barbecues, and plenty of friendly faces. If you care about specific amenities, ensure they exist before you buy.

Someday Site

Rules & Regulations

Building rules matter too. Check what the HOA and city will allow. Can you add a shed, an awning, or a pergola, or are all structures restricted? You will want to know the answers to these questions before you sign on the dotted line. Our Florida site allows minimal changes, which require an approval process through the HOA.

Rental Potential and Utilities

Some parks let owners self-manage and keep 100% of the income from rentals. Others require you to use their management company, and they keep a portion of the rental fees, up to 75%. If you plan to offset costs with rentals, get the details in writing before you purchase the lot.

Perks of renting out your site:

• Income while you travel

• Extra eyes on the property

• No paying for a concrete slab you are not using

Cons to renting out your site:

• Increased wear and tear, which means more maintenance and repair costs

• Less flexibility to use your site if someone else gets to use it

• Handling bookings, payments, and guest questions can take up a lot of time

• Insurance and liability concerns

Our New RV Site

Our new lot is in Crystal River, Florida, about 90 minutes north of Tampa. The town is charming, with trails for biking, calm waters for kayaking, and its biggest claim to fame: manatees. Crystal River is the only place in the U.S. where you can actually swim with them. We’ve done it! Once a manatee pops up beside you, you’ll never forget it.

Take a tour of our site in the video below!

Owning This Site Changes Our Full-Time RVing

Having a home base takes pressure off. No scramble for reservations. We can pause, reset, and even leave Ruby (our RV) safely parked for our international group trips or annual Today is Someday cruise.

We also love the extra space and privacy. Unlike packed private parks, where your neighbor’s grill smoke blows straight into your window, here, we can stretch out and enjoy our space in peace.

And Florida works year-round. No freezing pipes or months of closures like northern lots. For us, it’s the perfect balance.

Our Plans for More RV Sites

This Florida lot is step one. The plan? Find a few sites around the country to have places to land as we travel.

• Central: Covered! Our daughter’s place in Texas has hookups (and grandbabies), so it’s a perfect stop.

• Tennessee: We’d love a base in the east for four seasons and family visits. Florida can get warm for Phil, so something with mountain views would be perfect. (Know a good lot? Drop a comment!)

• West Coast: We’re eyeing Indio, CA. We loved our stay there and think it's an ideal spot for a long-term stay. We are just waiting for the right deal to pop up.

We want year-round options so we will pass on anything too far north.

What We Paid and Ongoing Costs

Here are the numbers, since everyone asks:

• Purchase price: $90,000

• Monthly HOA fees: $250

• Electric: about $25 per month when empty, up to $90 a month with someone plugged in (when it’s warm, the ACs are humming)

• Landscaping: $1200 (One-time fee for initial work)

Being able to rent the site when we are gone is a big plus. It helps offset costs and keeps the site active. If you want to see availability or details, check the Someday Site page.

The view from the Someday Site

Final Thoughts on RV Lot Value and Appreciation

RV lots are real property. Values can rise, but they can also fall. For us, the value goes beyond resale. It’s about freedom. Owning a lot gives us a home base in Florida, less stress from constant planning, and a safe landing spot no matter where the road (or plane) takes us.

So, would we do it again? Absolutely! RV life is about freedom, and owning a lot gives us even more.

Have you thought about buying an RV lot, or do you already own one? Share your experience in the comments. We’d love to hear your take.

Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 7 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome YouTube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.