Understanding the 10-Year RV Park Rule

What you need to know to avoid being turned away at a campground.

by

Words by Jennifer Leigh Hill

While most RVers are used to following a number of campground regulations, there is one that some may not know about yet and that is the 10-year rule. In simple terms, it stipulates that RV models more than 10 years old  (or in some cases 15 years old) are not permitted on the RV park property.

Although campground owners may make an exception if your trailer or motorhome is in good or restored condition, on my last trip to Southern California with my 2002 Pleasure-Way class B,  I was denied entrance to a park that I had stayed at multiple times. New ownership, new rules, no exemptions.

As a result, I was left scrambling to find a new campground where I could stay for two months. This made me wonder how common this rule is and if it’s something that I am going to encounter more frequently in the future.

How Common is this Rule in Canada and the U.S.?

In 2020, ToGoRV (www.togorv.com) polled the owners of approximately 100 RV parks in the U.S. and three to five percent indicated they have implemented a strict 10- or 15-year-old rule. Of the remaining owners, more than 75 percent stated they “would want to make sure an older RV is in decent condition before allowing it to enter the grounds.”

The 10-year rule appears to be more common, particularly in parks located in popular snowbird destinations such as Florida, Arizona, Southern California and the Texas Coast. This may, in part, have stemmed from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the start of the outbreak when many people became unemployed, some were buying older RVs, moving into parks where the rent was reasonable and then, in some cases, abandoning the trailers or motorhomes when their life circumstances changed.

For campground owners, removing an RV is difficult as they are not the rightful owners and as such, removal could be considered thievery. Additionally, some park owners are concerned about age and the associated problems an old unit may cause on the grounds. Others are worried about the safety of the occupants.

A variety of campgrounds now request certification from the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), proving that older models have been constructed with appropriate electrical, plumbing, and heating systems as well as safety features like fire and carbon monoxide alarms. Without the certification, park owners who enforce this rule will refuse what they consider an ‘undesirable’ RV.’ This includes ‘retired’ commercial buses, ‘schoolies’ (e.g., converted school buses), camper van conversions and ‘tiny houses’ on wheels.

In a recent article, Snowbird Destination: Victoria, BC (Snowbirds and RV Travelers Volume Volume 18 Number 6), we listed five RV parks that offer long-term stays. Three were in urban locations while two were located in rural settings.

After contacting each one, all of the urban parks explained they had a 10-year rule in effect and only one of the two in the rural location had the age regulation clearly posted on its website. They also required a functioning shower “in the event the facilities didn’t work.”

The two parks in the rural areas explained the age of the RV was ‘not an issue.’  This research doesn’t reflect all of the RV parks in BC - or the rest of Canada - but it was interesting to see that in most cases, park owners were flexible in applying the rule.

Online booking is very common and it’s recommended that if you own an older RV,  contact the campground and even send multiple photos showing the condition of your rig to ensure smooth travels.

Is the 10-Year Rule Legal?

Yes. Just like a restaurant can implement ‘no shirt, no shoes, no service,” RV park owners can apply the 10-year rule based on the age of the RV, as well as its appearance and its condition.  The bottom line is it’s their land and they can apply their preferred regulations. In most other cases, the 10-year rule is a response to prevent people from abandoning their RVs, preventing damage to the park grounds (and other visitors) and avert squatters who fail to pay park fees.

It should be noted that the 10-year rule is most commonly established in private campgrounds. National, state, provincial and local city parks, Corps. of Engineers, and Forest Service Parks typically don’t apply it. Similarly, parks in less ‘popular destinations’  or those that are more ‘family oriented’ are also typically more welcoming.

Over time, as more “Mom and Pop” campgrounds are being bought out by large investment groups, it’s possible that more stakeholders may prefer to have late-model trailers and motorhomes as opposed to those that look as if they were owned by Cousin Eddie in the Vacation movie series.

What are the Exceptions?

If you’re concerned about being turned away due to your older RV and the 10-year rule, make efforts to improve the exterior and/or upgrade its systems. Some examples include treating rusted areas, repainting surfaces, and giving the unit a good wash/wax. If necessary,  replace worn exterior details or components like hubcaps, tires, chrome accents, or windows and doors. Remember first impressions always count and some exemptions may be made.

Should You Buy a Used RV Older than 10 years?

Yes. But if your plans include staying at a five-star, all-inclusive RV resort, you may want to be a little more selective shopping the used  RV market. However, many successful DIY RV restoration projects on vintage units can look as good as new or even better than late model RVs.

It’s difficult to say whether or not the ten-year rule will be enforced more in the future. Nonetheless, it should be respected as some of the reasons to apply the rule are viable to ensure everyone’s enjoyment. Research, communication and understanding of exemptions (if they exist) with park operators before your trip are essential to avoid the chance of being turned away at the front gates.