Buyer's Guide
How to Find a Seasonal RV Lot
Where to search, what to look for, and how to evaluate a lot before you commit — whether you want a deeded site you fully own or a long-term lease.
Deeded vs. Leased: The Most Important Decision
Deeded Lot Ownership
You own the land outright. Your name is on a deed, the lot is on the county assessor's records, and you can sell it independently. Deeded lots are real property — they can be financed with land loans, passed to heirs, and used as collateral.
- + True ownership — deed in your name
- + Can sell independently on the open market
- + Eligible for land loans and some mortgages
- + Property value can appreciate
- + Can be passed to heirs or used in estate planning
- + Annual property taxes apply
Long-Term Lease / Right-to-Use
The campground owns the land; you own the right to occupy a specific site for a defined period — often 20, 30, or 99 years. More common in states where campgrounds don't want to subdivide the property. Often lower purchase price, but more restrictions.
- – Lower upfront cost than deeded lots
- – Campground retains land ownership and liability
- – Harder to finance — most lenders won't touch leasehold interest
- – Sale requires campground approval in most cases
- – Lease terms vary widely — read the fine print carefully
- – No property taxes (included in HOA/lot fees)
Bottom line: Deeded lots are preferable from a financing and resale standpoint. If you're looking at a leased lot, have an attorney review the lease terms before you commit — particularly the sale approval process, the campground's right to terminate, and what happens if the campground sells or closes.
Where to Find Lots for Sale
RV Trader & RVT.com
Both list RV lots and seasonal sites alongside RVs. Search "RV lot" or "seasonal site" filtered by state. Coverage is uneven but improving.
Zillow / Realtor.com
Deeded RV lots in campgrounds are sometimes listed as real estate. Search "[campground name] lot" or "RV site" in your county. Most are not listed here, but some deeded lots appear.
Campground Bulletin Boards
The most effective method. Call the campground directly and ask if any lot owners are looking to sell. Many transactions happen before a lot is ever publicly listed.
Facebook Groups
Search "[Campground Name] For Sale" or "[State] Seasonal RV Lots." Campground-specific Facebook groups often have an active for-sale section where owners list directly.
Call the Campground Office
Ask the campground manager if they maintain a buyer waitlist or know of owners looking to sell. Many campgrounds facilitate matches between buyers and sellers informally.
Drive the Campground
Visit in person during the season. Look for "For Sale" signs on sites. Talk to neighbors. Some of the best deals are found by walking the streets and asking around.
Evaluating the Campground Before You Buy
You're not just buying a lot — you're buying into a community and a set of rules you'll live under for years. Evaluate the campground as carefully as the lot itself.
Is the campground financially stable?
Ask to see recent meeting minutes from the HOA or campground association. Ask about any pending assessments. A campground with deferred maintenance on roads, electric infrastructure, or utilities can hit lot owners with large special assessments.
What are the HOA/lot fees and what do they cover?
Annual fees typically cover water, sewer, road maintenance, common area upkeep, and amenities. Ask what has been raised in the past 5 years and whether a fee increase is planned. Some campgrounds also charge separately for electric.
What are the rules on improvements?
Most campgrounds have rules on decks, sheds, fencing, landscaping, and the age/condition of the RV you can place on the lot. Get the campground rules in writing before buying. Restrictions vary enormously — some are very flexible, others are strict.
What is the age restriction policy?
Some campgrounds are 55+ communities. Others are family-friendly. Some are all-ages but have quiet hours and behavior standards that effectively filter for a certain crowd. Know what you're buying into.
What is the guest and rental policy?
Can you rent your lot when you're not using it (short-term rental)? Can you have overnight guests? What about adult children with their own RV? Rules vary widely and can significantly affect the value of the lot.
What is the process for selling?
Does the campground have right of first refusal? Do they require approval of the buyer? Is there a transfer fee? For leased lots, can you sell to anyone or only to buyers the campground approves? These terms matter enormously for resale.
Ready to Find Your Lot?
Get financing guidance and buying tips in your inbox — free weekly.