A.CRE

RV Park or Resort

RV Parks consist of land organized into various lots or parcels for rent that accommodate recreational vehicles (RVs), either with or without services on the sites. Services typically include water, electric, and sewer. RV Parks can be set up to accommodate multiple scenarios. Park model styles include high-end travel trailers that are designed to be placed on lots for long-term residency, where trailers may often include a porch. Renters at RV Parks also vary in term from annual renters to seasonal and transient renters that will rent for multiple months to weeks or days, respectively.

Putting ‘RV Park or Resort’ in Context

Project Overview

Michael Belasco, co-founder of A.CRE and principal of Firm Ridge, is spearheading the development of RV@Olympic, a modern and upscale RV park located just six miles from the main entrance of Olympic National Park in Washington. This brand-new development is strategically positioned along the scenic route leading to Blue Mountain and the popular Deer Park Trailhead, making it an ideal stop for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and adventurers visiting the Pacific Northwest. It is expected to open in Summer 2025.

The project represents a key part of Michael Belasco’s broader strategy to develop modern RV parks near bucket-list outdoor destinations. By focusing on prime tourist locations with high natural appeal, Firm Ridge aims to create a network of high-end, technology-enabled, guest-focused RV resorts designed to meet the expectations of today’s more sophisticated RV travelers. RV@Olympic is one of the first properties in this national rollout strategy, setting the stage for similar developments in other iconic outdoor locations.

Property Features

RV@Olympic is designed as a 100-site modern RV park with a range of resort-style amenities to meet the needs of a diverse guest base. The design of the property blends upscale conveniences with the natural beauty of its Olympic Peninsula setting. Unlike traditional RV parks that cater solely to budget-conscious travelers, RV@Olympic targets a growing segment of travelers seeking more comfort, quality, and connectivity.

Here’s a closer look at some of the key features:

  • 100 Full-Hookup Sites — Each of the 100 RV sites is equipped with modern 50-amp power, water, and sewer connections, providing full-service convenience for travelers with large, modern RVs.
  • Clean, Level, and Spacious Sites — Each RV site is engineered to be level and spacious, ensuring hassle-free parking, simple setup, and enhanced guest comfort.
  • On-Site Laundry Facilities — The inclusion of laundry facilities provides essential convenience for travelers on extended stays, as well as those looking to refresh their clothes after outdoor adventures.
  • Pet-Friendly Design — Understanding the growing demand for pet-friendly accommodations, RV@Olympic offers dedicated pet relief areas and pet-friendly site layouts.
  • Clean Bathrooms with Hot Water — While many RVs have their own bathrooms, travelers still value clean, modern shared facilities. RV@Olympic delivers on this expectation with modern bathrooms and hot showers for those seeking an off-RV experience.
  • 24/7 On-Site Convenience Store — The park will feature a 24/7 store offering travel essentials, snacks, drinks, and camping supplies, ensuring guests have everything they need without leaving the park.
  • Playground and Recreation Areas — Recognizing that many guests travel with families, the park includes a modern children’s playground and open recreation areas. This amenity gives families a chance to relax and play, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.
  • High-Speed Wi-Fi — Remote work, content streaming, and digital connectivity are increasingly important to today’s RV travelers. RV@Olympic ensures guests stay connected with fast, reliable Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Experience at RV@Olympic

RV parks serve as temporary “neighborhoods” for travelers who stay for anywhere from one night to several months. While traditional RV parks may focus on low-cost, no-frills overnight stays, modern RV parks like RV@Olympic cater to a broader range of guests, including:

  • Weekend Adventurers: Families, couples, and friend groups seeking a convenient, nature-centered weekend getaway near Olympic National Park.
  • Vacationing Travelers: Tourists on multi-week road trips who want a clean, scenic, and well-equipped “home base” as they explore the area’s natural beauty.
  • Digital Nomads: Professionals who live and work from the road. Reliable Wi-Fi, peaceful workspaces, and long-stay options make RV@Olympic appealing to remote workers.
  • Seasonal Visitors and Snowbirds: Travelers seeking extended stays, such as “snowbirds” from colder climates looking for long-term options during seasonal migrations.

The guest experience at RV@Olympic will feel more like a hybrid between a traditional hotel and a campground. With reliable internet, clean shared spaces, and on-site services, it offers guests the opportunity to “disconnect” in nature without sacrificing essential comforts. This blend of adventure and convenience is central to Michael Belasco’s broader RV park strategy.

The Role of Modern RV Parks

To understand RV Parks as a real estate asset class, it’s important to recognize that they operate as both a hospitality business and a real estate investment. Unlike traditional apartment complexes, RV parks generate revenue from short-term and long-term stays, similar to hotels. However, they also offer the potential for “membership models” where guests book months in advance, similar to vacation clubs. The ability to shift from short-term to long-term stays allows for adaptability, helping properties like RV@Olympic maintain steady occupancy even in off-peak seasons.

In addition, the operational efficiency of RV parks is higher than that of hotels. Instead of managing individual hotel rooms, park operators maintain sites that require minimal turnover and less intensive cleaning. RV guests typically bring their own accommodations (their RVs), which reduces the owner’s operational costs for cleaning and furnishing.

Part of a National Strategy

RV@Olympic is just the beginning of a larger vision. Michael Belasco’s Firm Ridge has embarked on a national strategy to develop modern RV parks near bucket-list outdoor destinations. The strategy aims to transform RV parks from budget-focused, no-frills operations into boutique experiences that attract higher-value customers. By focusing on proximity to major outdoor destinations like Olympic National Park, Firm Ridge aims to draw travelers seeking a more upscale, adventure-driven experience.

This strategy takes advantage of a growing demand for domestic travel, outdoor experiences, and flexible, pet-friendly lodging options. As more travelers embrace the “RV lifestyle,” demand for well-managed, service-oriented RV parks has surged. Firm Ridge’s plan is to develop and operate a collection of these modern parks at iconic outdoor locations across the United States. Each park will feature the signature blend of upscale amenities, strategic location, and operational efficiency seen at RV@Olympic.

This case study illustrates the concept of an RV park using the example of RV@Olympic, a flagship development from Firm Ridge. The project highlights the evolution of the RV park model from simple, utility-based overnight stays to a more sophisticated, service-driven experience.

Click here to get this CRE Glossary in an eBook (PDF) format.
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